Up in Boone, N.C., Appalachian State will earn a whopping $550,000 — an enormous guarantee for a Football Championship Subdivision team — for its Aug. 30 visit to LSU. Georgia Southern will also cash-in on a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent, making $260,000 for playing at Georgia on Aug. 30.
Money from guarantee games can be a crucial boost for athletic budgets, and thanks to Appalachian’s monumental upset of Michigan last September, some FCS teams have renewed optimism when approaching the lopsided matchups. Along with unprecedented media coverage for a school its size, ASU took home a $400,000 check for the Michigan game. Chattanooga will make $475,000 for going to Oklahoma and $460,000 for playing FSU.
“What Appalachian did last year obviously is in the back of everybody’s minds giving them a little hope that there’s a chance it can happen again,” Furman coach Bobby Lamb said Wednesday during an annual gathering of league coaches, players and media.
But there’s also the belief that ASU’s feat may make things harder for the next Cinderella, now that the big-schools know what’s possible.
“Teams are going to be ready for it,” said Chattanooga senior lineman William Giles, a Richmond Hill, Ga., native. “They are not going to let you slip up on them. LSU isn’t going to overlook Appalachian.”
As for Georgia Southern, the Eagles don’t expect to catch Georgia snoozing.
“I think they know who we are,” senior defensive back Chris Covington said. “We gave them a good game the last time we played them. I think it’s hard for anybody in the Southern Conference to sneak up on any team just because of the showing that all of us have put on. The Citadel went up and had a great showing against Wisconsin last year, and Furman always give Clemson a hard run.”
The Paladins, who’ll earn in the $325,000-range for their Sept. 6 game at Virginia Tech, have had success against big-conference opponents, notably a 25-point win over North Carolina in 1999. In 2004, Furman forced overtime with Pittsburgh before falling 41-38. Lamb said one FBS game a season is good but two is too many.
“Our kids get up for it, and they have a chance,” he said.
Players confirm they love the big-time matchups, particularly because it gives them opportunity to shine under the increased media and scout exposure.
“Opening with Georgia is a great thing,” GSU senior lineman Dio Herrera said. “I’m super excited and the rest of the guys are too.”
Preseason polls
SoCon coaches picked Georgia Southern to finish fourth in the nine-team league, behind three-time defending national champion Appalachian State, Elon and Wofford respectively. League media predicted the Eagles would be third, trailing ASU and Elon with Wofford in fourth. Furman, The Citadel, Chattanooga, Western Carolina and newcomer Samford rounded out bottom five spots in both polls.
All-SoCon honors
Georgia Southern defensive lineman Larry Beard and defensive backs Chris Covington and Carson Hill were first-team all-conference preseason picks along with placekicker Jesse Hartley. The Eagles didn’t have any all-conference selections on offense, where they’re replacing their entire starting backfield and line.
Appalachian quarterback Armanti Edwards was named the preseason offensive player of the year and teammate Pierre Banks was tabbed the top defensive individual.
Alex Pellegrino can be reached at (912) 489-9413.
