Appalachian St. 24, Georgia Southern 17

Published Oct. 30, 2011 12:17 a.m. ET

foxsports

Jamal Jackson threw for three touchdowns and Appalachian State's defense stood firm in the fourth quarter in a 24-17 victory over previously unbeaten Georgia Southern on Saturday.

Jackson found Brian Quick for a 15-yard touchdown pass with 9:24 remaining, their second scoring connection of the game. The Mountaineers (6-2, 4-1 Southern Conference) then stopped the Eagles (7-1, 5-1) three times in Appalachian State territory, including once after an interception gave Georgia Southern a first-and-goal at the 9.

The Eagles, who came in ranked first in the Football Championship Subdivision coaches poll and had been averaging 369.7 rushing yards a game - best in the FCS - were held to 135 on the ground and 201 yards total offense by Appalachian State.

The Mountaineers, who have won or shared the last six conference titles, avenged last year's 21-14 overtime loss to the Eagles, which ended their 26-game conference winning streak.