The game that was
The game against South Carolina State was Georgia State's most consistent performance on offense, defense and special teams since the season-opening win against Clark Atlanta. However, the result was the same as the previous five games, a defeat, 23-13.
What we learned
1. Georgia State does have a power running game. There have been glimpses, but the team hasn't had enough chances because it has too often too far behind to do anything but pass. The Panthers, in their second season, rushed for a school-record 244 yards on 45 carries.
2. Georgia State's quarterbacks are having issues. Even with a strong running game to ease the burden, neither Bo Schlechter nor Kelton Hill were impressive passing the ball. The duo combined to complete six of their 19 passes for 76 yards with two interceptions, both by Schlechter. Hill did look great running the ball, totaling a game-high 94 yards on 16 carries.
3. Georgia State's defense looked better … sort of. The good news for the Panthers was the Bulldogs rushed for 155 yards and 3.3 per carry. That's 44 less than their per-game average. However, when the Panthers needed to make a stop with the game on the line and 6:43 remaining, they couldn't. S.C. State marched 80 yards, all by rushing the ball, in 16 plays, took 5:27 off the clock and secured the victory with a touchdown.
Injury report
There were no significant injuries to report.
Numbers game
5
The Panthers are mired in a five-game losing streak.
Sound bite
"We've got to learn to finish the job. But we took another step forward, and we've got to look at it that way. We were in position to give ourselves a chance to win."
Bill Curry, Georgia State coach, told the school's website.
Loose ends
Wide receiver Albert Wilson returned from injury and caught two passes for 42 yards. He also threw a pass that was intercepted. … Running back Donald Russell scored another touchdown, his seventh in five games. He has scored in every game he has played. … The Panthers were 4 of 15 on third-down conversions. … The Panthers failed to score on their opening drive. They have totaled one field goal on their opening drive this season. … Christo Bilukidi had the team's sack.
What's next
Georgia State will host South Alabama in a homecoming game it must win if it hopes to have its second winning season in as many tries.
