Georgia Southern won the Southern Conference for the eighth time last season, but that wasn't good enough for a program that bases its success on bigger trophies.
"I think our main motivation is the national championship," said Jack Sherman, a senior defensive end. "That's what we're looking for. That's what we're always looking for."
In 2004, the Eagles shared the conference title with Furman and finished 9-3 with a loss to New Hampshire in the first round of the I-AA playoffs.
It was the 22nd winning season in the last 23 years for the Eagles, who have won six national championships, most recently in 2000.
"The conference is great, but we want to win the national championship," Sherman said. "That's what motivates us every year."
Two years ago, Georgia Southern missed the playoffs and had to win its last three games for a modest 7-4 record. The Eagles opened last year with a loss at Georgia and then pounded eight straight I-AA opponents by an average score of 55-10.
In a key Southern Conference showdown, Georgia Southern lost at Furman 29-22. Two weeks later, the season ended with the loss to New Hampshire.
The Eagles set conference records with 564 points, 77 touchdowns and 16 passing touchdowns, but all that offense didn't lead to the ultimate prize.
"I think last year we competed but we should have gone a little farther," Sherman said.
Coach Mike Sewak lost 11 starters, including star quarterback Chaz Williams, who left Statesboro with conference records for most touchdowns in a season (38) and career (85). Williams signed with Green Bay as an undrafted free agent, hoping to land a spot as a running back.
"Chaz was an excellent quarterback," Sewak said. "As hard as he worked and as hard as he fought, the things he brought to the program were his leadership qualities on and off the field."
Sewak opens practice with sophomore Jayson Foster and junior Darius Smiley competing to direct Georgia Southern's triple-option offense. Neither won the starting quarterback job in spring workouts.
"From the very first day of practice, all eyes will be on the quarterback position," Sewak said. "We've led the nation in rushing four consecutive years. You have to have a good triggerman to do that. We know that guy will be the most scrutinized guy on the face of the earth."
Foster already is well-known to the league's coaches, who named him the Southern Conference's Freshman of the Year in 2004, when he played receiver, quarterback and returned kicks. He scored touchdowns on punt and kickoff returns, rushed for four touchdowns and caught TD passes. He also completed one pass - for a 54-yard touchdown.
Smiley missed a few days of spring practice with an injury.
"Jayson came out in the spring a little bit ahead because of Smiley's injury, but I would think it's not an insurmountable lead," Sewak said. "Both guys have had great summers in our offseason programs."
Foster and Smiley can lean on two experienced big-play veterans - junior receiver Teddy Craft and fullback Jermaine Austin.
Craft led the 2004 Eagles with 20 receptions for 482 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 24.1 yards per catch.
Austin led the ground game with 988 yards.
The big concern on defense is rebuilding the line, which lost four seniors.
Sherman, who had 14 tackles as a part-time starter, is one of the most experienced returning players on the line.
"His leadership is something we'll need for the rest of our young kids," Sewak said.
Junior defensive tackle Charrod Taylor and junior defensive end Shaheen Solomon played backup roles last year.
"We've all played in big games in big situations," Sherman said. "We know what it's like. We just have to come out and prove ourselves."
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On the Net:
Georgia Southern: http://athletics.georgiasouthern.edu/football.html
A look at the 2005 Georgia Southern Eagles:
COACH - Mike Sewak, fourth season, career record 27-10.
2004 RECORD - 9-3 overall, 6-1 Southern Conference (tied-first)
OFFENSE - Six starters return in the Eagles' spread, triple-option attack, but Sewak must replace QB Chaz Williams - a big reason Georgia Southern won its fourth straight I-AA rushing title last year. Darius Smiley and Jayson Foster were neck-and-neck to replace Williams. Senior FB Jermaine Austin rushed for 988 yards and was first-team All-Southern Conference. Other players to watch include WR Teddy Craft, also a top return specialist, and G Chad Motte.
DEFENSE - Five starters return in the 4-3 scheme, including third-team All-America FS A.J. Bryant. The secondary also boasts two all-conference picks - CB Terence McBride and SS Tariq Muhammad. Key concern is lack of experience on the defensive front.
OPENER - Sept. 3 at Northeastern.
OUTLOOK - After sharing the 2004 Southern Conference championship with Furman and returning to the I-AA playoffs, Georgia Southern wants to advance deeper in the playoffs. The Eagles always seem capable of reloading their running attack, but it won't be easy to replace Williams - who set conference records with 85 career touchdowns, including 62 rushing (the most for a QB). The Eagles should again be in the race for a national championship, though it will be difficult to make it through the conference without a loss.
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