Ellison returns to Georgia Southern lineup

Georgia Southern took care of business against FCS opponent The Citadel last week with 48-13 victory, and the Eagles did so with starting quarterback Kevin Ellison back at the helm.

Ellison returned against the Bulldogs after serving a two-game suspension. The Eagles’ quarterback is coming off of a season in which he passed for 1,000 yards and tacked on another 1,000 yards rushing.

“Kevin Ellison was really excited about the opportunity to get out there and play. He got about 40-some odd snaps,” Eagles head coach Willie Fritz said.

Ellison did not fill up the statistic sheet with gaudy numbers, but the offense had a season high in points with Ellison under center.

Ellison finished with 10-of-17 passing for 80 yards and no touchdowns but made an impact on the game running the football as he rushed for two scores.

The Eagles feel confident in both of the quarterbacks who have started games for them this year, according to Fritz.

Favian Upshaw led the Eagles to a 1-1 record in Ellison’s absence but struggled with turnovers with four interceptions and one fumble.

Ellison did not turn the ball over once during his first start of the season against the Bulldogs, and Georgia Southern had just one turnover.

“We are really excited about having both of those two guys. Favian came in and played well, too,” Fritz said. “It was good to have (Ellison) him back.”

Georgia Southern will take on Idaho on Saturday. The Vandals gave up 326 yards rushing last week to FCS program Wofford.

Ellison scored three touchdowns in the matchup last season against the Vandals. He scored two rushing touchdowns and added one passing touchdowns in the 47-24 blowout.

“They got their quarterback back last week,” Idaho head coach Paul Petrino said. “That’s makes a big difference. They are a whole lot more explosive with him back there.”

This story was originally published September 24, 2015 at 9:41 PM with the headline "Ellison returns to Georgia Southern lineup ."