In their first two games of the 2026 season, the Georgia Southern football team had shown a solid defense but struggled on offense and special teams. Last Saturday, the Eagles lost a 17-point second half lead and all three phases of the game had critical issues that led to a 31-27 loss.
“In a game we knew was probably going to be a battle, we played really good as a team for three quarters,” said coach Clay Helton. “Unfortunately, we did not play to our standard in the fourth quarter. We missed some attention to detail plays that ultimately cost us the football game. I think we are playing hard but as we get into conference play, you have to be able to put four quarters together.”
One of the Eagles biggest issues this year actually goes back to the last six games of last season. They have only scored 19 total points in fourth quarter of their last nine games including being held scoreless in the fourth in all three games this year.
“It is something that we have to do a better job of offensively,” Helton said. “We talk about being able to play from A to B from start to finish and I think right now we are starting really fast and we hope in the future we can continue the same standard of play that we started the game with.”
Saturday, the Eagles host Houston in a game with plenty of storylines. The Eagles will be hosting their first Power 4 opponent and the Cougars come in ranked 25th in the country. Houston is led by Willie Fritz, the only coach in Georgia Southern history to win a Sun Belt championship. In addition, Clay Helton played quarterback at Houston for his father Kim, who was head coach from 1993-99.
“We are welcoming coach Fritz and his team back to Paulson Stadium,” Helton said. “He is a great coach and is beloved for what a great job he did here. This will also introduce a Top-25 team and a Power 4 team to Paulson Stadium for the first time, which makes it a special game. This is why we come to Georgia Southern to play in these types of games so you welcome these opportunities.”
Not only is the University of Houston a special place for Helton, but the town as well.
“Houston is a special place for me and my family,” Helton said. “I first came to Houston when my dad was coaching the Houston Oilers in the NFL. I got to meet my high school sweetheart Ms. Angela there and we’ve been together 32 years. I got to play for my dad, which is a special memory and witness him win a conference championship at the University of Houston. There are so many relationships that were built there and a lot of them will be coming out for the game Saturday.”
Eagle starting quarterback Max Johnson came out of the gate pretty strong with 281 yards passing and one touchdown in three quarters of play in his Georgia Southern debut against Charleston Southern. He followed that with 244 yards and one touchdown against Clemson and then only 187 yards with no scores and an interception against Jacksonville St.
Meanwhile quarterback Weston Bryan scored all three Eagle touchdowns against JSU. Bryan’s touchdowns all happened in the first half and he failed to take a snap in the second half, in which the Eagle offense struggled and scored only a field goal.
“Weston is growing as a quarterback,” Helton said. “He is progressing as an every-down quarterback. We used him several times last year and we will continue to use him several times this year. He is an asset to this football team and someone I can see his package continuing to grow. We have a game plan for him in each and every game based on situations, so there won’t be any game we go into that he isn’t involved in.”
Houston comes in averaging more than 45 points per game and only give up 18 points per contest. Helton knows one of the keys to an upset will be to slow down quarterback Conner Weigman, who has more than 700 yards passing and seven touchdowns.
“They are probably the most complete team we have faced and it all starts with the quarterback,” Helton said. “He is probably one of the top five kids who are spinning the football in the country right now. He has elite arm talent along with the ability to create. Any time you have a team that is throwing for 260 yards and rushing for 260 yards, that is a special offense. They also have a solid defense and will probably be the team with the most experienced players we fill face this year.”
Houston and Georgia Southern are set for a 4 p.m. start at Paulson Stadium.
