GATA Talk

The regular season has come to a close and Georgia Southern somehow made a bowl game, finishing 6-6 overall and 4-4 in Sun Belt play after the Eagles' first win at Marshall in 35 years. The following day, news broke that Defensive Coordinator Brandon Bailey was relieved of his duties, in what appears to be a complete overhaul of the Georgia Southern defense headed into 2026. In this episode, Matt and Cody discuss the firing, preferences for our next defensive coordinator and discuss the upcoming bowl game. 

Show Notes: 

• Eagles Beat Marshall for First Time in 35 Years
• Bailey and LB Coach Fired: More Changes to Come? 
• What Helton Needs to Prioritize in a DC 
• Camden Brown Caps Off Record Regular Season 
• Brown Should be the Case Study for P4 Wideouts
• Weston Bryan's Future with the Eagles Offense
• Bowl Game: Does It Matter and Is a Win Possible?
• Eagles Must Elevate Above Mediocrity

Old Dominion handed Georgia Southern its worst home loss in program history on Senior Night, a 45-10 drubbing where the Eagles didn't score a touchdown until garbage time and had negative rushing yards at the half. The Eagles now cling to the hope of bowl eligibility by trying to win at Marshall for the first time since 1990. 

Show Notes: 

• Comparing ODU Loss to the Georgia State Loss Under Fritz
• If Changes Don't Happen After Marshall, It's Time to Revolt
• Offensive Overhaul May be Needed as Well 
• Fans Are in Two Boats: Apathetic or Furious 
• What DC Worth Their Salt Would Sign Up for this Circus?
• Bowl Eligibility Is On the Line at Marshall
• Thundering Herd in Similar Position After Loss Against App

OJ Arnold has one of the best performances from a Georgia Southern player in recent memory with nearly 400 yards of total offense and touchdowns running, passing and receiving to lead the Eagles to a 45-40 shootout win against Coastal Carolina. Now 5-5 on the year and 3-3 in the Sun Belt, Georgia Southern hosts Old Dominion for Senior Night. Can the Eagles find a way to slow down ODU's rushing attack and score points against one of the best defense in the conference? 

Show Notes: 

• Have Yourself a Day, OJ Arnold!
• Camden Brown Snags Three More Touchdowns
• Clock Management at the End of the First Half
• Defense Had Its Moments, but Still Allowed 480 Yards
• Freedom II Reveal and Thoughts 
• Crowd Review: Thin and Cleared Out in Third Quarter 
• ODU Preview: Monarchs Are Rolling as of Late
• Eagles Will Need to Play Near Perfect and Hope for ODU Mistakes
• Can the Eagles Make a Bowl, and Does It Ultimately Matter?

Georgia Southern got a big win on the road against App State. While it always feels great to beat your rival, the question remains: was this a good win or is App State that bad? Matt and Cody reflect on the game and preview the home matchup against Coastal Carolina.

Show Notes: 

• Always a Great Day to Beat App
• Eagles Still Haven't Played a Complete Game
• Redzone Offense Becoming an Issue
• Defense Still Allowed Over 400 Yards After Hot Start
• Coastal Carolina Has Been an Up and Down Team
• Coastal Is a One-Man Show on Offense
• Key to Victory Will be Efficiency and Consistency on Offense

Georgia Southern heads up to Boone, North Carolina to take on rival App State on a Thursday night, nationally televised game. The Eagles are searching for answers after a letdown on the road against Arkansas State, where Georgia Southern's defense gave up nearly 500 yards and the offense could only muster three points in the second half. Now, following the dreaded bye week, the Eagles must face a 4-4 App State team in one of the toughest venues in the Sun Belt Conference. 

Show Notes: 

• Sad State of the Program: How Did We Get Here?
• Is Strength and Conditioning to Blame for Any of This?
• Will a Coordinator Change at Season's End Be Enough?
• What Will It Take to Move on from Helton After This Season?
• Budget Insights: Can We Afford the Buyout After All?
• Monken Rumor: Army's Coach Interested in a Return to the Boro
• Arkansas State Letdown: Poor Play-Calling and Clock Management
• App State Preview: Mountaineers Trying to Find a QB1
• Eagles Will Need Consistent Offense for Four Quarters to Win