Georgia State hosted Arkansas State on Thursday in a must-win game in the Georgia Dome.
Despite another strong showing from the defense, the Panthers (2-7, 1-4 Sun Belt) lost 31-16 to the Red Wolves (4-4, 4-0). After dodging a bevy of bullets early on, the GSU defense was able to get things rolling, but the offense was stuck in park all night, and the special teams spent most of the game in reverse.
Here are five observations from the game:
1. Special-teams play was far from ideal for either team, but GSU was hurt the most
Whether it was missed field-goal attempts, poor punts or bad blocking, each team had its fair share of blunders in the game’s third phase. Arkansas State left some points on the field thanks to two missed field-goal attempts in the first quarter. Kicks from 42 yards and 24 both went wide left, leaving the score tied at zero after the first quarter. The Red Wolves also allowed a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. However, some key punts that flipped field position, including one late that pinned the Panthers at their own 2-yard line with three minutes and 41 seconds left, made the Red Wolves’ performance passable. The same cannot be said of their opponents.
Instead of taking advantage of Arkansas State’s miscues, the Panthers joined in on the action and found ways to outdo the visitors. Some lackluster punts gave the Red Wolves short fields early in the game and had the GSU defense playing in its own territory for large chunks of the night. But poor field position pales in comparison with the Panthers’ other special-teams problems.
Late in the second quarter, with the score tied at 3-3, GSU lined up for a 50-yard field-goal try. The attempt was blocked and returned for a touchdown to put Arkansas State ahead 10-3 at the half. After tying the score in the third quarter, the Panthers had a high snap on a punt deep in their own territory. Arkansas State started its drive on the GSU 19-yard line and punched in the go-ahead score on a fourth-and-goal at the 1. But to make matters worse, on the ensuing possession, the Panthers allowed a 68-yard punt-return touchdown that sealed the game. And for icing on the cake, GSU had the extra point following the kick return touchdown blocked.
2. The GSU defense came to play
If there was any bright side for the Panthers, it was the defense. The front seven provided consistent pressure all night and never allowed Arkansas State to get into a groove. The unit was able to get off the field when the opportunities presented themselves as Arkansas State was 3-of-16 on third downs. And when stuck defending short fields, the group kept the Red Wolves out of the end zone more times than not. Linebacker Michael Shaw led the charge for the Panthers as he had two of the five sacks they had in the game and tied for the team lead with seven tackles.
3. Some key players returned, but injuries are still a problem
After going two weeks without quarterback Conner Manning, No. 7 returned from the arm injury that kept him off the field. He was 22-for-46 and had 237 yards and a touchdown. But a couple of interceptions and a plethora of missed passes on third downs dampened his performance. But part of the reason Manning was out there was because Aaron Winchester was unable to go with an ankle sprain that had him out of practice all week.
Running back Kyler Neal also came back from an injury, but was unable to handle much of a workload. He was used sparingly in his return from the high ankle sprain that forced him off the field, but he did have some decent production when he played. A 35-yard rush early in the second quarter that set up the Panthers’ first score highlighted his game, as he ran two times for 39 yards.
On defense, cornerback Jerome Smith was back on the field after having to miss time with a broken hand, and he matched the team-high of seven tackles.
4. Panthers’ run game gave offense some balance
It wasn’t the 39 or 40 pass attempts that fans saw when Winchester was behind center, but there was a concerted effort to make sure the running game played a major role in the offense. The Panthers ran for 98 yards and saw contributions from five different players, three of whom had at least 20 yards.
The solid ground attack also allowed GSU to win time of possession. It was just the second time all year the Panthers had the ball for longer than the opposition.
5. Todd Boyd and Robert Davis could not be contained
Boyd had a field day against the Red Wolves’ secondary, snagging seven balls for 87 yards. He was a reliable outlet for Manning all game. The receptions and yards were both season highs for the junior from Moultrie.
He was not alone in his efforts though. Davis had a team-high nine catches for 87 yards with a big fourth quarter that saw him grab five passes for 55 yards.
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