What a whirlwind the last 24 hours has been. The Braves are world champions and Georgia Southern football has a new coach in former USC head coach Clay Helton, a name many didn't consider until it quickly surfaced and became official. Matt and Cody discuss the hire and its impact on recruiting, the future of the triple option and the potential for Georgia Southern football under Coach Helton. Show Notes: Clay Helton Is the Choice: Initial Reaction Recruiting, Timing and Impact Offensive Philosop...
Nov 03, 2021•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 87
After a break from the bye week, GATA Talk is back! There is a TON to talk about, including conference realignment and a new and improved Sun Belt, the Georgia Southern coaching search and whether or not Georgia State is a rival. Show Notes: Conference Realignment Recap Sun Belt Adds Four: Now Best G5 Conference Matt's Top Three Coaches He Doesn't Want Georgia State: A Rival Whether We Like It or Not
Oct 27, 2021•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 86
Another week brings more off-the-field drama to discuss. Matt and Cody talk about the removal of Gavin Adcock from the team, the heartbreaking loss against Troy and what Georgia Southern needs to do to turn things around on a short week as the Eagles head back to the Yellowhammer State to face the South Alabama Jaguars. Show Notes: Gavin Adcock Dismissed: Comes Down to Respect for the Blue and White Troy Recap: What Went Right and What Went Wrong Is It Time to Play Cam Ransom More? South Alabama...
Oct 12, 2021•42 min•Ep. 85
Georgia Southern is 1-0 in the Kevin Whitley era after a blowout win over Arkansas State to improve to 1-1 in Sun Belt play and 2-3 on the season. Matt and Cody discuss the game, what felt different with the team and the test the lies ahead on the road against a tough Troy defense. Show Notes: Arkansas State Win: Team Responds Well and Shows Out for Four Quarters Breaking Negative Streaks: Turnovers and Third-Quarter Scoring Logan Wright's Big Day Soul of the Team: NaJee Thompson, Logan Wright &...
Oct 06, 2021•42 min•Ep. 84
Georgia Southern becomes just the third FBS team this season to fire its head coach. A viral video of player misconduct seemed to force the issue of head coach Chad Lunsford's dismissal following a 1-3 start to the season. Matt and Cody discuss the decision, the bus surfing video, interim coach Kevin Whitley, where the team goes from here and the future of Georgia Southern's offensive scheme in this jam-packed episode. Show Notes: The Chad Lunsford Era Is Over Bus Controversy a Discipline and a ...
Sep 28, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 83
Georgia Southern is limping into Sun Belt Conference play at 1-2 on the season following a 45-10 loss to a ranked Arkansas team. As the Eagles return home to Paulson Stadium, Matt and Cody discuss what it will take to turn things around, break down the few positives from the blowout in Fayetteville and preview the conference opener against Louisiana. Show Notes: Back-to-Back 30+ Point Losses: A First for GS Arkansas May Not Be Our Biggest Test of the Season It's Completely Acceptable to Compare ...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 82
In perhaps the most emotional episode of GATA Talk to date, Matt and Cody discuss Georgia Southern's blowout loss to FAU, a divided fan base and what it all means moving forward. Show Notes: FAU: What Went Wrong? College Football Is a Business and Fans Are Allowed to Be Critical Lose the Slogans, Props and Gimmicks and Return to GS Football Arkansas: Shocking Upset or 70-point Blowout - Could Go Either Way
Sep 13, 2021•43 min•Ep. 81
It wasn't pretty, but Georgia Southern got its first win of 2021 against FCS Gardner-Webb. Matt and Cody discuss why the five-point win is concerning moving forward and why this game shouldn't be written off with the "a win is a win" attitude. The guys also preview FAU in what will be a long game for the Eagles if things don't improve significantly. Show Notes: Why a Five-Point Win Against a Pedestrian Big South School Won't Cut It This Game Is Not the Same as the Campbell Nail-biter Last Year B...
Sep 09, 2021•56 min•Ep. 80
It's GAME WEEK!!! In our third and final 2021 season preview episode, Matt and Cody go game by game, breaking down the upcoming Georgia Southern football season. Topics include the QB battle, COVID vaccinations and a preview of our season opener against Gardner-Webb. Show Notes: Scrimmage No. 2 Thoughts, Todd Bradley-Glenn Injury and COVID Vaccinations Our New Favorite Quote: 'Stats Are For Losers' - Chad Lunsford Game-by-Game Breakdown: Wins, Losses, Toss Ups and Storylines Predictions: Win-Los...
Aug 31, 2021•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 79
As we inch closer to the 2021 Georgia Southern football season, the guys break down the Eagles' offense, defense and special teams units. Eight starters return on both sides of the ball. Who will be breakout players, who will be the X factor and how will the units come together as we gear up for a challenging 2021 schedule? Show Notes: Special Teams Preview: Beck, Kicking Duties, Returns & LS Questions Defense Preview: Baker Jr., Canteen, Wade, Birdsong, Wright and Ellis Offense Preview: Up ...
Aug 20, 2021•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 78
Take two! After recording the night before the Justin Tomlin news, we called and audible and decided to record our 2021 season preview a second time. Matt and Cody take your Twitter questions about the quarterback situation, the outlook of the Georgia Southern offense and if it is championship or bust for the Eagles and head coach Chad Lunsford this season. Show Notes: We're Good at a lot of Things, Timing Isn't One of Them Breaking Down the GS QB Situation Who Starts Game One: Cam Ransom or Sam...
Aug 10, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 77
Breaking news leads to an impromptu episode of GATA Talk! All signs point to the College Football Playoff expanding from four teams to 12, including guaranteeing at least one spot for a Group of Five champion. Matt and Cody discuss what this means for the Sun Belt, Georgia Southern and football as a whole. Show Notes: What Would a 12-Team Format Look Like? 2020 Would Have Featured Two G5 Schools Expansion's Impact on Recruiting, Transfer Portal and NIL Could Georgia Southern Make a 12-Team Playo...
Jun 14, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 76
Your favorite Georgia Southern football podcast is back for Season 4! And buckle up, Eagle Nation, because it's a long one. Matt and Cody discuss everything from basketball (as promised) to FCS spring football to a clearer QB competition coming out of spring camp. Show Notes: Life News: Baby No. 3 for Cody and Matt Moving Out West Men's and Women's Basketball Season Recaps FCS Spring Football: The Lack of Attention Is Warranted Georgia Southern Spring Camp and Spring Game Recap No James Graham f...
May 03, 2021•1 hr 58 min•Season 4Ep. 75
After a break for the holidays, GATA Talk is back for our Season 3 finale! And boy do we have plenty to talk about, including the New Orleans Bowl, offensive coaching changes, the transfer portal, Shai Werts' legacy and how the Sun Belt Conference grew stronger in the offseason. Show Notes: We're Now on PayPal: Consider Tipping Your Favorite Podcasters ( Link ) New Orleans Bowl Recap Shai Werts' Legacy at Georgia Southern Coaching Changes: Offensive Overhaul and What It Means Transfer Portal: Pl...
Jan 21, 2021•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 74
So much to talk about has led to our longest episode EVER! Matt and Cody touch on recruiting, the App State loss, the regular season as a whole and preview the New Orleans Bowl matchup with Louisiana Tech. Show Notes: Achieving the Improbable: 12 Regular Season Games in 2020 National Signing Day: Highly-Rated Recruits and Transfers App State Recap: Mosely, Plungers and What Went Wrong Regular Season Recap: 7-5 and Potential for 2021 New Orleans Bowl: Battle of the Backup QBs Rest of the Sun Belt...
Dec 17, 2020•2 hr•Ep. 73
It's App State Hate Week...again. For the first time in eight years, Georgia Southern will play their arch rival on a Saturday. Matt and Cody recap the FAU game, positives and negatives they saw with the "new" offense and what it will take to pick up a third straight win against the goat-loving Mountaineers from Boone. Show Notes: This One's for You, Brant from Metter! FAU Recap: Defense Shows Up and Shows Out Thoughts on Justin Tomlin and the Up-Tempo Ruse Offense A Way Too In-Depth Debate Abou...
Dec 09, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 72
Let's try this again, shall we? Shane Marinelli, FAU insider and host of Inside the Burrow , joins the pod once again to discuss the Owls ahead of Saturday's rescheduled game. We asked Shane about the COVID-19 situation at FAU, breaking in a true freshman QB and his thoughts on why the defense has been so strong this year. Show Notes: COVID-19 in Boca: FAU Has Had SEVEN Games Cancelled or Postponed Shane's Thoughts on QB Javion Posey and What He Brings to the Offense FAU Defense a Surprise in 20...
Dec 04, 2020•30 min•Ep. 71
For the second straight week there is plenty to discuss in the world of Georgia Southern football. Following a lose to (rival?) Georgia State, head coach Chad Lunsford made a change at the offensive coordinator position, relieving Bob DeBesse of his duties and moving former OC Doug Ruse into the interim role. Matt and Cody discuss what Ruse may bring to the offense, what our depleted defense may look like moving forward and what it will take to beat a very good FAU team. Show Notes: DeBesse Out:...
Dec 02, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 70
So much to talk about this week, so buckle up! Matt and Cody discuss the letdown against Army, the final drive, potentially losing several key players to legal issues, and whether Georgia State is a true rival. Show Notes: Luck Finally Works Against Eagles in Army Loss Special Teams a Growing Concern Offense: The Case to Make a Change Now and Why We Won't The Final Drive and the Decision Not to Kick Werts vs. Tomlin and the Future of the QB Position Wesley Kennedy, C.J. Wright and others Arreste...
Nov 25, 2020•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 69
After another close win to improve to 6-2 on the season, Georgia Southern hits the road to face an unfamiliar opponent with a very familiar head coach. Matt and Cody break down the 40-38 win against Texas State and preview Saturday's big matchup with Army and Jeff Monken. Show Notes: Another Squeaker: Positives and Negatives on All Three Phases Georgia Southern 2020 Is a Gem for Networks and Third-Party Viewers Room for Improvement: Red Zone Efficiency and Explosive Plays Is Special Teams a Conc...
Nov 19, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 68
It came down to the wire once again, but Georgia Southern came away with it's fifth win of the 2020 season last week, beating troy for the first time in four tries. Now the Eagles set their sights on the Texas State Bobcats, a team with more talent and offensive firepower than their record would lead you to believe. Show Notes: Defense Shows Up and Shows Out Once Again Shout Outs for Stellar Performances Offense Racking Up Yards and Controlling Clock, But Not Scoring TDs Previewing Texas State: ...
Nov 11, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 67
Georgia Southern squeaked out another victory Oct. 29 against South Alabama to improve to 4-2 on the season and 2-2 in Sun Belt Conference play. The Eagles now welcome Troy for Homecoming in a game that will test the defensive secondary and the stagnant GS offense. Show Notes: A Public Apology to Scott Sloan and the Defense Offense Still Lacks Identity, Consistency and "Kill" Mentality Good Start, But Feed. Kennedy. More! Troy Will Test Our Defense with Up-Tempo Passing Game We'll Need At Least ...
Nov 05, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 66
On a short week with South Alabama coming to Statesboro for a Thursday night, nationally televised battle, Matt and Cody recap the abysmal offensive showing in the loss against Coastal Carolina and what it will take to not lose our third conference game of the year against the Jaguars. Show Notes: It Was Offense, Not Defense That Led to the Coastal Loss Kept Going to a Dry Well on the Passing Game Should Tomlin Play More? Game Likely More Lopsided If McCall Plays We're Regressing When Majority o...
Oct 27, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 65
Georgia Southern got the convincing, dominate win it has been looking for all season. Yes, it came against UMass, but it was the type of game the Eagles needed to gain some confidence and work out some kinks as GS prepares for one of its biggest tests of the season in No. 25 Coastal Carolina. Show Notes: Georgia Southern Finally Plays Four Quarters and Finishes Result Doesn't Change Outlook Much for Coastal Carolina Uptempo or Ball Control? ULM and UMass Were 8-8 on 4th Down Conversions: That Ca...
Oct 21, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 64
Only in 2020 would we be talking about a game that was scheduled less than 10 days from kickoff. Georgia Southern is now back to 12 games on its schedule after booking its seventh home game. Now, instead of an improbable three-week bye, the Eagles will host UMass Oct. 17. Show Notes: Jared Benko Is a Miracle Worker You Don't Book UMass Unless You're Confident We'll Win Getting to Know the Minutemen We Need a Blowout Victory — But What Would That Ultimately Mean? Will Playing UMass Help of Hurt O...
Oct 14, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 63
They say football is a game of inches. That was the case Oct. 3 as Georgia Southern narrowly escaped Monroe, Louisiana, with a win. Matt and Cody break down what went wrong in the final 20 minutes of the game and where we go from here, including some unknowns with our next opponent. Show Notes: Cardiac Eagles Theme Continues Offense Played Well Other Than Final Two Drives Why Were King and Kennedy Not Out for the Final Drive? Defense: Why Can't We Close out Halves and Games? Problems with Defens...
Oct 07, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 62
It wasn't the final result we wanted, but there are a lot of positives to take away from last week's 20-18 loss to a ranked Louisiana team. Will Georgia Southern be able to maintain the same intensity this week against a bad ULM team as the Eagles head back to the Bayou State for the second straight week? Show Notes: Finding Positives in a Gut-wrenching Loss Key Moving Forward Is Consistency and Finishing Drives Offensive Play Calling and Getting Kennedy Touches Defensive Play Improved The Catch...
Oct 01, 2020•59 min•Ep. 61
Things just got very interesting! With the news breaking that the No. 19 Louisiana Ragin Cajuns will be without some key starters for Saturday's game, we welcome in Josh from the Ragin Review Podcast, the fan podcast of Louisiana football. Show Notes: Beyond Elijah Mitchell: Key Starters Out for Cajuns How Will a Young and Inexperienced Louisiana Secondary Factor in? Depth Behind Mitchell: How Much of a Drop off Is There? Shai Werts Could Have a Big Game Perception of Georgia Southern Amongst Lo...
Sep 25, 2020•48 min•Ep. 60
After an unanticipated "bye week," Georgia Southern hits the road for the first time in 2020 to open Sun Belt Conference play against No. 19 Louisiana. Was the postponed FAU game a blessing in disguise? How healthy of a team will we see back against the Ragin' Cajuns, and can the Eagles pull off the upset and get the third win over a ranked opponent in the FBS era? Matt and Cody discuss these topics and more! Show Notes: Was FAU Postponement a Positive or Negative? Campbell Looked Like an Inferi...
Sep 22, 2020•53 min•Ep. 59
The Georgia Southern game against Florida Atlantic has been postponed after a slew of positive COVID-19 tests from players and coaches within the FAU program. Shane Marinelli, FAU insider and host of Inside the Burrow , joins Matt to shed some light on the situation and discuss why the game was postponed less than 30 hours before kickoff. The Eagles now look ahead to opening Sun Belt play on the road against reigning West Division champs Louisiana Sept. 26. Show Notes: Welcome FAU Insider Shane ...
Sep 18, 2020•31 min•Ep. 58
