Georgia Southern football cruises to Birmingham Bowl victory

The rivalry known as “Deeper Than Hate” between Georgia Southern (7-6) and Appalachian State (5-8) put its hate on full display during the 2025 Birmingham Bowl on Monday, Dec. 29. However, the Mountaineers’ hatred wasn’t enough to power them to a win as the Eagles were able to defeat their longtime rivals 29-10.

The win was Georgia Southern’s first bowl game win during the Clay Helton era through four years at the helm.

A strong third quarter for the Eagles saw them score two touchdowns to take a 16-point lead. That offensive outburst put them in the driver's seat. Meanwhile for the Mountaineers, turnovers kept them from the end zone on multiple drives throughout the game.

“It meant everything, I’m so happy for our guys, and you know winning a bowl game is special,” Georgia Southern QB J.C. French IV said on the ESPN broadcast after the victory.

The two teams played each other back in Week 11 in a game that ended in a 25-23 Georgia Southern win. Since then, many of Appalachian State’s players either opted out for the game or already put their name in the transfer portal. As a result, the Mountaineers were short handed for this one.

They especially felt that under center as they were without their first and second string quarterbacks. Instead, the Mountaineers relied on true freshman Noah Dillon and defensive back Matthew Wilson to share quarterback duties.

That didn’t bode well for Appalachian State as the duo threw a combined three interceptions and only managed to reach the end zone once in this matchup. Those turnovers were blemishes on what otherwise was an effective Mountaineers offense. They had 379 total yards of offense in comparison to the Eagles’ 413.

Many of those turnovers came after big chunk plays that left Appalachian State near or in the red zone. Georgia Southern defensive back Dorrian Smith had two of those interceptions in what was a career day for him.

French IV threw for 171 yards and a touchdown. Running back O.J. Arnold rushed for 152 yards. Wideout Marcus Sanders Jr. had 72 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Wilson had 238 total yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions on the evening as well.

The Augusta Chronicle brought you live updates, scores and highlights from the game.

Georgia Southern vs Appalachian State live updates from the Birmingham Bowl

Final: Georgia Southern 29, Appalachian State 10

Four interceptions by Appalachian State hurt any offensive momentum they had throughout the game as Georgia Southern was able to defeat their longtime rival in the Birmingham Bowl.

Appalachian State throws fourth and final interception

4Q. 0:59: The Mountaineers threw their fourth interception of the game late. It was thrown by Matthew Wilson and it was intercepted by Devin Collier.

Georgia Southern makes 27-yard field goal attempt

4Q. 3:47: Georgia Southern adds onto its lead with a 27-yard field goal to extend the lead to 19. The Eagles are up 29-10.

End 3Q: Georgia Southern 26, Appalachian State 10

The Eagles are a quarter away from beating their rivals in the Birmingham Bowl. A pair of touchdowns by Georgia Southern helped them extend their halftime lead by 10.

Georgia Southern throws first interception of the game

3Q. 2:56: Senior defensive back Ethan Johnson picks off Dalen Cobb for the Eagles first miscue of the game. The turnover sets up Appalachian State at their own 13 yard line.

Appalachian State scores on 27-yard field goal attempt

3Q. 3:46: The Mountaineers scores for the first time in the second half on a 27-yard field goal. The Eagles still have a sizable lead though, up 26-10.

Georgia Southern capitalizes with a TD

3Q. 8:50: Marcus Sanders Jr. scores on a 32-yard touchdown catch. It's the Eagles second score of the half and they capitalize off the Mountaineers turnover only five plays prior. Georgia Southern is up 26-7 against Appalachian State.

Another turnover by Appalachian State stalls promising drive

3Q. 10:19: Dorrian Smith picks off his second pass on the day as the Mountaineers turns the ball over yet again. Its their third thrown interception of the game. The Eagles take over at their own 35 yard line.

Georgia Southern quickly gets on the board to start second half

3Q. 13:34: Freshman quarterback Weston Bryan caps off a 3-play, 74-yard drive to start the half with 3-yard rushing touchdown. Eagles also went for a two-point conversion, but it was ruled short. Score 19-7.

Halftime: Georgia Southern 13, Appalachian State 7

Georgia Southern leads Appalachian State 13-7 at the half. Despite only four total yards less than Georgia Southern, Appalachian State's two interceptions has hurt them and allowed the Eagles to keep control in the second half.

Georgia Southern ends half with a made field goal

2Q. 0:01: The Eagles score on a 36-yard field goal try to extend their lead to six. Georgia Southern leads 13-7.

Appalachian State gets on the board with a rushing TD

2Q. 1:51: Matthew Wilson, who's listed at defensive back but is at quarterback, scores on a 7-yard rushing touchdown to finally get the Mountaineers on the board. Score now is 10-7 with Georgia Southern still on top.

Appalachian State throws second interception of the game

2Q. 6:39: Tracy Hill Jr. picked off Matthew Wilson at the Georgia Southern 2-yard line. It's App. State's second interception of the game. They threw one the drive before that led to a Georgia Southern field goal.

Georgia Southern 23-yard field goal attempt is good

2Q. 9:00: After the Eagles defense forced a turnover, they were able to get a field goal out of it after getting stopped in the red zone. Georgia Southern leads 10-0.

Georgia Southern's Dorrian Smith intercepts Noah Gillon

2Q. 14:20: The senior defensive back picked off the true freshman at the GSU 22-yard line. Georgia Southern stalls another Appalachian State drive.

End 1Q: Georgia Southern 7, Appalachian State 0

The Eagles lead the Mountaineers 7-0 after the first quarter. App. State will start the second quarter at the Georgia Southern 32-yard line.

Appalachian State 46-yard field goal attempt is no good

1Q. 3:23: After two penalties that pushed the Mountaineers back ten yards, kicker Dominic De Freitas missed it short from 46-yards away.

Georgia Southern scores TD on opening drive

1Q. 8:23: In the wildcat formation, Terrance Gibbs runs in a 1-yard touchdown to get the scoring started for the Eagles. They lead 7-0.

Georgia Southern wins the toss, defers to second half

Appalachian State will receive the ball first after the Eagles won the toss and chose to defer until the second half.

What time does Georgia Southern vs Appalachian State start?

• Date: Monday, December 29

• Time: 2 p.m. EST

• Where: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama

What TV channel is Georgia Southern vs Appalachian State on today?

• TV: ESPN

• Streaming: Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV

• How to watch online: Watch FUBO

Georgia Southern vs. Appalachian State predictions in Birmingham Bowl

• Dhani Joseph, The Augusta Chronicle: Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern vs Appalachian State odds, spread for Birmingham Bowl

Spread: Georgia Southern -8.5 (-105)/ Appalachian State +8.5 (-115)

Over/under: 59 1/2

Moneyline: GSU (-300), App. State (+250)

Who is starting for Appalachian State at quarterback position?

With junior quarterback AJ Swann and sophomore quarterback JJ Kohl having entered the transfer portal, it will be a game-time decision on who will make the start. True freshman Noah Gillon will make the start for this bowl game. He played in three games this year, with limited playing time.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia Southern football Birmingham Bowl win over App State