STATESBORO, Ga. () — Georgia Southern’s 2025 season hinges on an upcoming crucial game. A victory would secure them a spot in their fourth consecutive bowl game, while a defeat would mark their first sub-.500 regular season under Coach Clay Helton’s leadership.

“It’s like stepping into a playoff scenario with Marshall, as both teams are battling for bowl eligibility,” Helton remarked.

The Eagles slipped to a 5-6 record following an unforgettable senior day. Their rush defense faltered, allowing 376 yards, the highest this season and their worst performance since conceding similar yardage in a 51-48 victory over Appalachian State on November 26, 2022.

“You can position the players correctly,” Helton stated. “I urged our players to seize the opportunity to make those crucial plays, more than we managed last week.”

Currently, Georgia Southern’s rush defense is ranked last in the nation, having conceded the most rushing touchdowns at 33.

“I’m more involved in helping each [phase of the game],” Helton said. “You know, “I evaluate their offense or defense and their special teams. I meet with each coordinator to be able to share my thoughts. At the end of the day, I don’t want to handcuff them to anything. They have to believe in what they’re doing and believe in what they’re calling.”

This week, Georgia Southern’s bowl fate will be decided 542 miles north of Paulson Stadium in Huntington, West Virginia. Marshall is another talented rushing team. The Thundering Herd ranks 18th nationally with 209 yards a game.

“I think it’s really nothing but execution,” Georgia Southern redshirt junior Tracy Hill Jr. said. “Running to the ball, making sure that we make the plays that need to be made. Our coach tries to put us in the best position to make the plays that need to be made.”

Georgia Southern might attack Marshall through the air. Marshall has one of the worst pass defenses in the nation. They rank 115th. They surrender 253 yards a game.

“I think it just goes week to week,” Georgia Southern redshirt junior quarterback JC French IV said. “I think each team that they do stuff well and that sometimes stuff happens. I think Marshall’s a really good team. Obviously, they’ve held good teams to not many points.”

One thing to keep in mind. Marshall comes in at 5-6 as well. So they are also fighting to make a bowl game. So it all comes down to Saturday at 1:30 p.m. with the winner advancing to a bowl game.