Georgia State-Georgia Southern Rivalry Series Announced

A year after returning to the same conference, the Georgia State-Georgia Southern Rivalry Series was announced on Thursday by each school’s director of athletics.

The competition will include the 15 sports in which the two schools compete against each other, plus academics and community service components. At the end of each school year, the institution with the most points will be crowned the champion and receive the series trophy at the following year’s football game.

Leading up to the Georgia State-Georgia Southern football game in Statesboro on Dec. 5, details on the trophy, sponsorship and community service aspects will be announced.

Points will come from head-to-head match-ups and conference championship finishes, along with additional points being available in Sun Belt Conference tournament match-ups when the two rival schools meet in postseason play.

“A rivalry that already existed before last season definitely became more heated with several incredible match-ups, including the first game between the two schools on the football field,” Georgia State Director of Athletics Charlie Cobb said. “Awarding a trophy and bragging rights will only enhance the rivalry.”

“With the significant number of alumni that we have in the Atlanta area, and the pride that Eagle Nation displays toward Georgia Southern, a rivalry between Georgia State and Georgia Southern is a natural fit,” Georgia Southern Director of Athletics Tom Kleinlein said. “It only makes sense to bring Atlanta and Statesboro together and for the two areas to get excited when the Eagles and Panthers play in any sport. This series will give both fan bases a chance for bragging rights and will enhance the rivalry between these two great institutions.”

With the importance of college football in the south, the winner of the game, which this year is scheduled for Dec. 5, in Statesboro, will receive two points. All other match-ups will be worth one point, with each baseball and softball series being worth one total point. Schools will receive one point for sweeping the volleyball season series, or a half-point each for a split.

As a part of the scoring, the school that finishes with the highest department-wide GPA for fall and spring semesters combined will receive one additional point.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for each school will also select one community service project per semester to compete head-to-head in with the winning school receiving one point for each project.

Fans can learn about the point system, get news on upcoming games and follow the teams’ standings on both GeorgiaStateSports.com and GSEagles.com.

The first rivalry event is set for Oct. 7 in Statesboro when Georgia Southern hosts Georgia State in volleyball.