Five questions

Last year began as a public relations nightmare for Georgia Southern coach Mike Sewak.

He fired defensive coordinator Rusty Russell after the 2004 season, drawing the ire of Russell's father - legendary coach Erk Russell.

The Eagles, coming off a 7-4 season, also missed the playoffs for the first time since 1996. Sewak overcame the firestorm of controversy by leading Georgia Southern to a 9-3 mark, an eighth Southern Conference title and a return to postseason play.

Here are five questions to ponder before the Eagles begin their season Sept. 3 against Northeastern:

1. After a shaky 2004 off-season, is Sewak back in good graces?

Sewak bought time with his two-win improvement last season. For now, he's off the hot seat. Things can change in a hurry, though.

The Eagles return just 11 starters, but they'll still be expected to win a conference title and make a playoff appearance. Losing in the first round of the playoffs, as Georgia Southern did to New Hampshire last season, remains unacceptable.

Until he leads Georgia Southern to a national championship, Sewak will remain in Paul Johnson's shadow.

2. What's in store for Jayson Foster?

Foster was Mr. Excitement last season, scoring touchdowns five different ways. He scored nine touchdowns by returning a kickoff, returning a punt, throwing a pass, catching two passes and rushing for four scores.

The Southern Conference Freshman of the Year takes over for Chaz Williams at quarterback. Foster, a dual-threat quarterback in high school, should make a seamless transition.

As a sophomore, Foster shows an amazing physical prowess. He runs a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and squats 425 pounds.

He will be a lethal weapon for Georgia Southern as long as he avoids mental mistakes.

3. Can the offense continue racking up points, as it did in 2004?

The Eagles finished first in the nation, averaging 47 points per game last season. Their lowest point total came in a 29-22 loss at Furman.

The team returns five players on offense, including fullback Jermaine Austin. Austin gained 988 yards last year after two 1,400-yard seasons.

Foster and Austin will run behind a line that returns two starters. Right guard Chad Motte and center Lance Wayne are all-conference performers who dominate opponents, but there are questions at left guard and the two tackle positions.

4. Can the defense pick up where it left off last season?

Georgia Southern sported the league's top rushing defense in 2004 and allowed fewer than 19 points per game.

The Eagles did allow 27 or more points in each of their final three games, two of which were comeback losses.

The team returns two linebackers and its entire secondary, but must replace all of the defensive line. How soon the front four develop will determine Georgia Southern's defensive success.

5. Can Georgia Southern make another run at a national championship?

The Eagles own six NCAA Division I-AA titles. It appears that number will remain unchanged this season.

Georgia Southern will have tough non-conference match-ups against Northeastern and McNeese State. But the team faces a favorable slate of games the rest of the way. The Eagles went 7-1 last season against their returning opponents. A playoff appearance should be an easy task. But the Eagles have not advanced past the third round of postseason play in five seasons.

- Chris Gay

2005 schedule

Date Opponent Location TV/Time

Sept. 3 Northeastern Boston CSS/2 p.m.

Sept. 10 McNeese State Statesboro, Ga. 6 p.m.

Sept. 17 Wofford Spartanburg, S.C. CSS/7 p.m.

Sept. 24 Chattanooga Statesboro, Ga. 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 Elon Elon, N.C. 2 p.m.

Oct. 8 Western Carolina Statesboro, Ga. CSS/Noon

Oct. 15 Appalachian State Boone, N.C. FSN/3:30 p.m.

*Oct. 22 The Citadel Statesboro, Ga. CSS/3:30 p.m.

Oct. 29 South Dakota State Brookings, S.D. 2 p.m.

Nov. 5 Furman Statesboro, Ga. FSN/4 p.m.

Nov. 12 Morehead State Statesboro, Ga. 1 p.m.

* denotes Homecoming

Driving directions

From Augusta: Turn onto Gordon Highway and merge onto U.S. 25 South/Georgia-121 South and followon U.S. 25 South/Georgia-121 South. Turn right onto U.S.-301/U.S.-25/Jones Lane Memorial Hwy/Georgia-67/Georgia-73.

Source: www.mapquest.com