Quarterbacks Kevin Ellison and Favian Upshaw, and running backs Matt Breida and L.A. Ramsby return from an offense that led the nation in rushing yards per game (363) and rushing touchdowns (54). Summers, though, stressed there should be some thought directed toward the passing game after Ellison and Upshaw combined for four touchdowns and 10 interceptions last year.

Offensive Edge

Having every major contributor back from the nation’s top running attack has Summers believing the Eagles can hit the 10-win mark after reaching nine in the first two seasons in the FBS.

Savannah State is run-heavy as well, but it doesn’t possess even close to the amount of talent as Georgia Southern. The Tigers scored a total of 14 touchdowns from scrimmage last year.

Advantage: Georgia Southern

Defensive Edge

The Eagles lost more of their secondary, but only one starting linebacker is gone and Jonathan Battle, Darrius Sapp and Bernard Dawson should help provide a solid front line against the run.

Savannah State gave up at least 42 points seven times last year.

Advantage: Georgia Southern

Special Teams Edge

The Eagles will have the advantage in this category more often than not with Breida and Ramsby returning kicks.

Advantage: Georgia Southern

Coaching Edge

Summers has a defensive background and previously spent time at Georgia Southern in 2006 as safeties coach. He’ll leave the play-calling duties to co-offensive coordinators Rance Gillespie and David Dean.

Erik Raeburn is the latest coach Savannah State has brought on to try and get the program rolling. After 16 seasons at the Division III level, Raeburn comes to a Tigers team that hasn’t won more than one game since 2009 – when it won two.

Advantage: Georgia Southern

Georgia Southern vs. Savannah State Betting Odds

Spread: No line
Over/Under: No line

Georgia Southern vs. Savannah State Prediction

This one is going to get ugly.

Georgia Southern vs. Savannah State Score Prediction: Georgia Southern 65, Savannah State 13

MORE: 2016 Preseason College Football Rankings, No. 1-128