STATESBORO - The offense posted two touchdowns, but the Georgia Southern defense forced two turnovers in holding on late Saturday for a 47-38 win at the annual Blue-White Spring at Allen E. Paulson Stadium.

The defense raced out to a 14-3 lead early on thanks to a fumble recovery and then a 38-yard interception return from Sean Freeman off a tipped pass. The offense chipped away and took a 21-20 lead thanks to a 41-yard touchdown from Eric Montgomery and an 8-yard scoring run from Jered Daniels. The defense won both two-minute drills at the end of the half to gain 10 points and take a 30-21 lead into the locker room.

The only scoring in the second was a 50-yard field goal from Tyler Bass.

The game was played under the Modified Lunsford Scoring System (MLSS) where both teams had the chance to earn points based on scores, first downs, explosive plays, touchdowns, turnovers, conversions and holds.

Daniels led the offense with 72 yards rushing and a touchdown while Montgomery tallied 48 yards on four carries. The Eagles racked up 261 yards on the ground in the scrimmage. Wesley Kennedy III caught eight passes for 66 yards to lead the receiving corps. Shai Werts was 8 for 16 for 73 yards and an interception. The offense put up 115 yards through the air.

"I think the guys came out, competed and did a really good job," said head coach Chad Lunsford. "Defensively, I feel like we really started the scrimmage well and that the defense is probably a little further along than our offense. We got a good team to work with and it is a process. We are going to continue to work.

"Overall, I think it was a really good spring and the guys did a really good job of coming out to work every day. They're going to be ready come fall, and we just got to continue to work."

Georgia Southern begins its season at home on Sept. 1, hosting South Carolina State. Season tickets are on sale now through GSEagles.com/tickets.