After two consecutive road games, Georgia State quarterback Dan Ellington and the Panthers are ready to return home, hosting Western Michigan at Georgia State Stadium at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Georgia State is 1-2 overall on the season after consecutive road losses to N.C. State and Memphis after the team's season-opening win over Kennesaw State in August.
“I am real excited to get back home and play in our stadium,” Ellington said. “I am tired of traveling, and I am tired of flying.”
Although the Panthers have suffered consecutive losses, coach Shawn Elliott believes his team, specifically the offensive line, has made major improvements. Since allowing three sacks in the season opener, the Panthers’ offensive line allowed two sacks on the road against Memphis.
“I can tell you from the first night out that was really, I thought, was uncharacteristic play of what they have been doing,” Elliott said. “These past two weeks their play has actually been very good. It’s come a long way with their protections and their run game.”
The Panthers' run game has been led by freshman running back Destin Coates. He led the Panthers in rushing against N.C. State and Memphis, accumulating 43 yards with one touchdown and 68 yards on the ground, respectively.
"He's got a bright future ahead of him," running backs coach Tim Bowens said. "He's a kid that's had some explosive plays for us. We've just got to get him to continue to do the little things all the time and make sure we're pressing it when we're supposed to press it."
Along with Coates, Georgia State has played nine other freshman since the beginning of the season. The Panthers’ roster includes 30 freshmen, 15 redshirt freshmen, and seven second-year sophomores, making up 52 first- or second-year players.
“We’re in a situation where these guys have to play,” Elliott said. “It’s about overhauling your roster, these recruiting classes, and right now they are the best guys we have out there. That’s why they’re playing.”
Of those freshmen, a duo of running backs –– Coates and Seth Paige –– has made a name for themselves on the offense, making up 159 yards and two touchdowns on the ground this season.
“It’s their first time getting college snaps, so I think the guys have really done a pretty good job so far,” Bowens said. “We’ve got to get them better without the football in their hand and having some non-conference games before does help you before you get into conference play.”
