What Is 1998 Georgia Southern Eagles football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1998 Georgia Southern Eagles football team represented Georgia Southern University in the 1998 NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with an 11-3 record and winning the national championship by defeating UMass 52-30 in the title game on December 18, 1998.

Key Facts

The 1998 Georgia Southern Eagles finished the season with an 11-3 overall record
They won the 1998 NCAA Division I-AA National Championship on December 18, 1998
The championship game was held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they defeated UMass 52-30
Head coach Paul Johnson led the team to its sixth national title in program history
Georgia Southern scored 438 points during the regular season, averaging 31.3 points per game

Overview

The 1998 Georgia Southern Eagles football team competed in the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) season as a member of the Southern Conference. Under the leadership of head coach Paul Johnson, the team achieved remarkable success, culminating in a national championship victory.

The Eagles demonstrated consistent offensive strength and defensive resilience throughout the season, advancing through the playoffs and securing their sixth national title in program history. Their performance solidified Georgia Southern's reputation as a dominant force in I-AA football.

Season Record: The team finished with an impressive 11-3 overall record, including a 6-2 mark in Southern Conference play, showcasing their competitiveness at the conference level.
National Champions: On December 18, 1998, Georgia Southern defeated the University of Massachusetts 52-30 in the Division I-AA Championship Game held in Chattanooga, TN.
Head Coach:Paul Johnson, in his third season as head coach, led the team to the title using his signature triple-option offense, which overwhelmed opponents all season.
Offensive Output: The Eagles scored 438 total points during the regular season, averaging 31.3 points per game, one of the highest in the division.
Defensive Strength: Georgia Southern’s defense allowed just 18.6 points per game, ranking among the top 10 in I-AA for fewest points allowed.

Championship Run

The 1998 postseason journey was marked by dominant performances and strategic execution, as Georgia Southern advanced through the playoff bracket with authority.

First Round: The Eagles defeated Western Kentucky 35-16 at home, using a balanced attack to control the tempo and secure a decisive win.
Quarterfinals: Georgia Southern traveled to Richmond, Virginia, and beat the Spiders 31-23, overcoming early penalties with strong second-half adjustments.
Semifinals: In a rematch of the previous year’s final, they defeated McNeese State 35-22, avenging a regular-season loss with improved ball control.
Championship Game: Facing UMass, the Eagles exploded for 52 points, the most ever scored in a Division I-AA title game at the time, setting a championship record.
Individual Performance: Quarterback Greg Hill threw for 187 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Charles Sims rushed for 142 yards and three scores.
Historical Context: This victory marked Georgia Southern’s sixth national title in program history, extending their legacy as one of the most successful FCS programs ever.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1998 Georgia Southern Eagles stack up against other championship teams in program history:

Season	Record	Championship Result	Head Coach	Points Per Game
1998	11-3	Won: 52-30 vs. UMass	Paul Johnson	31.3
1999	12-3	Lost in semifinals	Paul Johnson	30.1
1997	12-3	Won: 35-16 vs. Youngstown State	Paul Johnson	28.7
1990	13-2	Won: 37-35 vs. Nevada	Erk Russell	26.4
1986	13-2	Won: 40-13 vs. Arkansas State	Erk Russell	29.8

The 1998 team stands out for its explosive championship performance, setting a scoring record in the title game. While not the most dominant regular-season team statistically, their playoff run was among the most efficient, with three wins by 10+ points. The offensive evolution under Paul Johnson’s system reached its peak this season, blending speed, discipline, and execution.

Why It Matters

The 1998 championship season was a pivotal moment in Georgia Southern football history, reinforcing the program's national prominence and validating Paul Johnson’s coaching philosophy.

Legacy Building: The title was the third in three years under Johnson, establishing a dynasty and elevating the school’s national profile.
Recruiting Boost: Success in 1998 helped attract higher-caliber athletes, many of whom stayed for multiple deep playoff runs.
Offensive Innovation: The triple-option system used by the Eagles influenced other FCS programs and later gained attention in FBS.
Conference Impact: The win strengthened the reputation of the Southern Conference as a powerhouse in I-AA football.
Alumni Engagement: The championship reinvigorated fan support and increased donations to the athletic department in subsequent years.
Historical Benchmark: The 52 points scored in the final remain a championship game record as of 2023, symbolizing peak offensive performance.

The 1998 Georgia Southern Eagles not only delivered a title but also set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire the program today.