Georgia Southern was without its leading rusher Dominique Swope in its win against Chattanooga because of an undisclosed injury, but the Eagles expect him to back this week against Appalachian State. Swopes didn't even travel with the team.

Georgia Southern head coach Jeff Monken said the details of the injury weren't released because he didn't want Chattanooga game-planning for it, but it appears Swope is healthy enough to try to help his team improve to 7-1 in Southern Conference play.

Swope leads GSU (7-1, 6-1 Southern Conference) with 729 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. In Swope's absence, the Eagles put the rushing responsibilities on Will Banks, James Dean and Seon Jones. Those three combined for 83 yards on 23 attempts.

Monken was happy with the way his other backs filled in, but there's no question that Swope helps complete the No. 2-ranked team in the FCS.

Appalachian State (6-3 overall, 4-2 Southern) enters next week matchup as the 16th-ranked team in the FCS. The Mountaineers are coming off a 38-27 win against Western Carolina.