The stage was set for a classic southern showdown as the Georgia Southern Eagles and Appalachian State Mountaineers clashed once again in the 2025 Birmingham Bowl, held at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, on Monday, December 29. This matchup was more than just another bowl game—it was the latest chapter in the storied “Deeper Than Hate” rivalry, a contest that has fueled passions and produced fireworks for decades. With kickoff at 2 p.m. ET and the game broadcast live on ESPN, fans across the country tuned in to see if the Eagles could claim their first bowl victory under head coach Clay Helton or if the Mountaineers would exact revenge for their narrow defeat earlier in the season.
Georgia Southern entered the bowl with a 6-6 regular-season record and a 4-4 mark in Sun Belt Conference play. The Eagles’ season had been a rollercoaster: a rocky 2-4 start, including losses to powerhouses like USC and James Madison, was followed by a midseason surge that saw them clinch bowl eligibility with wins over rivals such as Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, and, crucially, Appalachian State. Their offense, led by quarterback J.C. French IV and running back O.J. Arnold, was among the conference’s most potent, averaging 27.8 points and 400.6 yards per game. Wide receiver Camden Brown had emerged as a star, leading the Sun Belt with 14 touchdown catches and over 1,000 receiving yards.
But as potent as the Eagles’ offense was, their defense had been a glaring weakness. Georgia Southern ranked last in the Sun Belt in yards allowed (465.2 per game) and second-to-last in points allowed (34.2 per game). The struggles led to sweeping changes on the defensive staff, with coordinator Brandon Bailey and linebackers coach Alex Garwig being relieved of their duties after the regular season. Graduate assistants and secondary coach Darius Safford were left to patch together a stop unit for the bowl game—a daunting task against any opponent, let alone a motivated Mountaineers squad.
Appalachian State, meanwhile, arrived in Birmingham with a 5-7 record—securing their bowl spot only after several other programs turned down invitations. First-year head coach Dowell Loggains had seen his team start strong at 4-2, but a late-season collapse, marked by five losses in their last six games, left the Mountaineers limping into bowl season. To complicate matters, both starting quarterbacks—AJ Swann and JJ Kohl—entered the transfer portal before the bowl, forcing App State to turn to true freshman Noah Dillon and defensive back Matthew Wilson to share quarterback duties. The team was also missing key contributors on defense, including leading tackler DJ Burks, who also entered the portal.
Despite these setbacks, the Mountaineers were determined to make the most of their opportunity. As one preview noted, “Congratulations to Appalachian State, which, despite finishing 5-7, clinched a spot in the Birmingham Bowl after several programs declined the invitation. The Mountaineers get a chance to end their season on a high note and avenge a November loss to conference rival Georgia Southern.”
The game itself saw Georgia Southern jump out to an early lead, echoing their fast start in the teams’ November meeting. The Eagles opened the scoring with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Terrance Gibbs, taking a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Appalachian State had a chance to answer but missed a 46-yard field goal after penalties pushed them back. The Eagles extended their lead in the second quarter with a 23-yard field goal, making it 10-0.
App State finally found the end zone in the second quarter, as Matthew Wilson—playing out of position at quarterback—scored on a 7-yard rushing touchdown. But turnovers began to mount for the Mountaineers. By halftime, Georgia Southern led 13-7, with App State’s two interceptions proving costly.
The third quarter belonged to the Eagles. Freshman quarterback Weston Bryan capped off a quick drive with a 3-yard rushing touchdown, and a two-point conversion attempt came up just short, making it 19-7. Georgia Southern’s defense continued to capitalize on App State’s mistakes, as Dorrian Smith intercepted his second pass of the day. According to live updates from The Augusta Chronicle, “Another turnover by Appalachian State stalls promising drive 3Q. 10:19: Dorrian Smith picks off his second pass on the day as the Mountaineers turn the ball over yet again.”
Moments later, J.C. French IV connected with Marcus Sanders Jr. for a 32-yard touchdown pass, extending the Eagles’ lead to 26-7. The Mountaineers managed a field goal to cut the deficit to 26-10, but the damage was done. Georgia Southern added a 27-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to seal the 29-10 victory.
The statistics told the story of a game where turnovers made all the difference. Appalachian State actually outgained the Eagles in total offense, 379 yards to 413, but four interceptions—three by the quarterback duo of Dillon and Wilson—proved insurmountable. Georgia Southern’s defense, much maligned throughout the season, delivered when it mattered most. Defensive back Dorrian Smith’s two interceptions highlighted a career day, and Devin Collier added a late pick to snuff out any hope of a Mountaineers comeback.
On offense, J.C. French IV threw for 171 yards and a touchdown, while O.J. Arnold was a force on the ground, rushing for 152 yards. Sanders Jr. led the receiving corps with 72 yards and a score. For Appalachian State, Wilson finished with 238 total yards and a touchdown, but his two interceptions, along with another thrown by Dillon, were costly.
After the game, French IV summed up the significance of the win: “It meant everything, I’m so happy for our guys, and you know winning a bowl game is special.” The victory marked Georgia Southern’s first bowl triumph in the Clay Helton era, a milestone four years in the making and a much-needed boost for a program seeking to build momentum heading into 2026.
The 2025 Birmingham Bowl will be remembered for its drama, its rivalry, and its unexpected heroes. For Georgia Southern, it was a night to celebrate resilience, opportunistic defense, and the sweet taste of victory over a hated foe. For Appalachian State, it was a tough end to a season filled with adversity—but also a testament to their willingness to fight, no matter the odds.
With the final whistle, the Eagles soared above their rivals, 29-10, in a game that lived up to the “Deeper Than Hate” billing. As both teams look ahead to next season, the rivalry—and the memories of this Birmingham Bowl—will no doubt linger.
