3 storylines
Coverage challenge for the Panthers. Lambuth wide receiver Rod Jefferson is a 6-foot-8, 250-pound matchup nightmare for the Panthers. An NAIA second-team All-American last season who has drawn NFL scouts to Lambuth, Jefferson stands almost a foot taller than any GSU cornerback. Defensive coordinator John Thompson plans to mix up coverages to slow Jefferson.
Tougher test for offensive line. Coach Bill Curry said that Lambuth defensive linemen Luis Doray and Sterling Williams "could play at most any level." They will present a much sterner test to the Georgia State offensive line than Shorter's line did in the opener.
GSU's intensity. After winning the historic opener, the Panthers drew Curry's ire by fairly sloughing through the practice week. In a year of firsts, Georgia State will have another -- its first time trying to keep its edge after an emotional victory.
Keep an eye on …
For Georgia State: Safety Fred Barnes. The freshman from M.L. King Jr. High School stood out against Shorter. He likely will provide plenty of help covering Jefferson.
For Lambuth: Linebacker Jamie Payton. Having a stout defensive line in front of him allows Payton to clean up. He led Lambuth with 11 tackles and an interception in the Eagles' opener Sept. 2.
Numbers game
450 Enrollment at Lambuth, a liberal-arts college in Jackson, Tenn.
"Low teens" The attendance, in thousands, that GSU officials expect for Saturday.
0 Number of turnovers committed by Georgia State against Shorter.
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