Week 5 Preview: Georgia State
Sun Belt Conference play is officially upon us! The Georgia Southern Eagles (2-2) will travel to Atlanta, Georgia to take on the Georgia State Panthers (2-1) on September 28, 2024. Georgia State is led by former Georgia Southern RB Coach and Interim Head Coach, Dell McGee. He was named the Head Coach of the Panthers in February 2024 after a very successful tenure as the RB Coach and Associate Head Coach for the University of Georgia. Knowing what I know about Coach McGee, he will have his guys ready to roll and he undoubtedly has a chip on his shoulder after being overlooked by former AD Tom Kleinlein when Coach Willie Fritz made the move to Tulane back in 2016.
Georgia State opened their season with a loss to cross-town rival, Georgia Tech in Week 1 before beating up on FCS Chattanooga in Week 2. Their most recent game, in Week 3, was an upset over SEC foe, Vanderbilt, before enjoying an off week to prepare for Georgia Southern.
Offensively, the squad is led by QB Christian Veilleux who has completed 71/113 passes for 717 yards and 6 touchdowns. On the season, he has thrown just one interception. Veilleux does not do a whole lot with his legs, but he is capable of moving the pocket to extend plays, so it is imperative that the Eagles defensive line gets pressure on him to force some errant throws and bad decisions.
The primary running back for the Panthers is RB Freddie Brock who has run the ball 39 times for 230 yards and a touchdown through three games. In the passing game, Georgia State has three guys with over 120 yards: WR Ted Hurst (237), TE Dorian Fleming (145) and WR Tallique Williams (121). Hurst has caught three touchdown passes and Fleming has added one of his own. The defensive backfield for Georgia Southern is going to have their hands full with this group, but they are starting to play more comfortable and free so do not expect them to back down.
Overall, the Panthers average 24 points per game while their opponents average 29.33 points. Yardage wise, Georgia State gains 392.3 yards per game while giving up 395.7 yards per game to their opponents. Through three games, the Panthers have turned the ball over three times - one interception and two lost fumbles. Through the first three games of their season, the Panthers offensive line has given up five sacks that cost the offense 31 yards. The offensive attack is fairly balanced but the Panthers tend to use the running game a little more than the passing game which is no surprise with a former RB Coach at the helm. Gap discipline by the Eagles defensive line and linebackers is going to be crucial to take away the run game early and force them into throwing the ball more than they are used to.
Defensively, the Panthers have a three-headed monster at linebacker which includes LB Xavier Robison, LB Justin Abraham, and LB KD McDaniel who have who have combined for 46 tackles including 1.5 sacks so far. Defensive Coordinator, Kevin Sherrer, likes to use DB Kevin Swint, who has two sacks this season, to rush the passer from the second level so it will be crucial for the Georgia Southern tackles and running backs to play disciplined in obvious passing situations.
In the kicking game, Georgia State K Liam Rickman, is 5-7 on field goals with a long of 47 yards so far this season. Through three games, P James Allen, has booted the ball away 12 times and is currently averaging 43.75 yards per punt. On kickoff returns, the Panthers have not had much success so far, but they use offensive weapons in the return game, so it will be extremely important for the coverage teams to remain disciplined.
As expected with Dell McGee at the helm, Georgia State is extremely disciplined and average just five penalties per game and through three games, they have just 141 yards in penalties (47 yards per game).
As of this morning, there were just over 3,000 tickets left on Ticketmaster and with the momentum building win over Vanderbilt, expect a larger crowd than normal. There is a tropical storm in the gulf, but it should push through Atlanta before kickoff and Saturday and make way for beautiful weather for the game. Georgia Southern fans always travel well and this game should be no different as it is an in-state rivalry game and the first conference game of the 2024 season.
Eagles win if:
Win the turnover battle
The offense can sustain drives and keep the defense fresh
The Georgia Southern running backs combine for more than 120 rushing yards
Georgia Southern-Georgia State Connections
Dell McGee - Head Coach for Georgia State is a former Georgia Southern RB Coach and Interim Head Coach
Manrey Saint-Amour - Assistant OL Coach for Georgia State is a former All-Conference Center for Georgia Southern
Darius Eubanks - LB Coach/Run Game Coordinator for Georgia Southern was a star LB for Georgia Southern and NFL player before coaching at Georgia State I. 2021.
Bryson Broadway - Current Georgia Southern RT started 11 games for Georgia State in 2022-2023 before transferring to Georgia Southern
