GEORGIA STATE GAMEDAY

1. Georgia State was hammered by Appalachian State 37-3 on Saturday. The Panthers were held to 225 yards by the best defense they have faced this season. The running game never got a chance to get going because the team fell behind by 20 points in the second quarter. The defense surrendered 184 yards rushing and 314 yards passing.

2. The Panthers were held without a sack for the second consecutive week and didn’t win the turnover battle for the third consecutive week as the defense continues to look more like last season’s than the rebuilt and more effective version most expected. The defense is giving up 38.8 points, 205.2 rushing and 290 passing yards per game.

3. The offense is averaging 23.6 points, 97.2 rushing and 309.8 passing yards per game. Coach Trent Miles said the team must run the ball this week, something it hasn’t been able to do in the past three weeks for various reasons. The offensive line seems to be in flux with the benching of left tackle Michael Ivory last week.

Player to watch: Georgia State offense

RB Kyler Neal. If Georgia State is able to run the ball, Neal will be the player to get the first carries. He leads the team with 218 rushing yards on a 3.9-yards-per-carry average. Back-up Demarcus Kirk ranks second with 120 yards on a 4.8-yards-per-carry average.

Player to watch: Georgia State defense

S Bobby Baker. He ranks third on the team with 30 tackles and five takeaways, all of those coming in the first game. Because Ball State has a balanced offense, Baker should get lots of chances to make plays.

Player to watch: Ball State offense

QB Riley Neal. He set a school record for a freshman with 393 passing yards last week and threw touchdowns to four receivers. The offense has averaged 28.2 points and 420.7 yards per game.

Player to watch: Ball State defense

S Lamont McPhatter. He led the team with 12 tackles in last week's 59-41 loss to Northern Illinois. The defense has given up averages of 36 points and 499.2 yards per game.