This past Saturday at the Georgia Dome the Georgia State Panthers didn't display the same fortitude that it had shown against Clark Atlanta the week before. Instead of a blowout victory, it ended with a 40-17 blowout loss to Old Dominion. 11,701 fans, mostly season ticket holders, watched the GSU game plan get dismantled.
Old Dominion took the field on offense and dominated the line of scrimmage from the opening snap. ODU's offensive line vastly outsized GSU's defensive front, and controlled the tempo of the game. The Panthers defense was shredded right up the middle to the tune of 282 rushing yards. The secondary did a fine job against the passing game yet again, but the run defense couldn't keep the Monarchs off the field or out of the end zone. Safety Demazio Skelton did have the highlight of the game when he recovered a fumble in the endzone and returned it 93 yards, which set up one of the two GSU touchdowns on the day.
Georgia State couldn't find any rhythm on offense. It seemed as though offensive coordinator John Bond wanted to attack ODU through the passing game, but 3 ODU interceptions later stopped that plan. The running game was fairly effective at the onset. However, Bond abandoned it completely at times and that forced many third-and-long situations. The offense also ran more effectively from under center rather than shotgun, but that was not factored into the play-calling much. Running-back Travis Evans did rush for 65 yards, which could have been more if the game plan been adjusted at some point. Donald Russell, who dominated the ground game the week prior, had only 5 carries and barely saw any action. He did score a touchdown on what looked like a little bit of a "Wild Panther" formation. This same issue came up many times last season. The Panthers have to get seriously committed to running the football. It will open up their entire offense, and allow for the shotgun-spread (which they love) to be more efficient. It will also keeps the quarterback safe. That was a big problem against ODU. The offensive line was challenged all day, and may have lost starting center Ben Jacoby for a few weeks due to an MCL injury.
The quarterback quandary became even bigger. Starting QB Bo Schlechter was not ready for the speed of ODU, and was taken completely out of the running game as well. He was replaced by former starter Drew Little late in the third quarter, who fared no better and was intercepted twice (once in the end zone). This problem could grow larger if someone doesn't step up to the plate and win this position. Overall, the offensive game plan needs to become more flexible if this team wishes to be able to compete against far more talented opponents. My remedy for this problem = running more two tight-end formations and snaps from under center. Not to mention, running the ball to set up the pass, instead of the opposite.
The special teams needs to be cleaned up as well. As bad as the play was early on, the Panthers were still in this football game until their were 2 blocked punts; each of which lead to ODU scores. GSU also committed seven penalties, which kept the team in bad field position all game long.
Now, if I can go off topic for a minute, I would like to give a personal opinion. Emotion is a big part of football. It provides the players with the adrenaline needed at times. In this instance, I can see how it would be very hard for the Panthers to not be pumped-up for this game after seeing the lack of support from their fellow students. If you didn't see it, the students section was almost empty. You would think that since the Panthers were facing a future CAA opponent at home that the students would have been there for support. This section has a history of being empty at times, but this was a very pitiful showing. The team may have lost on the field, but that could have been different. Nothing can replace that feeling you get when playing at home. I hope the students at Georgia State know they let down their school, alumni and team last Saturday. YOUR TEAM NEEDS YOU! You're not at UGA, GaTech, Auburn or Alabama. Protect you house, your team and your school. SHOW UP & BE LOUD for the team you do have and show some Panther pride.
In other big news, GSU will be traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee next year to face off against the Tennessee Volunteers. This will be the third FBS team that the school will have faced in it's existence. The road trip should be epic.
Next Opponent: @ Jacksonville State (Sept. 17, 2011)
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