Georgia State coach Trent Miles said he was humbled and thankful to be selected as the Sun Belt's coach of the year.
But he would prefer to call the award by another name.
“It was staff of the year and team of the year,” he said. “It’s not about me. It’s the assistant coaches. It’s (sports medicine) Bob Murphy. It’s (strength and conditioning coach) Scott Holsopple. It’s the players. It should never be named coach of the year. It should be staff and team of the year because it’s everybody working together.”
After going 1-23 in his first two seasons, Miles led the Panthers to a 6-6 record and invitation to the Cure Bowl in Orlando on Dec. 19.
Arbuckle: Quarterback Nick Arbuckle, who doesn't have a cell phone, didn't find out that he had been named the Sun Belt Conference student-athlete of the year until he woke up from a nap on Wednesday. He passed for more than 4,100 yards with 26 touchdowns.
Arbuckle then checked the list of winners to see where receivers Robert Davis, Penny Hart, Donovan Harden and tight end Keith Rucker finished. All were recognized on one of the teams. With the exception of Harden each should be back next season. Harden and Arbuckle are seniors who have used up their eligibility.
“Whoever takes the job next year, Aaron (Winchester) or Emiere (Scaife), they will have so many weapons to throw to,” Arbuckle said. “I’m jealous. I wish I could get a fifth year.”
Injury updates: Starting left tackle Michael Ivory (knee) didn't practice on Thursday. Miles said he thinks Ivory will return on Sunday.
Backup defensive linemen Julien Laurent (ankle) also didn’t practice on Thursday. He is also expected to return on Sunday.
Hart didn’t practice because he is sick.
Lots of tickets: In addition to buying 100 tickets so that Georgia State students can attend the bowl game, Miles said at last count 42 of his family members will be coming to the game.
