Three storylines
1. The new beginning. So much is new for Georgia State this year, and all of the efforts with a new conference, new coaching staff, new schemes and new players truly begins Friday. But will there be new outcomes? Last season's 1-10 record and nearly-empty Georgia Dome for many games aren't the results most expected when the program played its first game in 2010.
2. The quarterback saga continues. GSU hasn't had the best quarterback play in the past two years. Two of the quarterbacks who attempted to stabilize the spot last season are back with an important year of experience and a new playbook. Can Ben McLane or Ronnie Bell avoid the mistakes last season, while improving upon their strengths?
3. Can the defense avoid giving up big plays? It's hard to forget South Carolina State scoring on a 72-yard touchdown pass early in last year's season opener. It set the tone for a long season filled with game-breaking moments. If the defense can avoid those types of mental and strategic errors, it will go a long way toward the team giving itself a chance at victories.
Matchup to watch
Theo Agnew vs. Andy Summerlin. This isn't a true man-on-man matchup. Summerlin is Samford's sixth-year quarterback, and Agnew is a fifth-year defensive lineman. But Georgia State's defense is geared toward applying pressure, and Agnew figures to be one of the players trying to disrupt Summerlin's rhythm. He passed for 2,269 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, completing 66.8 percent of his attempts. Agnew had 60 tackles with two sacks last season.
Tweet of the week
I can't wait for Friday to get here! Can't wait to see this year's @GSUPanthers in action! — @triallantri
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