What Is 2003 Georgia Southern Eagles football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2003 Georgia Southern Eagles football team represented Georgia Southern University in the NCAA Division I-AA football season, finishing with a 9-3 record and winning the Southern Conference with a 7-1 mark. They advanced to the Division I-AA playoffs but lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Delaware.

Key Facts

Finished the season with a 9-3 overall record
Posted a 7-1 conference record in the Southern Conference
Defeated rival Appalachian State in a key October matchup
Quarterfinal playoff loss to Delaware, 39-27, on December 6, 2003
Coached by Mike Sewak, who was in his third season

Overview

The 2003 Georgia Southern Eagles football team competed in the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) season as a member of the Southern Conference. Under head coach Mike Sewak, the team achieved a 9-3 overall record and a dominant 7-1 mark in conference play, securing the Southern Conference title.

The Eagles showcased a powerful rushing offense and a disciplined defense, earning a playoff berth. Despite a strong season, their national championship hopes ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to Delaware, who went on to win the national title.

Record: The team finished with a 9-3 overall record and a 7-1 conference record, winning the Southern Conference outright.
Head Coach: Mike Sewak led the team in his third season, building on Georgia Southern’s legacy of FCS dominance.
Key Victory: A 21-17 win over Appalachian State on October 11 was pivotal in securing the conference title.
Playoff Appearance: Earned the No. 4 seed in the Division I-AA playoffs, granting a first-round bye.
Season End: Lost 39-27 to Delaware in the quarterfinals on December 6, 2003, ending their title hopes.

Season Performance and Results

The 2003 campaign featured a balanced mix of dominant wins and close contests, reflecting the team’s consistency and resilience. Georgia Southern relied heavily on its ground game, a hallmark of the program’s offensive identity under Sewak’s leadership.

Rushing Yards: Averaged 298.6 rushing yards per game, one of the highest in Division I-AA, led by star running back Adrian Peterson.
Defensive Strength: Allowed only 18.6 points per game, ranking among the top 10 in scoring defense in I-AA.
Home Record: Went 6-1 at Paulson Stadium, maintaining their reputation as a tough home opponent.
Key Stat: Won the turnover battle in 8 of 12 games, contributing significantly to their success.
Player Highlight: Quarterback Jayson Foster emerged as a dual-threat, throwing for 1,577 yards and rushing for 534.
Season Opener: Opened with a 31-10 win over Savannah State, setting the tone for the season.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2003 Eagles compared to other top FCS teams that season:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Playoff Result	Final Ranking
Georgia Southern	9-3	7-1	Quarterfinals	#5 (Final Poll)
Delaware	13-2	7-1 CAA	National Champions	#1
Appalachian State	8-4	6-2	First Round Exit	#10
James Madison	11-3	6-2 CAA	Semifinals	#4
Missouri State	8-5	5-4	Quarterfinals	#8

The table shows that while Georgia Southern had a strong season, Delaware’s deeper playoff run and higher win total elevated them above the Eagles in the final rankings. Georgia Southern’s 7-1 conference record tied for best in the Southern Conference, demonstrating their dominance within the league despite the playoff loss.

Why It Matters

The 2003 season was a testament to Georgia Southern’s sustained excellence in FCS football, maintaining their reputation as a national powerhouse. Though they fell short of a title, the season contributed to the program’s legacy and helped develop future NFL talent.

Program Prestige: Reinforced Georgia Southern’s status as a perennial FCS contender with consistent playoff appearances.
Player Development: Jayson Foster and Adrian Peterson gained national attention, boosting recruiting.
Conference Dominance: The 7-1 SoCon record highlighted their superiority in a competitive league.
Coaching Legacy: Mike Sewak’s leadership continued the tradition of success established by Erk Russell.
Recruiting Boost: Strong season performance attracted higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years.
Historical Context: This season was part of a 15-year stretch with 13 playoff appearances, underscoring consistency.

The 2003 Georgia Southern Eagles may not have won a national title, but their season remains a benchmark of program stability, competitive excellence, and FCS relevance.