Georgia Southern defeated Appalachian State 29-10 in the Birmingham Bowl on December 29, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama, securing their first bowl win since 2020 and capping a strong season. The Eagles dominated with a powerful rushing attack and solid defense, beating their rivals for the second time this year after a close November matchup.
Eagles Dominate Rival Mountaineers
The game started with Georgia Southern taking control early. They built a lead that Appalachian State could not overcome, thanks to key plays on both sides of the ball.
OJ Arnold led the charge with 152 rushing yards on just 11 carries, including a massive 58-yard run that set up a score. This performance highlighted the Eagles’ ground game strength, which has been a cornerstone of their success under coach Clay Helton.
Appalachian State, finishing at 5-8, struggled offensively. They managed only 10 points, with their lone touchdown coming from a rushing score by Matthew Wilson late in the first half.
The Mountaineers entered the bowl with a 5-7 regular season record but earned a spot due to opt-outs from other teams. This unusual path added intrigue, as they faced a familiar foe in Georgia Southern, who ended at 7-6.
Standout Players and Game-Changing Moments
Terrance Gibbs and Weston Bryant each scored rushing touchdowns for Georgia Southern, while JC French IV connected on a 32-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Sanders Jr. These plays extended the lead to 26-7 in the third quarter.
Field goals from Tripp Bryant, at 23, 36, and 27 yards, provided crucial points. The Eagles’ defense shone by forcing turnovers, including four interceptions from Appalachian State’s quarterbacks.
Matthew Wilson threw for 128 yards but had two picks, while adding 110 rushing yards. Noah Gillon, the starter, completed just four passes for 64 yards with two interceptions.
This victory marks Georgia Southern’s fourth straight bowl appearance, a program first. It also avenges and repeats their 25-23 win over Appalachian State on November 6.
Fans celebrated the “Deeper Than Hate” rivalry win, with social media buzzing about the Eagles’ dominance in both meetings this season.
Notre Dame Locks in Coach Freeman
In other college football news, Notre Dame has restructured head coach Marcus Freeman’s contract, ensuring he returns for the 2026 season. This move comes amid rumors of NFL interest, but Freeman chose to stay with the Fighting Irish.
Freeman, 39, boasts a 43-12 record over four-plus seasons, including a 34-7 mark in the last three years. The team set a school record with 14 wins in 2024, reaching the national title game.
The extension runs through 2031, with improved terms. Freeman signaled his commitment on social media, posting “2026… run it back.”
Notre Dame opted out of a bowl this year after missing the playoff despite a 10-win streak following an 0-2 start. They expect to return key players like quarterback CJ Carr and a top defense.
This stability positions Notre Dame as a contender next season, building on recent success.
Ohio State Gears Up for Cotton Bowl Showdown
Defending national champions Ohio State prepare to face Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on December 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. The second-seeded Buckeyes, at 12-1, aim to advance toward another title.
Ohio State returns to the venue where they won a semifinal last year against Texas. This marks their third straight Cotton Bowl, but with higher stakes in the expanded 12-team playoff.
Miami, the No. 10 seed at 11-2, enters as a playoff first-timer after beating Texas A&M 10-3 in the first round. The Hurricanes seek their first national title since 2001.
Coach Mario Cristobal emphasized team resilience after a mid-season slump, including a loss to SMU. They rallied with a five-game win streak to reach this stage.
Both teams feature accurate quarterbacks: Ohio State’s Julian Sayin (78.4% completion, 3,323 yards, 31 TDs) and Miami’s Carson Beck (74.5% completion, 3,175 yards, 26 TDs). Each has championship experience from prior roles.
Key Stats from Recent Bowl Action
The bowl season has delivered exciting matchups and surprises. Here are some notable statistics from games around the time of the Birmingham Bowl:
- Georgia Southern’s rushing total: 250 yards, led by Arnold’s explosive runs.
- Appalachian State’s turnovers: 4 interceptions, which proved costly.
- Notre Dame’s 2024 defense: Ranked top in the nation for yards and points allowed.
- Ohio State’s playoff path: First-round bye after a 10-13 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten title game.
- Miami’s turnaround: From 5-2 to 11-2, including a playoff win.
Bowl Season Trends and Predictions
Experts predict a close Cotton Bowl, with Ohio State favored by 7.5 points and a total of around 54.5. Models suggest the Buckeyes’ experience gives them an edge.
Other recent bowls saw Penn State and Virginia secure big wins, adding to the postseason drama. The expanded playoff has included underdogs like 5-7 Appalachian State, sparking debate on selection criteria.
| Bowl Game | Winner | Score | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Bowl | Georgia Southern | 29-10 | Arnold’s 152 rushing yards |
| Music City Bowl | Penn State | 28-13 | Strong defensive stand |
| Holiday Bowl | Virginia | 35-24 | Late touchdown drive |
| Cotton Bowl (Upcoming) | TBD | N/A | Quarterback duel expected |
This table shows how teams have performed in key games, with trends favoring balanced offenses.
College football fans have much to discuss as the playoff continues. Share your thoughts on the Birmingham Bowl outcome or predictions for Ohio State versus Miami in the comments below, and spread the word by sharing this article with fellow enthusiasts.
