PHOTO GALLERY

STATESBORO - The defense scored twice on fumble returns and Tyler Bass drilled a 36-yard field goal as the Georgia Southern football squad held its  first scrimmage of the preseason Saturday night at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. 

"After this first scrimmage, I believe the defense is ahead of the offense right now," said head coach Chad Lunsford. "We definitely have to do a better job of being explosive on offense right now. We're just a grind-it-out, get-the-first-down, see-what-we-can do offense right now. The defense really stepped up tonight with two touchdowns and some big fourth-down stops. The offense did convert on some third- and fourth-down plays, which is encouraging, but obviously we didn't have any explosive plays on offense.

Quan Griffin got the scoring started with a scoop of a fumble forced by Deshon Cooper and returned it 7 yards for a touchdown. Later on, Bass split the uprights on his lone attempt of the night. Dillon Springer, a JUCO transfer who joined the program just a few weeks ago, forced a fumble and picked it up, shedding a would-be-tackle attempt from Kado Brown and rumbled 43 yard down the sideline for the touchdown.

Redshirt freshman Logan Wright led the ground game with 52 yards on 13 carries while senior Monteo Garrett tallied 31 yard on seven totes. Grant Walker had nine carries while Matt LaRoche and Andrew Cunningham both had five. Wesley Fields dressed, but did not play as a precaution after off-season shoulder surgery.

Shai Werts was 6-for-12 for 81 yards and no interceptions to lead the aerial attack. Colby Ransom had two catches for 39 yards, including a 35-yarder later from Werts. Davarius Bargnare, Obe Fortune and Juanyea Tarver each had three receptions to lead the way in that category.

Anthony Beck II launched a 59-yard punt with the wind at his back. Bass made his first field goal attempt, but pushed a last-second attempt from 44 yards wide right.

The team will return to action on Sunday with its final practice of preseason camp and will have Monday off for the first day of classes. In three weeks, the team will open the season at home against South Carolina State at 6 p.m.

SAVANNAH PRACTICE
Georgia Southern will take a practice on the road as it heads to Savannah for its 19th preseason practice. The Eagles will head east on I-16 and will practice on Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus on Friday, Aug. 24 from 6-7:30 PM. Following the completion of the practice, the team will hold a fan fest with autographs, inflatables, entertainment and much more.

CLEAR BAG POLICY
In order to expedite entry and provide a safe environment for all patrons and participants, Georgia Southern Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed sporting events, effective Aug. 1, 2017. Fans can find the complete policy as well as an FAQ section at GSEagles.com/ClearBag.

Georgia Southern Preseason Football Schedule
Date (Time, Location)
Sun., Aug. 12 (8:45-10 AM, Paulson)
Mon., Aug. 13 No Practice
Tues., Aug. 14 (4:30-6:30 PM; Eagle Creek)
Wed., Aug. 15 (4:30-6:30 PM; Eagle Creek)
Thurs., Aug. 16 (4:30-6:30 PM; Eagle Creek)
Fri., Aug. 17 (4:30-6:30 PM, Paulson - Scrimmage #2)
Sat., Aug. 18 (TBD, TBD)
Sun., Aug. 19 (7 PM, Paulson)
Mon., Aug. 20 No Practice
Tues., Aug. 21 (4:30-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Wed., Aug. 22 (4:30-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Thurs., Aug. 23 (4:30-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Fri., Aug. 24 (6-8 PM, Fan Fest to follow, GS Armstrong Campus - Savannah)
Sat., Aug. 25 (TBD, TBD)

Times and locations subject to change