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Senior quarterback Shai Werts was a game time decision, but that decision could not have gone better for the Georgia Southern Eagles who embarrassed the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 38-3 in the New Orleans Bowl on Saturday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Werts was magnificent operating GaSo’s patented option offense, rushing 15 times for 71 yards and three touchdowns, while going 7-of-12 through the air for 126 yards and another score. Georgia Southern (8-5) averaged 6.5 yards per play including 5.6 yards per carry.
The Eagles defense forced four Louisiana Tech (5-5) turnovers, and held the Bulldogs to just 3.5 yards per play. Quarterback Aaron Allen, filling in for starter Luke Anthony, looked overwhelmed at times going 10-24 as a passer for just 41 yards and three interceptions. The lone bright spot was running back Israel Tucker, who had 20 carries for 123 yards.
With Werts eligible to return to Statesboro in 2021, it should be a fun offseason for GATA fans with thoughts of a Sun Belt Championship on their minds.
The Eagles were seven-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook at kickoff, and the total of 48 fell short thanks to an incomplete pass with two seconds remaining in the back of the end zone to Praise Okorie.