The Panthers traveled to Jacksonville, Alabama looking to avenge the nail-biter loss they suffered last season at the hands of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, who entered this game as a nationally ranked FCS opponent. The Gamecocks, a well-known passing team, had a new game plan this time around. Georgia State, who suffered a rough game the week before to Old Dominion, was looking to get back on the winning track. Unfortunately it was not to be on this day.
GSU has been shaky so far this season. The defense has been a void at times and the offense has been fairly productive. However, old habits found their way into the game and cost the Panthers. Not enough points, too many penalties, too many rushing yards given up, and too many third down conversions allowed. It was a game of ups and downs.
Offensively, the Panthers finally committed to running the football, and found some well needed production from Donald Russell and Travis Evans. The two split the carries nearly 50/50, had 88 yards rushing together and averaged around 4 yards-per-carry. However, quarterback Bo Schlechter struggled for the second consecutive game.
Wide Receiver/Kick Returner Albert Wilson, who has been the spark plug for this team so far this season, was truly the only highlight from this game on offense. He added to his great start so far this season with a 6 catches for 146 yard effort. Wilson also helped with 51 yards in the return game, but would go down with a hamstring injury late in the fourth quarter.
The defense YET AGAIN couldn't stop the run. The Gamecocks ran rough-shot through the middle of the defense for 246 yards rushing. Jacksonville State almost had 3 separate 100 yard rushers on the day. Georgia State has got to get fixed if they want to get back to winning football games. Despite being outplayed, the Panthers kept themselves in the game until half-way through the fourth quarter when personal foul penalties kept the Gamecock offense on the field. This win was just not meant to be.
I hate bringing this up once again, but the coaching staff made no changes (mid-game) to try and correct the run defense. Once they were down enough points, the offense was forced to pass and pass quickly. So they inserted quarterback Drew Little to run the offense. But this was with only a little over 2 minutes left in the game. If he is the guy who should be playing at crunch time, then why does he not start? I will be extremely surprised if Little is not the starter in Houston.
Next Oppenent: @ Houston Cougars (Sept. 24, 2011)
This will be the second time in GSU football history that they face a Division 1-A (FBS) opponent. This time it's a Conference USA member, the Houston Cougars. They will be led by former Heisman Trophy candidate Case Keenum, who has already thrown for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. It is obvious what they will be bringing this Saturday. However, as bad as GSU has been defending the run the Cougars may be running a lot this game. Especially if it gets out of hand early. The Panthers do have a shot to win this game, but it will take lots of discipline, something that they didn't show against Jacksonville State. They also have to come up with a scheme that addresses their defensive troubles. The team also needs to decide what their identity is on offense. Emotion can carry you at times, but it may be hard to find in this game. Especially if they are down early. If they harness that emotion and display it on the field with big plays, then Houston may be in store for a surprise. Local television (CSS) will be broadcasting the game. This will be GSU's third straight televised game this season.
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