The Georgia Southern Eagles are currently sitting in third place in the overall SoCon standings. Coming off of a bye week, the Eagles will look to improve their record as they head to Birmingham, Ala. to face the Samford Bulldogs.

Despite their record, the Samford Bulldogs are still a very tough team whose defense can compete with many SoCon teams. The Bulldog defense gives up an average of 16 points per game and is one of the few defenses in the SoCon that hold opponents to under 100 rushing yards per game.

The weakness for the Bulldogs comes from their passing game, where quarterback Dustin Taliaferro has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns this season.

The Samford passing attack is capable of committing turnovers, so constant pass rushing from Brent Russell, Harland Bower and others might be a top priority in order to bring pressure.

“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish” is one of the most accurate statements in sports; but due to the Eagles’ road woes this season, it will be important for GSU to play focused and mistake free from start to finish.

Samford is not a team to underestimate, especially  during their homecoming. Don’t let the record deceive you. This is a tough, physical team who plays well at home.

Inside the Huddle:  Samford Bulldogs

Offense:

The Bulldogs offense is out-rushing and out-passing opponents by 200 yards each. During the season, the Bulldogs have averaged around 30 more first downs than opponents and averages about 300 yards on offense per game.

This offense has the capability to put drives together and execute them to their success.

Like most teams, their offense has flaws as well, which will need to be exposed by the GSU defense.The Samford passing attack is not one to worry about so much. Quarterback Dustin Taliaferro has a 58 completion percentage and six interceptions compared with four touchdowns.

Chris Evans, the Bulldogs’ tailback, leads the backfield in rushing touchdowns and rushing yards. Evans also leads the team in receptions. It is fair to say that the Samford offense likes to run through Evans.

Defense:

Junior linebacker Bryce Smith is one of the play makers for this Samford Bulldog defense. Currently, he leads the team in tackles with 65, including nine tackles for a loss.

Smith’s play-making ability doesn’t stop there, as he also leads the defense in interceptions and broken up plays.

Samford’s best strength on defense comes from their big boys up front. Their defense currently has a total of 19 sacks, with four different players recording three.

In Samford’s past two games, they have given up 26 points or more. Before that time, the Bulldog defense held opponents to 20 points or less.

It is safe to say that the Samford defense has been struggling the past two weeks more than they have all season.

Players to watch

Bryce Smith, Harland Bower, Chris Evans, Brent Russell, Darrell Pasco, Dion Dubose