What Is 2017 Georgia Southern Eagles football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Georgia Southern Eagles football team represented Georgia Southern University in the NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 7-6 record and winning the New Orleans Bowl 23-21 over Eastern Michigan. Head coach Tyson Summers led the team in his second year, marking the program's second bowl victory in school history. The Eagles competed in the Sun Belt Conference and played home games at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia.

Key Facts

Finished the 2017 season with a 7-6 overall record
Won the New Orleans Bowl 23-21 against Eastern Michigan
Played in the Sun Belt Conference under head coach Tyson Summers
Defeated #14 App State 28-22 in a key October 2017 matchup
Quarterback Shai Werts contributed 1,054 total yards and 12 touchdowns

Overview

The 2017 Georgia Southern Eagles football team represented Georgia Southern University during the 2017 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Competing in the Sun Belt Conference, the team was led by head coach Tyson Summers in his second year at the helm. After a 3-9 debut season in 2016, the 2017 campaign marked a significant turnaround for the program.

The Eagles finished the regular season with a 6-6 record, becoming bowl-eligible for the second time in three years. They capped the year with a victory in the New Orleans Bowl, defeating Eastern Michigan 23-21 on December 16, 2017. The win improved the program’s all-time bowl record to 2-0 and solidified progress under Summers’ leadership.

Record: The team finished with a 7-6 overall record, including a 4-4 mark in Sun Belt Conference play, showing marked improvement from the previous season’s 3-9 campaign.
Bowl Victory: Georgia Southern won the 2017 New Orleans Bowl, defeating Eastern Michigan 23-21, marking the second bowl win in school history after their 2014 GoDaddy Bowl triumph.
Key Win: A pivotal 28-22 victory over #14 Appalachian State on October 12, 2017, showcased the team’s ability to compete with top-tier Sun Belt contenders.
Home Field: The Eagles played their home games at Paulson Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia, a 25,000-seat venue known for its strong fan support and intimidating atmosphere.
Offensive Output: The team averaged 26.5 points per game, led by dual-threat quarterback Shai Werts, who recorded 1,054 total yards and 12 total touchdowns on the season.

How It Works

The 2017 Georgia Southern Eagles operated under a pro-style offensive scheme with increasing emphasis on dual-threat quarterback play and a balanced run-pass attack. Defensively, the team utilized a 3-4 alignment, aiming to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run in the rugged Sun Belt Conference.

Offensive Scheme: The Eagles employed a spread-based pro-style offense that emphasized tempo and ball control, averaging 37 minutes per game in time of possession.
Quarterback Role:Shai Werts started 10 games, throwing for 874 yards and rushing for 170 yards, combining for 12 total touchdowns and stabilizing the offense.
Defensive Alignment: The 3-4 base defense featured Junior Proctor at linebacker, who recorded 87 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles on the season.
Special Teams: Kicker Blake Kemp converted 15 of 19 field goal attempts, including a long of 47 yards, providing reliable scoring in close games.
Recruiting Impact: The 2017 signing class included 23 recruits, with 4 three-star prospects according to 247Sports, helping replenish depth after injuries.
Bowl Preparation: The team prepared for the New Orleans Bowl with a shortened turnaround, practicing for two weeks before facing Eastern Michigan on December 16 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Georgia Southern Eagles with the 2016 and 2018 seasons to highlight performance trends and program development:

Season	Overall Record	Conference Record	Bowl Result	Head Coach
2016	3-9	2-6	Did not qualify	Tyson Summers (1st year)
2017	7-6	4-4	Won New Orleans Bowl 23-21	Tyson Summers (2nd year)
2018	7-6	4-4	Lost New Orleans Bowl 38-3	Tyson Summers (3rd year)
2015	8-5	5-3	Lost New Orleans Bowl 31-28	Willie Fritz
2014	9-3	7-1	Won GoDaddy Bowl 23-20	Jeff Monken

The table illustrates how the 2017 season represented a rebound from the struggles of 2016, matching the 2018 campaign in record but differing in bowl outcome. The win over Eastern Michigan was especially notable given the team’s early-season challenges and injuries to key players. This consistency in achieving bowl eligibility under Summers suggested a stabilizing program despite lackluster results in subsequent years.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal moment in Georgia Southern’s modern football era, demonstrating resilience and growth after a difficult 2016 season. It reinforced the program’s ability to compete in bowl games and develop talent under evolving coaching leadership.

Program Momentum: The 7-6 record and bowl win restored confidence in the coaching staff and signaled improvement after a 3-9 2016 season.
Recruiting Boost: A successful season helped attract higher-rated recruits, with the 2018 class showing improved rankings in regional prospect lists.
Player Development: Quarterback Shai Werts’ emergence provided a foundation for future offensive schemes centered on mobile quarterbacks.
Conference Standing: The win over #14 App State proved Georgia Southern could challenge top Sun Belt teams, enhancing league credibility.
Fan Engagement: Bowl eligibility and a nationally televised game increased attendance and merchandise sales in Statesboro.
Historical Context: The victory made Georgia Southern 2-0 in bowl games since joining FBS in 2014, a perfect record unmatched by many newer programs.

While the team regressed in later seasons, the 2017 campaign remains a benchmark for resilience and competitive spirit in Georgia Southern football history.