The rivalry known as “Deeper Than Hate” between Georgia Southern (7-6) and Appalachian State (5-8) put its hate on full display during the 2025 Birmingham Bowl on Monday, Dec. 29. However, the Mountaineers’ hatred wasn’t enough to power them to a win as the Eagles were able to defeat their longtime rivals 29-10.
The win was Georgia Southern’s first bowl game win during the Clay Helton era through four years at the helm.
A strong third quarter for the Eagles saw them score two touchdowns to take a 16-point lead. That offensive outburst put them in the driver's seat. Meanwhile for the Mountaineers, turnovers kept them from the end zone on multiple drives throughout the game.
“It meant everything, I’m so happy for our guys, and you know winning a bowl game is special,” Georgia Southern QB J.C. French IV said on the ESPN broadcast after the victory.
The two teams played each other back in Week 11 in a game that ended in a 25-23 Georgia Southern win. Since then, many of Appalachian State’s players either opted out for the game or already put their name in the transfer portal. As a result, the Mountaineers were short handed for this one.
They especially felt that under center as they were without their first and second string quarterbacks. Instead, the Mountaineers relied on true freshman Noah Dillon and defensive back Matthew Wilson to share quarterback duties.
That didn’t bode well for Appalachian State as the duo threw a combined three interceptions and only managed to reach the end zone once in this matchup. Those turnovers were blemishes on what otherwise was an effective Mountaineers offense. They had 379 total yards of offense in comparison to the Eagles’ 413.
Many of those turnovers came after big chunk plays that left Appalachian State near or in the red zone. Georgia Southern defensive back Dorrian Smith had two of those interceptions in what was a career day for him.
French IV threw for 171 yards and a touchdown. Running back O.J. Arnold rushed for 152 yards. Wideout Marcus Sanders Jr. had 72 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Wilson had 238 total yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions on the evening as well.
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