In a tense showdown on Saturday, Georgia Southern's defense came up clutch in the fourth quarter to secure a 20-17 victory over Nevada, surviving a frantic late-game push by the Wolf Pack.
With the Wolf Pack trailing by just three points and knocking on the door at the Eagles' 5-yard line, disaster struck for Nevada. Savion Red had the ball stripped from his grasp, and Georgia Southern recovered it in the end zone for a crucial touchback. The turnover, Nevada's first of the season, halted a six-minute, 11-play drive and shifted the momentum with just 9 1/2 minutes left in the game.
Nevada didn’t go quietly. They regained possession and marched to the Eagles' 41-yard line but were stuffed on a pivotal fourth-and-1 with just 2:35 remaining. With one final shot, the Wolf Pack started a desperate drive from their own 3-yard line with under a minute to play. A Hail Mary from the Nevada 33-yard line found its way into the hands of Jaden Smith at the Eagles' 6, but Georgia Southern's defense brought him down as the clock hit zero.
Georgia Southern quarterback JC French delivered when it mattered, throwing two touchdowns. Just before halftime, French connected with Dalen Cobb for a 24-yard strike, giving the Eagles a 17-14 lead. Gavin Stewart added to that cushion with a 48-yard field goal in the third quarter to push the lead to 20-14.
Nevada outgained Georgia Southern in total yards, 493-285, and completely stifled the Eagles' ground game, holding them to just 42 rushing yards. Despite this, the Wolf Pack couldn’t capitalize on their offensive dominance.
French was sharp under center, completing 23 of 37 passes for 243 yards. His counterpart, Nevada's Brendon Lewis, had a solid outing as well, going 23-of-35 for 266 yards and a touchdown. Cortez Braham Jr. was Lewis' top target, hauling in nine passes for 110 yards and a score, while Smith added 103 yards on four receptions.
In the end, it was Georgia Southern's defense that made the game-winning plays to fend off Nevada's late surge and seal the win.
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