Georgia Southern suspends eight for Georgia game

STATESBORO, Ga. -- Eight Georgia Southern players, including two projected starters, were suspended for the season opener against No. 1 Georgia for undisclosed violations of school rules.

Projected starting linebacker Terrione Benefield will miss one game and defensive back Ronnie Wiggins will miss two games. Coach Chris Hatcher said in a statement Wednesday that the suspensions are the result of a "violation of institutional rules."

Benefield, Raja Andrews, Charwell Brown, Brandavious Mann, and Damon Suggs will miss the Aug. 30 game against Georgia. Wiggins, Zeke Rozier and Garryon Taylor were suspended for two games, and will miss the Sept. 6 home game against Austin Peay.

Hatcher said he is "disappointed" about the suspensions.

"When the institution's rules are not followed, then I will take immediate and appropriate action," Hatcher said.

He added that he expects the players "all to learn from not doing right and make positive contributions to our program this season."