It was October 30th, 2010. The Georgia Southern Eagles had just lost at home to Samford. The record was 4-4 with a visit by Appalachian State on the horizon. The playoff picture looked bleak. Not that this team was expected to make the playoffs. They were picked seventh in the conference before the season started. There was no doubt the team had improved in Jeff Monken's first season. While most feel like they let one get away against Navy, Wofford and Chattanooga, the Eagles were competitive in those games. There was a signiture win too. Who could forget the Saturday night against Elon? As disappointed as Eagle fans were, the option was back and the team was getting better. On this day, however, it was Samford.
The next week Appalachain State came to town and everything changed. The Eagles rattled off 3 in a row and landed themselves in the playoffs. This group wasn't satisfied with that. They knocked of SC State at home, then went on the road to upset William and Mary. Next was an unforgettable night in South Carolina. The Eagles knocked off conference rival Wofford in their own stadium. You wouldn't have known you were in the Terrier's house that night. The Eagle faithful easily outnumbered the Wofford fans and made Gibbs Stadium Paulson north. It was a long way away from a home loss to Samford.
How do you follow that up? Keep your head. As easy as the team went from 4-4 to national semifinalist, a fall back can happen just as easy. That's what makes the first game of the year so important. It's Samford. Before you start planning a trip to Boone. Before you break down the bracket to see if the Eagles get another shot at the Blue Hens, beat Samford. That's what the Eagles have to do. Everyone's back. Everyone's more experienced. The incoming freshmen are talented. The Eagles are picked at or near the top in all the polls. Things are back to normal. There's really not a whole lot to talk about. Just go beat Samford.
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