Although quarterback Conner Manning was stuck on the sideline because of an injury suffered in practice Thursday, Georgia State came away with a 31-6 victory over Tennessee-Martin on Saturday.
With Aaron Winchester behind center for the Panthers (2-5, 1-2 Sun Belt), they were able to get some touchdowns from the defense that surrendered the fewest points in program history in a game and defeated the Skyhawks (4-4, 3-1 OVC) for their first homecoming win since 2011.
1. GSU played without multiple starters
Besides Manning, the Panthers also were without cornerback Jerome Smith, tight end Keith Rucker and running back Kyler Neal. For Smith, it was a broken hand that kept him off the field, and the team said it hopes to have him back next week after surgery, with a club on the injured hand. Rucker was out with bruised ribs and Neal was recovering from a high ankle sprain.
Coach Trent Miles said he was happy and proud with the way reserves like running back Darius Stubbs and cornerback B.J. Clay were able to make the most of their opportunities.
2. Winchester brought a different dynamic to the GSU offense
The replacement quarterback was nothing special in the passing game, going 8-for-16, with 119 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, but Winchester was able to improvise and create plays with his feet. He picked up 75 yards on the ground to lead a Panthers rushing attack that gained 166 yards on a season-high 39 carries.
“That’s our goal every week, is to run the ball,” Winchester said. “Our linemen know that for us to win this game, we have to be able to run the ball.”
3. The Panthers’ passing defense was at its best
The Skyhawks came into the game with a prolific passing attack, but nobody told GSU.
UT Martin quarterback Troy Cook was held to a 48 percent completion percentage and had a season-low 175 yards through the air while also throwing one of the team’s three interceptions.
4. Michael Shaw came to play
The linebacker led GSU with eight tackles and was ready to blow up anything the Skyhawks did. Whether it was an underneath pass or a run, Shaw was there and ready to deliver a hit.
“Michael Shaw is what we refer to as a beast,” Miles said. “That guy plays on the edge, he sets an edge, he’s got length, he can run, he’s physical, he is a dominant defensive player.”
5. Panthers continue to struggle with time of possession
Even against an FCS team, GSU was unable to hold on to the ball for longer than its opponent. The Panthers were on offense for only 26 minutes.
But on a day when the offense was adjusting to a new quarterback and the Panthers defense had two scores, it might have been an advantage to play without the ball.
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