The Appalachian State - Georgia Southern rivalry stems from similarities rather than differences. Not only do the two schools have similar academic histories as they both were originally teacher colleges, but they also have similar histories on the Gridiron. Both joined the Sun Belt Conference in 2013 after building up a strong championship pedigree in the FCS. The two schools have met every year since 1993 with the Mountaineers holding a 16-13-1 advantage. Georgia Southern hopes to narrow that gap this year with a victory over the hated Mountaineers.
Despite the fact that Georgia Southern and Georgia State have only met on the gridiron once there is still a strong rivalry between the two schools that dates back to 1980s. The rivalry began on the hardcourt when both teams competed in the Atlantic Sun Conference from 1983 to 1992 and since then has flourished over the fact both schools want to lay claim to the GSU moniker. Georgia Southern has won the only meeting so far 69-31 and hopes to continue that trend in the coming years.
Eagles Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Here in the South, barbecue is a tailgating institution and Georgia Southern is no exception. Most of the tailgating at GSU happens in the parking lots particularly those located south of the stadium. Here you’ll find a wide variety of grills and smokers, which will be accompanied by the mouth-watering aromas of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork sandwiches.
One of the best aspects of the tailgate here at Georgia Southern is the friendly close-knit community feeling that everyone shares. GSU fans are a relaxed group that loves to grill and talk football. If you’re looking for a more raucous party atmosphere, then head out around campus and look for where the students are pre gaming. Whether you tailgate in the parking lots or with the students attending a game at Georgia Southern is a great experience.
The Eagles’ arrive at every game via yellow school buses. The team boards the buses early in the morning and are given a police escort to the stadium, while en route the locals cheer on the buses as they passes by. The tradition originated in 1981 when the program first started and needed to provide transportation for the team on a tight budget and has continued ever since. Look for the yellow school buses on your way to the game for your chance to catch a glimpse of the team.
The Student Tailgate Zone is the official tailgate space for GSU students. It’s located to northwest of the stadium and offers a wide variety of activities and vendors, making it a great place for students to hang out before the game.
General ParkingIf you’re looking to tailgate before a GSU game, then make sure to arrive early to secure a spot in the Russell Union, Performing Arts Center, or Ceramic & Sculpture building lots. The general parking lots are a great place to fire up the grills and make some new friends, so enjoy your time tailgating at GSU.
Student Tailgate ZoneThe Student Tailgate Zone is the official tailgate space for GSU students. It’s located to northwest of the stadium and offers a wide variety of activities and vendors, making it a great place for students to hang out before the game.
Eagles Stadium Guide
In Game
Georgia Southern may not play in a power conference or have any super famous alumni, with the other Adrian Peterson being one of the most recognizable among them. However, the fans here have an undying love for their team as well as a wealth of passion that rivals any of the top teams. The Georgia Southern fan base is a very friendly tight-knit group that sticks with their team through thick and thin.
The atmosphere at Paulson Stadium is incredible as most locals here in Statesboro are diehard Eagles fans. To them, big time programs like Georgia and Georgia Tech are not important as they are committed fans of their Eagles. The stadium here frequently sells out as not only is the student section filled to the brim, but alumni also come out in force. Join in on the fantastic atmosphere here at Paulson Stadium with your fellow Eagles fans.
Fireworks and pyrotechnics are also a big part of Georgia Southern football games as you’ll be sure to see plenty when the Eagles run up the score on their opponents. After each Eagles’ touchdown fireworks light the sky making a Georgia feel like a 4th of July celebration. If you love watching fireworks than Georgia Southern has plenty to offer on and off the field.
Gus the Eagle is a prominent part of the Georgia Southern game day experience. Not only can this mascot be seen on the sideline during the game he also can be seen around campus and the tailgate lots before the game. Before each game, the Gus leads the team onto the field as the crowd erupts into a frenzy as their team runs out of the tunnel. Join Gus and the rest of the GSU fans in cheering on the Eagles this season.The tight-knit atmosphere surrounding Georgia Southern and the diehard support the people of Statesboro have for their Eagles makes attending a Georgia Southern football game an unforgettable experience.
Make sure to stop and check out the Erk Russell Bust before the game. Russell served as the Eagles head coach from 1982 to 1989 and is the most decorated coach in program history leading the team to three of its six national championships.
If you want to see what goes on behind the magic, then make a trip to the Ted Smith Family Football Center. The Football Center is the home of the team offices, weight room, and Georgia Southern Football Hall of Fame, so make sure to stop by and check it out.
In front of the Ted Smith Family Football Center is the Field of Dreams where kids can play football throughout the game. The field is a great way for kids to get their energy out during the game, so if you’re bringing the kids to the game stop by The Field of Dreams.
Hanging around Paulson Stadium are several banners and posters honoring Eagles players and teams of the past. The posters are nice tributes to program’s past and a must-see for anyone attending a GSU game.
Before kickoff, Georgia Southern’s live eagle mascot Freedom flies over the crowd. This gets the crowd and players pumped to take on the opposition. The tradition is in fact so popular that a Freedom Flight has even been added to the graduate ceremony in recent years. If you love animals, then you’ll love the Freedom Flight at Georgia Southern.
Before every game, the team sprinkles a jug of water from a small ditch located near the practice field onto the field. This tradition began in 1985 when legendary football coach Erk Russell sprinkled some water from the same ditch on the field before a playoff game at Northern Iowa. That season the Eagles went on to win the national championship, and the tradition has stuck ever since.
Gus the Eagle is a prominent part of the Georgia Southern game day experience. Not only can this mascot be seen on the sideline during the game he also can be seen around campus and the tailgate lots before the game. Before each game, the Gus leads the team onto the field as the crowd erupts into a frenzy as their team runs out of the tunnel. Join Gus and the rest of the GSU fans in cheering on the Eagles this season.
Wave the blue, wave the white Hold the banner high The Eagles are on the wing. Sound a cry to the sky, As we look for glory. Victory now we sing. Hail the blue, hail the white Hail the team that’s soaring Upward to bring us fame; Georgia Southern Eagles Fight on to victory and Win this game! Blue and white-fight, fight! Blue and white-fight, fight! Georgia Southern-Eagles! Fight, fight, fight!
Hail Southern
Whose house?
Our house!
Whose house?
Our house!
Whose house?
Our house!
Whose house?
Our house!
Well there’s really nothing
like Statesboro
on a Saturday.
We’ve been at Paulson
since the break of dawn,
and we’re gonna be
here all damn day long!
Hear the horns blowing
as the yellow buses make their way
down to Eagle Walk
and it’s “One More Time”
and the ball game is underway!
They butt heads with Erk
as they make their way onto the field.
Eagle Creek Water and Freedom’s Flight
There’s really nothing quite that real!
Hail Southern!
Hail Southern!
Wave the blue,
Wave the white.
Hold the banner high!
And don’t forget to G.A.T.A!
Hail Southern!
Six times we raised that flag
from the NCAA
over “The House that Erk built”
Whose House?
Our House!
And you can bet it’s gonna stay that way.
They hung up the jerseys of “3” and “8”
A.P. and Tracy Ham,
Two of the best that God ever made!
Through the rings and trophies
There’s always been something bigger at play!
And on Saturday you can bet,
You’ll hear Eagle Nation say!
Hail Southern!
Hail Southern!
Wave the blue,
Wave the white.
Hold the banner high!
And don’t forget to G.A.T.A!
Hail Southern!
Hail Southern!
Wave the blue,
Wave the white.
Hold the banner high!
And don’t forget to G.A.T.A!
Hail Southern!
Hail Southern!
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