10/22/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
STATESBORO – When Darius Safford transferred to Georgia Southern in 2013, he quickly learned that the rivalry with App State was about more than football. Known as "Deeper Than Hate," the rivalry would become a defining part of his time as an Eagle, shaping his perspective on the program and fueling a coaching journey that has brought him back to Statesboro in a leadership role.
Safford has experienced Georgia Southern football from nearly every perspective.Â
From wearing the blue and white as a player, then as a graduate assistant coach, to returning to Statesboro as a full-time coach in 2024, Safford has experienced Georgia Southern from different perspectives. Each role has deepened his appreciation for the program's tradition, the expectations that come with wearing the uniform and the passion behind its historic rivalry with App State.
Now, as the assistant head coach, Safford has come full circle.Â
"I owe this place everything," Safford said. "So, I pour everything into this place because I know how truly special it is and what it has given me."
Safford's connection to the Eagles began on the field.Â
Safford first faced App State as a Georgia Southern player in 2013 before returning to Statesboro as a graduate assistant in 2015 and 2016. Despite experiencing the rivalry from both roles, a victory over the Mountaineers remained out of reach until his return as a full-time coach.
For Safford, those three losses became more than entries in a record book. They became a reminder of a rivalry he wanted to experience from the winning side.
"You knew the Georgia Southern-App State rivalry and what it meant, or had an opportunity to feel what it meant," Safford said. "It wasn't until I got here when I transferred. Being in that locker room leading up to the game, and then the game that we played in Boone, you truly understood it."
The atmosphere, the history and the passion surrounding both programs made the matchup different from an ordinary conference game.Â
With six national championships in Statesboro and three in Boone during their I-AA eras, Georgia Southern and App State built traditions that continue to define their meetings as Sun Belt Conference opponents.
For Safford, understanding that history has become an important part of his responsibility as a coach.
College football rosters change constantly, and not every player arrives understanding the significance of the rivalry. Safford wants to ensure the next generation of Eagles recognizes what the game means to the program and the people who support it.
"I want to make sure that these guys understand that this is something that's been going on for quite some time, and this is a game that we have to win," Safford said.
When Safford returned to Georgia Southern as the defensive backs coach in 2024, he had another opportunity to change his history against the Mountaineers.
This time, the outcome was different.
The Eagles defeated App State 29-20 in Statesboro in 2024, followed by a road victory (25-23) in Boone in 2025. The programs met again in the postseason at the JLab Birmingham Bowl, where Georgia Southern earned another win (29-10) with Safford serving as the interim defensive coordinator.
After going 0-3 against App State as a player and graduate assistant, Safford had established a 3-0 record against the Mountaineers as a full-time coach.
"That's a game you have to win," Safford said. "Not being able to do that as a player or during my two years as a graduate assistant was something I always kept track of, even during my other stops. So, when I came back, you best believe that game was circled on my calendar."
The postseason matchup presented a unique challenge. Georgia Southern had already defeated its rival earlier in the season, and preparing to beat the same opponent twice required an extensive commitment to preparation and execution.
Safford viewed the opportunity as a challenge rather than a burden, emphasizing the contributions of the players and coaching staff who stepped into expanded roles.
"I don't want to give myself all the credit," Safford said. "Our players did a tremendous job of understanding the magnitude of the game, the opportunity as well, too."
With several weeks to prepare, both teams had time to adjust from their first meeting. Georgia Southern also had players unavailable for the bowl game, creating opportunities for younger players to make their mark.
The Eagles responded by embracing the moment and focusing on the work required to win.
"I always kind of tell the guys, our best is good enough," Safford said. "As long as we prepare it the right way, and again, we don't focus so much on the results and really dive into the process, we're going to be successful."
That approach helped Georgia Southern secure another victory over its rival and provided Safford with a defining moment in his coaching career.
Safford's promotion to assistant head coach represents another step in a career that has developed alongside his relationship with Georgia Southern.
His time in Statesboro has provided opportunities to grow beyond his responsibilities on the field, including the chance to learn from head coach Clay Helton and gain a broader understanding of the program's operation.
Although he acknowledged that the assignment pushed him outside his comfort zone, he recognized its value in preparing him for future leadership opportunities.
"Being able to get this promotion, seeing things from a different lens, having closed-door conversations with Coach Helton, is definitely preparing me and taking the steps in the right direction," Safford said.
Safford has aspirations of becoming a head coach one day. His current position provides another opportunity to learn, develop and understand the responsibilities that come with leading a football program.
For someone who once arrived in Statesboro as a player, the progression is a reflection of the opportunities Georgia Southern has provided him and the work he has invested in returning the favor.
"If you told me this when I was a young G.A. that I would have this title and this opportunity, I would laugh at you," Safford said. "But at the same time, deep down internally, I have goals that I want to accomplish, and I'm glad that I'm able to accomplish certain things here."
Despite the professional milestones, Safford remains focused on the larger goal: bringing a championship back to Statesboro.
"Job's not finished," Safford said. "The ultimate goal is to bring a championship here. That's always the goal."
For Safford, the matchup represents more than another conference game. It is a chance to reinforce the standard that has followed Georgia Southern throughout its history and to give Eagle Nation another reason to rally behind its team.
He knows firsthand the difference a home crowd can make.Â
Having played in Paulson Stadium and now coaching on its sidelines, Safford has experienced the atmosphere from both perspectives. He believes the support of Eagle Nation can create a genuine home-field advantage.
"I've seen sold-out crowds here in Paulson Stadium, but these are words from opponents where, when our place is rocking, it is a hard place to win," Safford said.
With three home games remaining, Safford encouraged Eagle Nation to embrace the opportunity to support the team now rather than wait for another season to arrive.
"I truly believe that we have a true home field advantage when our fans show up, so all I can ask is for Eagle Nation to show up week in and week out," Safford said. "You don't want to look back in January or February, wishing the football season were here again. Well, it's here right now. Let's be in the moment."
The rivalry that once left him searching for a win has become a defining part of his coaching journey.
And on Halloween, with Eagle Nation behind him, Safford will have another opportunity to help write the next chapter.
Georgia Southern hosts App State on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 6:30 p.m. ET at Paulson Stadium. Tickets are available at GSEagles.com/Tickets.
