Georgia State defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said lineup changes are planned for Saturday’s game against Washington.
He declined to say what they might be, other than players who play inconsistently need “to get the message” and the only fair thing to do “is open it up and let guys compete.”
The Panthers gave up 539 yards in last week’s 48-38 loss to Air Force at the Georgia Dome. It was the third time in as many games that the Panthers allowed at least 435 yards in offense.
The unit has allowed 201 rushing yards and 289.3 passing yards per game. It has only two sacks — both in the first game — and two interceptions despite facing 99 passes. Opponents have completed 68 percent of their attempts.
No group may be untouched by change. The line has struggled, the linebackers have struggled and the secondary, especially, has struggled to make plays.
Coach Trent Miles said they are trying to simplify the schemes in an attempt to help the players move faster. He wants to them to be able to rely on their techniques and fundamentals, rather than have to think.
“Defensively, we have to get better and we know that,” Miles said. “ … The young guys have to get older in a hurry. They have to quit making mistakes doing what they are asked to.
“There are times we will practice stuff all week and they will get into the game and their eyes get like this (pantomimes big eyes) and they don’t do what they were taught to do, or even practiced all week.”
Injuries: Tight end Joel Ruiz is doubtful for Saturday's game after suffering a shoulder sprain in last week's game. He has caught 15 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Miles said Keith Rucker and Bill Teknipp will fill in. Both played last season, but have yet to catch a pass this season.
In addition, safety LaDarion Young (neck) and linebacker Kight Dallas (concussion) may not return this season. Young played in the opener. Dallas hasn’t been with the team. Cornerback Chandon Sullivan (concussion) also is questionable for this week.
Suspensions: Wide receiver Avery Sweeting and safety Bryan Williams are eligible to play against the Huskies after serving one-game suspensions last week.
The two were suspended for a violation of athletic department policy that occurred during the spring semester.
Running back Krysten Hammon’s status hadn’t been announced as of Tuesday afternoon. He was suspended late last week for an undisclosed violation of team rules.
Homecoming: Many of Georgia State's coaches have ties to Washington.
Miles was an assistant at Washington for three years (2005-07). His two oldest daughters were born at University of Washington Medical Center and of all the places they have lived before coming to Atlanta, which his family loves, he said Seattle is his wife’s favorite.
“It’s one of the best game-day environments in all of college football,” he said. “The beauty of the lake and Mount Rainier, the boats and the crowd. … That’s one of the best crowds, as far as support, that there is out there.”
Wide receivers coach Tim Lappano was the Huskies’ offensive coordinator (2005-08), and secondary coach J.D. Williams also worked there during the same period. Graduate assistant Ronnie Fouch played at Washington in 2008 and ’09.
Quarterbacks coach Luke Huard grew up in Puyallup, near Seattle, was a high school coach in the area and was a graduate assistant with the Huskies (2007-08). Older brothers Damon and Brock both played quarterback at Washington. Huard said some members of his family will visit him after the team arrives Thursday.
“Hopefully a lot of people that will get their heart strings pulled for the Georgia State Panthers,” he said. “It should be great.”
About the Author
