Eagles enjoying success, support so far in 2018

STATESBORO, GA (WTOC) - There's no doubt there's a different energy in Statesboro this football season.

"Last year is last year," head coach Chad Lunsford says. "This is a different team."

He can say that again.

The Eagles routed UMass by a 34-13 score Saturday night in Statesboro. The win was a satisfying one for Georgia Southern fans for a few reasons.

One, this was the same Minutemen team that crushed Southern by 35 points a season ago. Two, the second win of the year matched the 2017 win total just two weeks into the season.

The early success has led to a rejuvenated Eagle fanbase. From the streets in Statesboro to social media, the renewed energy for this team is easily noticeable, and the players see it as well.

"It feels good when everybody has your back when you're winning," says redshirt sophomore linebacker Todd Bradley. "It feels good to have all of Eagle Nation behind us. Hopefully, if you still don't believe, we'll just keep making you believe and get your support."

The fans aren't the only ones celebrating the team's winning ways. Georgia Southern's GATA Lifestyle Twitter page has tweeted videos of the post-game locker room celebrations after each victory.

In a world that tends to keep emotions in check, the Eagles aren't afraid to show their joy. That comes straight from their head coach.

"When we get a win, we're going to celebrate them. If it's ugly, if they're great, or if it's just a perfect win, we're going to celebrate them. Because they're hard to get," Lunsford says. "You put so much work into it. Guys have 365 days a year to actually put their product on the field 12 times guaranteed. So anytime we win a football game, we're going to celebrate it."

What a celebration would be in store if the Eagles can upset #2 Clemson Saturday. Georgia Southern kicks off against the Tigers at 3:30 p.m from Clemson’s Memorial Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN2.