Boise State (0-0, 0-0 MWC) vs. Georgia Southern (0-0, 0-0 SBC)
How to Watch the Boise State vs. Georgia Southern Game: Streaming & TV Channel Info for August 31
- Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024
- Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPNU
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
- City: Statesboro, Georgia
- Venue: Allen E. Paulson Stadium
The Georgia Southern Eagles (0-0) host the Boise State Broncos (0-0) at Allen E. Paulson Stadium on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
An offseason filled with high expectations, Heisman buzz, and excitement over the expanded College Football Playoff comes to a sudden halt for Boise State football this weekend.
The Broncos kick off their highly anticipated 2024 season at 2 p.m. MT on Saturday against Georgia Southern in Statesboro, aiming for their first season-opening win since 2020.
Saturday’s matchup features several firsts for Boise State: their first-ever game against the Eagles, the start of Spencer Danielson’s first full season as head coach, their first trip to Georgia since 2014, and Bronco Nation’s first look at a slew of talented transfers that fueled eight months of anticipation.
Let’s start with this: Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is the best all-around running back in college football this season.
He led the nation in yards from scrimmage per game with 159.7. Jeanty will be a key weapon in both the running and passing games, led by newly named starting quarterback Maddux Madsen.
As the defending Mountain West champions and College Football Playoff contenders, Boise State presents a formidable challenge for Clay Helton’s squad.
Now, onto the Eagles. Redshirt sophomore JC French steps in to lead an offense that passed the ball 62% of the time last season.
Though he appeared in ten games, French primarily backed up Davis Brin. He’ll have plenty of talented receivers to rely on, including last season’s leading receiver, Derwin Burgess Jr.
Focusing on the passing game might benefit Georgia Southern, as Boise State had the second-worst pass defense in the Mountain West last season.
However, the key factor will be turnovers. Georgia Southern quarterbacks threw 20 interceptions last year, the most in FBS.
Regardless of how much you pass, many turnovers make winning difficult.
Boise State is just three spots shy of the preseason Associated Press Top 25 and is the highest-ranked Group of Five team in the ESPN power index.
The Broncos were also picked to win a conference or division title for the 17th consecutive season in July, encompassing all 14 years in the Mountain West.
Georgia Southern enters its third season under head coach Clay Helton, who, like Danielson, is one of the only two interim leaders to reach a conference championship game—Helton led USC to the Pac-12 title game in 2015.
“Going out to play Georgia Southern, I mean, Clay Helton, I think the world of him. I know our whole staff does,” Danielson said. “He’s coached at an extremely high level everywhere he’s been. He’s a phenomenal offensive mind as well as a head coach.”
While Danielson and his team are focused on a week-by-week approach, Boise State can build confidence and iron out any issues before their September 7th trip to Autzen Stadium to face No. 3 Oregon.
The Eagles have posted 6-7 records in each of the past two seasons, losing in the Myrtle Beach Bowl last year and the Camellia Bowl in 2022.
Nine Georgia Southern players earned preseason All-Sun Belt Conference honors this year, with five named to the first team.
Among the first-team honorees is fifth-year running back Jalen White, who racked up 889 yards and nine rushing touchdowns on 160 carries last season.
Junior OJ Arnold, who tallied 411 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in 2023, also returns to the backfield.
“They have a tailback in number 25 who will be one of the best we face,” Danielson said. “They’ve got number 22 who can do it as well.
JC French, their starting quarterback, number 12, played last year too, and he can run and make all the throws. It’s an offense that will create a lot of confusion with various motions, adjustments, and formations to put the defense in conflict, and they have the players to execute it.”
Georgia Southern has won 16 of its last 17 home openers and posted a 5-1 record in Statesboro last year. Helton is 7-1 in season openers, and the Eagles boast a 214-49 all-time record at Allen E. Paulson Stadium.
“The crowd noise and hostile environment they create down there will be something we need to be ready for,” Danielson said. “We know the task ahead of us. We have to find a way to win game one, and Georgia Southern is working just as hard to do the same. So, I’m fired up for Saturday at 4 o’clock, and we will be ready.”
Keys to Victory
- Limit Turnovers: For Georgia Southern, protecting the ball is paramount. With 20 interceptions last season, cutting down on turnovers will be crucial to their success. JC French must make smart decisions and avoid forcing plays to keep the Eagles in the game.
- Exploit Boise State’s Pass Defense: Boise State struggled against the pass last season, ranking second-worst in the Mountain West. Georgia Southern’s passing attack, featuring JC French and a talented group of receivers, needs to capitalize on this weakness. Efficient and aggressive passing could open up the field and keep the Broncos on their heels.
- Contain Ashton Jeanty: Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is a game-changer, both on the ground and through the air. Georgia Southern’s defense must prioritize containing him. Limiting Jeanty’s impact will force Boise State to rely more on their passing game, potentially creating opportunities for the Eagles’ defense to make plays.
- Win the Line of Scrimmage: In any football game, control of the line of scrimmage is critical. Georgia Southern must hold their ground against Boise State’s offensive and defensive lines. On offense, this means giving French time to throw and opening lanes for the run game. On defense, it’s about pressuring Maddux Madsen and stopping Jeanty before he gets going.
- Special Teams Impact: Special teams can often be the difference in close games. Georgia Southern must excel in this area, whether it’s pinning Boise State deep with punts, making field goals count, or breaking a big return. Winning the special teams battle could provide the edge needed for an upset.