The game that was
Georgia State played its best game of the season in defeating South Alabama 27-20 in overtime. The defense was inspired and the offense was patient and effective. Now can the Panthers build on this as they begins the downhill portion of their schedule?
What we learned
1. Georgia State has found an identity on offense. Led by Donald Russell and an inspired offensive line, the Panthers are grinding up teams with a power running game. The team has totaled 464 rushing yards in the past two games, done mostly between the tackles with some option mixed in.
2. Georgia State has found an identity on defense. The Panthers are using a lot more 4-3 for a base formation, instead of the 3-4 they used during the opening weeks. Although it is still using multiple fronts, the team is playing with more confidence, as indicated in its two goal-line stands on Saturday.
3. Georgia State is still lost on special teams. As well as the defense has played, it can't keep getting put into tough situations by coverage teams that are largely ineffective. South Alabama averaged 36 yards on five kickoff returns, 17 yards on a punt return and blocked a chip-shot field goal that would have given Georgia State a victory in the first overtime.
Injury report
Nose guard Terrance Woodard (ankle) is questionable.
Numbers game
1
Russell became the first player in Georgia State's brief history to rush for more than 100 yards in a game on a school-record 20 carries. He had 136 and scored his eighth touchdown in six games this season.
Sound bite
"We've had some big moments on our team this year. Some of the biggest have involved Kelton [Hill] and his situation and his relationship with the team. I'm not at liberty to share them but I will tell you that it has been a great life lesson for everybody on the team because of the way Kelton has been so open with his teammates, right in front of God, coaches, everybody. So his play today and winning this game is far and away secondary to the other things he's accomplished in the last couple of months."
Bill Curry, Georgia State coach, told the school's website, referring to his quarterback.
Loose ends
Hill had the best passing day for a Georgia State quarterback this season: 12 of 15 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. … Albert Wilson set a school record with 175 receiving yards, including a school-record 78-yard reception for a touchdown. … Christian Benvenuto hit a career-best 46-yard field goal and added a 45-yarder. … The five turnovers were the most created by Georgia State, including a school-record four interceptions. … Danny Williams has caught a pass in 18 consecutive games. … The Panthers are 7-4 at the Georgia Dome. … GSU is 2-1 in overtime games.
What's next
Georgia State will visit Texas-San Antonio with a chance to keep alive its hope of a winning season. The Panthers must win their remaining games to match last year's 6-5 record.
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