The game that was
Georgia State reverted to its mistake-prone self in a 17-14 overtime loss to Texas-San Antonio. As a result, the Panthers have six losses, guaranteeing their first losing season.
What we learned
1. Georgia State's special teams imploded. The Panthers missed four field goals, including one on the opening possession of overtime, and allowed 90 yards on three kickoff returns. One of the missed field goals, a 47-yarder in the third quarter, was blocked, the second time in two weeks that has happened. Each of the misses were from 45 yards or longer.
2. Georgia State's defense is better. The Panthers allowed season-lows in numerous categories, including rushing yards (108 yards). In each of the past three games the defense has given the offense a chance to win the game, something that didn't occur during four consecutive losses early in the season. However, the defense committed two roughing-the-passer penalties, including one during a third-and-13 situation, which allowed the Roadrunners to kick a field goal at the end of the first half.
3. Georgia State's offense is inconsistent. Hill threw 15 passes in the loss, completing six for 91 yards. The performance, on the heels of last week's 12-of-15 effort, continues the team's three quarterback's up-and-down results . The running game failed to crack 200 yards, breaking a two-week trend. The team failed to score in the second half, but did have a school-record 97-yard scoring drive in the first half.
Numbers game
0.
The Panthers didn't have any opportunities inside the 20-yard line.
Sound bite
"UTSA is a good team, but this is a very disappointing loss because we just kept making mistakes and shooting ourselves in the foot. We've got to be able to run the ball when we need to, even if the other team knows we're going to run it, and we didn't get that done."
Coach Bill Curry.
Loose ends
Albert Wilson caught a 54-yard touchdown pass, his third scoring reception in the past two weeks. … Danny Williams extended his streak of games with a reception to 19. … Matt Hubbard averaged 47 yards on five punts. … Jake Muasau led the team with two sacks, an interception and 10 tackles.
What's next
Georgia State will host St. Francis. The Fighting Saints' five-game winning streak was snapped in a loss to Grand View on Saturday. St. Francis scored 21 points in the defeat, the first time this season it has scored less than 30 points. Led by quarterback E.J. White, the Saints are averaging 47.2 points per game this season.
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