Georgia Southern Extra: Motivation not an issue when Eagles play Appalachian State

STATESBORO — Georgia Southern's Eldrick Robinson II has proven to be a quick study, zooming up the depth chart and becoming a starter as a true freshman.

The inside linebacker, who has started since the fourth game this season, is second on the team with 71 tackles and leads with two interceptions for the Eagles (3-8, 2-5 Sun Belt Conference).

It also didn't take him long to learn about the biggest rival for Georgia Southern — Appalachian State, the opponent this Saturday (2:30 p.m., ESPN+) at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, N.C.

"It's hate week," Robinson, a native of Pensacola, Florida, said Monday. "Everybody goes up a notch, the intensity goes up a notch. I just love playing in games like that."

Georgia Southern has played Appalachian State more than any other opponent — 36 times — and the Mountaineers hold a 20-15-1 advantage, including 11-5-1 in Boone.

"They don't like us. We don't like them," Robinson said. "We've got to let the pads do the talking."

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