The game that was
Georgia State got off to an expected slow start in its first game of the season, but used two interceptions and the running of Donald Russell to take control and defeat Clark Atlanta 41-7. With the run game established, first-time starting quarterback Bo Schlechter was able to connect for touchdown passes to Albert Wilson and Jordan Giles and take control. The defense had a missed assignment on Clark Atlanta’s touchdown pass in an otherwise solid first game. There’s enough to work on with an extremely tough five-game stretch that starts next week.
What we learned
1. Georgia State doesn’t have a QB quandary. Schlechter started Friday’s game because of the suspensions of Drew Little, last season’s starter, and Kelton Hill, who won the job in the spring. However, Schlechter had a great stretch of practices in August and after passing for three touchdowns and leading the team to five scores in five trips inside the 20-yard line, coach Bill Curry said Schlechter will start Saturday against Old Dominion.
2. Georgia State has added to its running game. Russell, a Kentucky transfer, provides a nice complement to Travis Evans. Russell scored two touchdowns against Clark Atlanta, breaking tackles in both instances. Evans, who is smaller and quicker, was able to use his speed to add 52 yards to Russell’s 56. Both averaged more than six yards per carry. Schlechter ran a few option plays and keepers that resulted in positive gains.
3. Georgia State needs to keep discipline on defense. The Panthers had issues trying to contain Clark Atlanta’s elusive quarterbacks, who combined to rush for more than 100 yards. As Curry noted, they won’t be the only scramblers Georgia State will face this season.
Injury report
There were no significant injuries in the game. Clyde Yandell, Mark Hogan, Rosevelt Watson and Louie Muasau didn’t play because of injuries.
Numbers game
99 Freshman placekicker Christian Benvenuto made field goals of 44 and 45 yards, the first two of his career. Curry said that he really didn’t hit either of them well. That skill brings another dimension to Georgia State’s offense.
Sound bite
“We had a quarterback who had never played a college game at quarterback and we had zero turnovers. If I knew that in my fondest dreams, I would have struggled to believe it.” — Curry
Loose ends
Georgia State used some option, but Curry said they declined to use a Wildcat formation that they have been working on. ... GSU outrushed Clark 146-140, the fifth time the Panthers have outrushed an opponent. ... Schlechter averaged 39 yards on four punts. ... Christo Bilukidi, A.J. Portee and Michael Hall tied for the team lead with four tackles.
What’s next
At noon Saturday, Georgia State will take on Old Dominion, which should be considered a rival. The Monarchs’ program is one year older than GSU’s, and the two played an entertaining game last season that ODU won 34-20. The schools have many similarities: They are in metro areas and have large enrollments that includes large segments of commuter students. Curry said ODU taught his team a few lessons last year. It will be interesting to see if the Panthers remember them.
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