JONESBORO, Ark. — Georgia Southern got out to an early lead but couldn't hold off Arkansas State's second-half surge, falling 34-24 on Saturday night at Centennial Bank Stadium.

Quarterback JC French IV threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns and added another score on the ground as the Eagles (3-5, 1-3 Sun Belt) built a 21-10 lead midway through the second quarter. Camden Brown and Marcus Sanders Jr. each hauled in touchdown receptions from French, while Tripp Bryant added a 21-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter. Brown's touchdown grab on the first drive broke the school record for receiving scores in a season, giving him nine for the campaign.

Arkansas State (4-4, 3-1) rallied behind quarterback Jaylen Raynor, who rushed for three touchdowns and led the Red Wolves to 21 straight points .

Georgia Southern finished with 336 total yards, including 128 on the ground, led by OJ Arnold's 73 yards on 14 carries. The Eagles' defense was paced by Justin Meyers, who tallied 13 tackles, and French was efficient through the air, completing 18 of 24 passes with no interceptions.

Despite strong early execution and a 14-0 first-quarter advantage, the Eagles couldn't regain momentum after halftime as Arkansas State controlled the ball and outgained Southern 482-336 overall.

Georgia Southern returns to action on Nov. 6, taking on App State at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone.