GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES (1-0)
at COASTAL CAROLINA CHANTICLEERS (1-1)

Saturday, September 15  ?  7 p.m.  ?  Conway, S.C.

Brooks Stadium (Grass/7,322 capacity)

All-Time Series: GS leads 1-0

Last Meeting: @GS 38, CCU 21 (9/16/06)

TELEVISION: The game will be broadcast live on SportSouth, kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Tom Werme (play-by-play) and Rod Smith (analyst) will call the action. SportSouth is available on DirecTV channel 631, Dish Network channel 437, in Statesboro on Northland Cable channel 21 and various cable providers throughout the Southeast.

THE RANKINGS: Georgia Southern enters the game receiving 50 votes in The Sports Network poll (37th place) and 14 votes in the FCS Coaches poll... Coastal Carolina received 7 votes in the Coaches poll.

SCHEMES: Georgia Southern will run a multiple offense and a 4-3 alignment defensively. Coastal Carolina runs a multiple formation on offense and defense.

HEAD COACHES: Georgia Southern head coach Chris Hatcher is in his first year with the Eagles. He owns a 1-0 record at Georgia Southern and 77-12 overall (seven years at Valdosta State)... Coastal Carolina head coach David Bennett owns a 35-12 record in five years at Coastal and 98-29 record in 12 years overall as a head coach.

SCOUTING THE CHANTICLEERS: Coastal Carolina picked up its first win of the year, a 28-21 home victory against Winston-Salem State... Will Richardson completed 16-of-24 passes for 301 yards and a touchdown... Eric O'Neal rushed for a team-high 77 yards... Justin Durham made 3-of-5 field goals (24, 44 and 28 good; 34, 50 missed)... Phillip Oboh recorded nine tackles, including three for a loss and two sacks... CCU recovered three fumbles and seven stops for a loss in all... Overall Coastal leads the nation in pass defense, allowing just 47.5 yards per game. The Chanticleers also rank among the ?Top 20' in: passing offense (17th, 261.5), punt returns (17th, 15.6) and turnover margin (19th, 1.5)... In last year's meeting at Paulson Stadium, Coastal's Jerome Simpson set a stadium record with 207 receiving yards on just eight receptions, two going for a touchdown... Tyler Thigpen, now with the Kansas City Chiefs, completed 16-of-25 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns but threw two interceptions.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN TEAM NOTES: Georgia Southern is in its 26th year of football in the modern era. The Eagles have played in 324 games since the re-start in 1982, owning a 239-84-1 (.739) record.

COACHING CHANGES AT FCS MEMBERS: Georgia Southern head coach Chris Hatcher headlines a group of new head coaches at FCS member institutions.
Chris Hatcher (Georgia Southern);
Reggie Barlow (Alabama State); Rick Christophel (Austin Peay); Steve Loney (Drake); Rod Broadway (Grambling);
Carey Bailey (Howard); John Zamberlin (Idaho State);
Kerwin Bell (Jacksonville); Matt Viator (McNeese State);
Rob Ash (Montana State); Bobby Wilder (Old Dominion);
Jerry Glanville (Portland State); Bobby Bentley (Presbyterian); Marshall Sperbeck (Sacramento State); Pat Sullivan (Samford);
Ron Caragher (San Diego); J.C. Harper (Stephen F. Austin);
Watson Brown (Tennessee Tech); Brad Wright (Texas State).

NO EASY SCHEDULE: Of the nine Football Championship Subdivision opponents on Georgia Southern's 2007 schedule, five are either ranked or receiving votes... Appalachian State retains its preseason No. 1 ranking. Others in the poll include: Wofford (11th) and Furman (15th). The Citadel (65 votes) and South Dakota State (29) received votes.

PAULSON STADIUM ? HOME SWEET HOME: Georgia Southern's all-time record in Allen E. Paulson Stadium is 144-22 (.867), dating back to the 1984 season. The Eagles own the two longest home winning streaks in NCAA FCS history, having run off 39 straight victories from November 8, 1997 to December 15, 2001 and 38 consecutive from October 5, 1985 to September 22, 1990... Meanwhile, against the Southern Conference, GS has tallied a 46-8 (.852) mark in Paulson Stadium since joining the league.

PAULSON STADIUM HIT LIST: Georgia Southern has won 144 games at Paulson Stadium since the stadium's opening in 1984. Here's a look at the victims, listed from a frequency perspective... Chattanooga (10), Western Carolina (8), The Citadel (8), Furman (7), Savannah State (7), VMI (5), Central Florida (5), East Tennessee State (5), Appalachian State (5), Bethune-Cookman (4), Elon (4), Wofford (3), Newberry (3), South Carolina State (3), Jacksonville State (3), West Georgia (2), Eastern Kentucky (2), Florida A&M (2), Maine (2), Liberty (2), Nicholls State (2), Northeast Louisiana (2), Samford (2), Stephen F. Austin State (2) and Johnson C. Smith (2)... On the other hand, the 22 survivors include Marshall ('94, ?96), Appalachian State (?96, ?06), Central Arkansas (?06), Central Connecticut State (?06), The Citadel (?03), East Tennessee State (?96), Eastern Kentucky (?90), Florida A&M (?92), Furman (?01), McNeese State (?05), Middle Tennessee State (?85), New Hampshire (?04), North Dakota State (?06), Troy State (?92), West Georgia (?94), Western Kentucky (?02), William & Mary (?97), Wofford (?02, ?06) and Youngstown State (?91).

O-LINE DOMINATING: Last year the Eagles' offensive line led the nation in fewest sacks allowed (6). This year the unit picked up where it left off, not allowing a sack in the West Georgia game... Seniors Russell Orr (four-year starter), Marcelo Estrada (three years) and Brad Williams (second year) are joined by fellow senior Jesse Suarez (first year) and junior Dio Herrera (first year) in the starting unit. Seniors Dane Jensen and Jarmarcus Johnson are game-tested veterans. The returners among the O-Line have 74 combined starts among them.

GROUND WARS... 123-10 SINCE 1997: The Eagles have out-rushed their opponents in 123 of the last 133 games over the past 11 seasons... Most recently the Eagles out-gained West Georgia in the season-opener 477-114... North Dakota State (2006), Elon (2006), Appalachian State (2005, 2006), Wofford (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006) and Furman (2000, 2001) are the only teams to out-rush GS during that span.

THANK YOU FANS: The Eagles again rank among the nation's best in home attendance numbers. The 2007 attendance at Paulson Stadium got off to an impressive start as 21,489 fans watched the opener against West Georgia. That stands as the eighth-largest crowd ever at Paulson... During the 2005 campaign Georgia Southern ranked sixth nationally in attendance. In the 2006 season-opener against Central Connecticut State the Eagles drew 20,178 which nearly cracked the Paulson Stadium ?Top 10'... The Eagles ranked fifth nationally in total attendance as 109,281 came through the gates of Paulson Stadium.

SCORING STREAK: Georgia Southern has not suffered a shutout since December 2, 1995, when the Montana Grizzlies and a frozen turf stifled the Eagles' triple-option attack in a 45-0 playoff setback. Overall, the Eagles have scored in 144 straight contests.

QUICK PLAY STRIKE: Georgia Southern struck early and often against West Georgia. Of the six touchdown drives, three took only two plays. The opening drive went 67 yards, 54 on Jayson Foster's touchdown run... In the second half Foster and Michael McIntosh connected on an 81-yard TD reception, capping a 2-play, 89-yard drive... The scoring was capped when Foster scampered 74 yards to conclude a 2-play, 79-yard drive... In fact, a 6-play drive was the most GS needed to score a touchdown.

DEFENSE GETTING PICKY: Georgia Southern's defense picked off a pass in 19 of the last 23 games (28 INT in all)... The defense intercepted two passes against West Georgia, thanks to Henry Chubb and Chris Collier.

THREE STRAIGHT RUSHING RECORDS: Senior Jayson Foster added to his impressive resume of record breaking performances. He rushed for a career-high 231 yards - on just 11 carries - and in the process set a Georgia Southern record for most rushing yards in a season-opener. That marked the third straight year that record was broken... In 2005, Jermaine Austin rushed for 199 yards on 20 carries as the Eagles defeated Northeastern 41-38 in overtime. Last year it was Chris Covington. The former running back now turned defensive back rushed for 216 yards on 29 carries (14th-best performance in GS history) but it was not enough in a 17-13 loss to Central Connecticut State.

FOSTER NAMED CO-OFFENSIVE POW: For his efforts against West Georgia, Jayson Foster was named SoCon ?Co-Offensive Player of the Week'. It was the third weekly award of his career.

FOSTER REWRITES RECORDS: Jayson Foster enters his final year at Georgia Southern ready to re-write more records, not only on the institution level but also in the Southern Conference and NCAA. Whether he lines up at wide receiver, running back, punt returner, kickoff returner or quarterback, Foster is a constant threat to score a touchdown. Listed are the records Foster owns...

   PUNT RETURNS (GSU Game, Season and Career):
   When Foster returned a Central Arkansas punt 78 yards for a touchdown in 2006, he tied a Georgia Southern career record. Foster, who returned a punt for a score during his freshman year, matched Rodney Oglesby (1988-91) and Anthony Williams (1999-2002) for most career punt returns for a TD. It was the 16th time an Eagle scored a touchdown off a punt return.
 His other punt return for a touchdown came against Appalachian State in 2004, a Georgia Southern record 94-yard return.
 Foster currently is in a seven-way tie for third place among the SoCon career punt return/touchdown leaders.

 KICKOFF RETURNS (GSU Game, Season and Career):
 During his freshman year in 2004, Foster took a kickoff and returned it 83 yards for a score against Wofford. He is one of just nine Eagles to ever return a kickoff for a touchdown.
 Foster is one KO return/touchdown away from tying for sixth place among the SoCon all-time leaders.

 RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS, CONSECUTIVE GAMES
 In 2005, Foster became the only player in Georgia Southern and Southern Conference history to record a rushing touchdown in 12 consecutive games. Leading the Eagles to an 8-4 record, Foster the quarterback tallied 21 rushing TDs that season.
 
 MOST YARDS GAINED 2 PLAYERS SAME TEAM - SEASON
 Also during that 2005 season Foster combined with then-senior Jermaine Austin to set a Georgia Southern, SoCon and NCAA record for most rushing yards gained by two players on the same team. Foster tallied 1,481 while Austin accumulated 1,546... an amazing 3,027 yards.
 Those two also share a NCAA record for 2 players on same team each gaining 1,000 rushing yards.

 PASSING EFFICIENCY - SEASON
 Foster set three Georgia Southern passing records in 2005: highest percentage of passes for touchdowns (12.9%, 8 in 62); most yards per attempt in a season (13.6, 842 yards-62 attempts) and most yards per completion in a season (25.5, 842 yards-33 completions).

 LONGEST PASS RECEPTION
 During the fourth quarter against The Citadel last year, Travis Clark threw a screen pass to Jayson Foster. The senior raced 85 yards for a TD, setting an Eagle record for longest completion and reception.
 Foster also recorded the third-longest pass play in GS history. He threw an 81-yard touchdown pass to Michael McIntosh against West Georgia.

 MOST PASS RECEPTIONS - GAME
 Foster tied the Georgia Southern single-game record when he hauled in nine receptions during the 28-21 win over Elon last year. He totaled 84 yards and scored a touchdown in the win.
 ALL-PURPOSE
 Foster is believed to be the only player in the FCS ranks that has recorded at least an 80-yard rush, pass completion, pass reception, punt return and kickoff return.

 RUSHING
 Although he does not own the Georgia Southern record for longest run from scrimmage, Foster again put his name among the ?Top 6'. During his rookie year Foster broke through on an 80-yard run against Johnson C. Smith. Last year he scored the team's only touchdown at Furman, an 83-yard scamper which ranks as the fifth-longest run in Eagle history with the 80-yarder right behind in the record annals.

 MOST RUSHING YARDS IN A SEASON-OPENER
 Foster rushed for a career-high 231 yards (on just 11 carries) in the season-opening win over West Georgia. He also matched his career-high of three rushing touchdowns. It was the third consecutive year that particular record was broken.

FOSTER IN 2007: Earlier this summer Jayson Foster earned Preseason All-America honors as a return specialist, Third Team accolades by College Sporting News and The Sports Network... The SoCon coaches voted him Preseason First Team All-SoCon as a wide receiver... His personal-best 4.34 time in the 40-yard dash still ranks as the third-fastest time among Georgia Southern players over the past 10 years... Foster earned the league's ?Co-Offensive Player of the Week' honor after rushing for a record 231 yards on just 11 carries against West Georgia. He completed 67 percent of his passes for 124 yards and accounted for four scores in all.

AN ALL-PURPOSE THREAT: Foster has accounted for 51 TDs (33 rushing, 10 passing, 1 kickoff return, 2 punt return, 5 receiving) during his career... During his rookie year, Foster scored a touchdown five different ways: rushing (4), receiving (2), passing (1), kickoff return (1, 83 yards versus Wofford) and punt return (1, GSU record 94 yards against Appalachian State).

QUARTERBACK STREAK CONTINUES: Thanks to the SoCon Offensive accolade, Georgia Southern extended its streak of quarterbacks winning the award. Jayson Foster's recent SoCon ?Co-Offensive Player of the Week' award made it the 13th straight year, and 14 of the 15 seasons as a SoCon member, an Eagle QB received the honor. Now having received the honor twice in his career (2005), the senior signal caller joined: Travis Clark (2006), Chaz Williams (2004, 2002), Trey Hunter (2003), J.R. Revere (2000-01), Greg Hill (1997-99), Kenny Robinson (1996) and Charles Bostick (1993, 1995).

NATIONAL LEADER: Thanks to his record-breaking performance, Jayson Foster enters this weekend ranked first nationally in rushing yards, third in total offense (355 yards), tied for 29th in punt returns (9.0), tied for third in scoring (18 ppg) and second in all-purpose yards (249 ypg).

TOP 6 PERFORMANCE: Jayson Foster's 231 rushing yards against West Georgia not only set a record for most in a season-opener, but it also tied for the sixth-best performance in GS history. The senior QB matched Adrian Peterson effort against The Citadel in 1998... Those were the most rushing yards by an Eagle since AP rolled up 247 against Youngstown State in the 1999 National Championship game, which featured ?The Run'.

BEARD NAMED PRESEASON ALL-SoCON: Junior defensive end Larry Beard was the lone Eagle on defense to receive preseason All-Southern Conference accolades... Beard, entering his third year as a starter, recorded 21 tackles last year, including five for a loss. He also broke up three passes and recorded an interception... Beard recorded a career-high seven tackles at Furman last year... In 24 career games Beard has 51 tackles and 9.5 for a loss.

COVINGTON MOVES TO ?D': Despite being the top returning rusher from last year, junior Chris Covington made the move to defense during spring drills. The former minor league baseball player recorded two interceptions in an early scrimmage. In his first full-time action on defense, Covington shared the team-lead making seven tackles.

JACKSON GETS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA NOD: Junior defensive back Brandon Jackson received First Team All-America accolades by The Sports Network earlier this summer... In the opener against West Georgia, Jackson shared team-honors with seven tackles... In 12 career games he has 42 career stops and four pass break-ups.

WELCOME ADDITIONS ON ?D': Junior linebacker Quentin Taylor showed no ill effects from missing spring drills after transferring from Ole Miss. The middle linebacker shared team-high honors making seven tackles and recording a pass break-up in the West Georgia game... Junior defensive back Henry Chubb made his presence felt during his first game in an Eagle uniform. A transfer from Troy, Chubb made six tackles and recorded the team's first interception of the season... Freshman linebacker E.J. Webb made five tackles...  South Carolina transfers Dakota Walker and Kerry Bonds had two tackles each. Walker shared on a sack.

BYNAM ANOTHER FORMER FRESHMAN OF YEAR: Junior Dedrick Bynam returns at safety in what could shape up to be one of the best secondary personnel in the SoCon. In 2005, Bynam became the third Eagle in four years to be named SoCon ?Freshman of the Year' (Jermaine Austin in 2002, Jayson Foster in 2004)...  Bynam played in all 12 games during his rookie year and was named SoCon ?Freshman of the Week' once... Bynam recorded his second career interception during the Western Carolina game in 2006... He recorded a career-high nine tackles last year against Appalachian State... Bynam equaled his career-high making nine stops against Wofford and also forced a fumble... In 24 career games, Bynam has 69 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss.

DANIEL AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS: Junior defensive lineman Branden Daniel finished the 2006 season nationally ranked. He ranked 85th nationally averaging 0.41 sacks (4.5) per game. The transfer from Florida was second on the squad recording 9.5 tackles for a loss. Daniel recorded a season-high eight tackles in the win over Elon, including two for a loss. Daniel also recorded 2.0 TFL, totaling eight yards, at Furman.

TOP OF THE HILL: Sophomore Carson Hill paced the defense in the season-opener, breaking up three passes. He also recorded four tackles, including one for a loss... Last year as a true freshman Hill made six starts. In 12 career games he has recorded 36 tackles.

OFFENSE-DEFENSE-OFFENSE-DEFENSE: Sophomore Ronnie Wiggins is getting used to switching colors on his practice jersey. Recruited as a slotback, Wiggins moved to defense last year. During the spring he went back to running back. However, a deep backfield helped Wiggins make the decision to switch back to defense. In 12 career games Wiggins registered 36 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and one pass break up. He turned in his best performance against top-ranked Appalachian State. Wiggins recovered two fumbles, including one he ran back 17 yards for a touchdown.
DEFENSE-OFFENSE-DEFENSE: Junior Matt Wise may not have switched positions as many times as Ronnie Wiggins, but he does return to a more familiar role. During his freshman year Wise recorded 25 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss, as a defensive end. In fact following his performance at Elon Wise was named SoCon ?Freshman of the Week'. Last year he moved to tight end to help fill a void. He made a 14-yard reception in the win at Western Carolina. During the spring Wise moved back to defensive end and in his first game back earned a starting role. Wise made five tackles, including one for a loss, and broke up a pass against West Georgia.

HARTLEY EARNS STARTING KICKING JOB: Jesse Hartley came out as the starting placekicker after a stellar spring and fall camp... Last year the Eagles ranked last in the SoCon making 9-18 field goals and 20-25 extra points. Hartley was perfect against West Georgia, 6-for-6 on extra points and a 21-yard field goal.

JORDAN GOING FOR CAREER RECORD: Senior Daniel Jordan's impressive performance to start the year ranks him second nationally in punts. He recorded 47.8 yards on five kicks against West Georgia. That helped him take over the career punt yardage average record... The 2004 First Team All-SoCon pick now owns a 40.9 career average on 134 punts. He stands 0.1 ahead of Don Norton's 40.8 mark (1990-91)... Jordan owns three of the season ?Top 8' averages: #2, 41.1 (2004); #3, 41.0 (2006); and #8, 39.5 (2005). Last year Jordan finished tied for third-most punts with 62... The senior has had only one punt in 134 attempts blocked.