Georgia State coach Trent Miles said the snowy, wet conditions in Boone, N.C., defeated his team before it took the field in last week’s historically bad 44-0 loss to Appalachian State.
“Thought we were mentally weak and it showed,” Miles said. “We didn’t do anything … anything … nothing.”
Georgia State totaled 62 yards, the worst offensive performance by an FBS team this season, according to www.cfbstats.com. The Panthers will play at Troy on Saturday and attempt to improve upon that performance and snap an eight-game losing streak.
“Sixty-two total yards, I’ve never had that happen in my life,” Miles said.
The team knew it was going to snow. Miles said he told them Tuesday.
The squad worked on how to hold a wet ball during practice, but still had five fumbles, losing two. The gusting winds affected the passing game and special teams.
Miles described it as a “no-show.”
Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-60s with sunny skies Saturday at Troy.
Injuries: Linebacker Joseph Peterson, the team's leading tackler, is doubtful for Saturday's game. Tight end Keith Rucker (concussion) is out, as is outside linebacker James Traylor, who likely is out for the rest of the season after suffering a sprained MCL.
His loss means the team is out of healthy outside linebackers other than starters Jarrell Robinson and Melvin King. Sean Jeppesen and Jameel Spencer can slide from inside to play outside, but it’s not their natural or best position. Mackendy Cheridor, a starter, is rehabbing a knee injury. Miles said the school will apply for a redshirt for Cheridor, meaning he is done for the season.
Also out for the rest of season is defensive lineman Tanner Strickland (neck).
Additionally, Miles said he doesn’t foresee linebacker Kight Dallas (concussions) returning to football, but he said it will be Dallas’ decision.
Wide receiver Tyler Nemec (knee) has retired from football and will serve as a student-assistant coach the rest of the season.
A sign: The coaching staff had a message for the players as they entered the practice facility Tuesday. Flashing on a TV just inside the entrance was: "Out Rushed and Out Toughed 469 to 8!!!"
The first number referred to Appalachian State’s rushing yards. The second referred to Georgia State’s, a program low.
Players on offense and defense had mixed reactions.
“It’s motivation for sure,” offensive tackle A.J. Kaplan said. “Eight yards is not enough. We didn’t come out to play that game.”
Kaplan said the game plan was to run the ball, but the fumbles and Appalachian State’s lead caused the plan to change to passing. The winter conditions didn’t allow for that.
Linebacker Sean Jeppesen said the signs is motivating, but the performance already was etched into his mind.
“I don’t ever want anything like that to ever happen again,” he said. “That’s what we are pushing for out here. We didn’t come ready to play. They played harder and ran it down our throat.”
Running back Marcus Caffey said he prefers to look forward and not dwell on what happened.
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