Georgia State will use its bye week to try to let a few players rest or receive treatment so that they may return for the season’s final two games, starting Nov. 22 at Clemson and finishing in the Georgia Dome against Texas State.
The Panthers have lost nine consecutive games, including Saturday’s 45-21 road defeat against Troy.
“Limping into the bye week,” coach Trent Miles said. “We need it bad.”
Miles said he hopes the following players may return for next week’s 3:30 p.m. game in Death Valley: tight end Keith Rucker (concussion), cornerbacks Antreal Allen (concussion) and Bruce Dukes (shoulder and thumb) and guard Akil Hawkins (concussion).
Linebacker Joe Peterson (ankle) tried to play at Troy, but couldn’t move well. Miles said he hopes Peterson can regain his health and mobility soon. Also nursing injuries are defensive tackle Carnell Hopson (ankle sprain), linebacker Trey Payne (turf toe and ankle) and guard Alex Stoehr (finger).
Contracts: Miles said he will discuss the status of the contracts for offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter after the season. Both of the two-year contracts expire Dec. 31.
“We don’t think about that now,” Miles said. “We’re just trying to get these kids better. That’s all we think about.”
Miles said he was satisfied with how Jagodzinski and Minter were doing their jobs, but noted that everyone can do better.
“We are 1-9,” he said. “There are a lot of things in the program that can be done better. There are a lot of things that we need time to do better.”
As injuries take their toll, particularly at linebacker, the Panthers used less than two dozen scholarship players on defense against the Trojans.
As a result of the depleted depth, Troy rushed for 324 yards to increase Georgia State’s season average to 309.2 rushing yards per game allowed, which ranks 124th of 125 FBS teams.
In the past three weeks, the Panthers have allowed more than 1,400 rushing yards. For the season, the team is giving up 43.8 points and 500.1 yards per game.
The offense has been hurt by a lack of depth, particularly along an offensive line that has dealt with injuries.
The Panthers are averaging 24.1 points and 383.3 yards per game.
Weekly plan: Miles said the Panthers will lift weights every day this week. Additionally, the starters and those on the travel squad will focus on improving their techniques and fundamentals. Those players that don't normally travel will get to scrimmage against each other in hopes of furthering their development.
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