Georgia State quarterback Ronnie Bell said if the Panthers can get their running game going, that should open the passing game, which will help him get into a rhythm.
Bell had his second consecutive poor game in Saturday’s 41-7 loss to West Virginia. In his past two starts, Bell has completed 14 of 35 attempts for 133 yards. He was replaced in the second half of both games.
“You always want to get your quarterback into a rhythm,” Bell said. “Get me into a rhythm, get the offense into a rhythm, and then we can’t be stopped.”
Though Ben McLane will receive more reps with the first team this week, coach Trent Miles said Tuesday that the plan is to start Bell on Saturday against Jacksonville State at the Georgia Dome. The job probably will go to Bell or McLane because Miles said Monday that Clay Chastain likely will redshirt.
Miles said Bell wasn’t helped by his line, which didn’t pass-block well, in the 42-14 loss to Chattanooga. Offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski said that Bell was also “hit hard” by West Virginia last week. The line had two new starters last week.
But both said that Bell also missed some throws that he should have made and the team executed poorly.
Youth more involved: Miles said he will continue to go with a youth movement in Saturday's game.
Several freshmen will continue to start, including right guard/tackle Brandon Pertile, tight end Keith Rucker, wide receiver Robert Davis and defensive linemen Jalen and Shawayne Lawrence (no relation). When defensive lineman Tevin Jones recovers from turf toe, he will see some playing time.
Others who will continue to play are linebackers Mackendy Cheridor (who had two tackles against West Virginia), Kight Dallas (four tackles) and Jameel Spencer (one) and defensive lineman Carnell Hopson. On offense, running back Kyler Neal could see more playing time. He gained 6 yards on four carries against West Virginia.
Twelve freshmen played against the Mountaineers.
Miles said the secondary likely will remain filled by upperclassmen. Freshmen Tyshaun Clemmons and Robert Dowling likely will redshirt. Clemmons missed practice time during August because of an issue related to dehydration, and he said Dowling isn’t ready yet.
Teknipp out for season: Freshman tight end Bill Teknipp will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL and meniscus in a knee. Miles said no one is sure when Teknipp sustained the injury because he has played in every game.
Teknipp backed up Rucker. Miles said coaches are still determining the depth chart. He did say that Cheridor, who started the season playing tight end and outside linebacker before switching to defense only, won’t play both.
Offensive line shuffling: Miles said that Pertile, who made his first start at West Virginia, is cross-training at tackle this week. Pertile started as a guard against the Mountaineers. The move allows the staff to move A.J. Kaplan, who has started the first three games at tackle, to guard, which is his natural position.
Mark Ruskell, recently returned from an injury, is being worked into the shuffle as well at guard or center. Tackle Grant King is scheduled to return from an academic-related issue next week, which will provide more depth and options.
Miles liked the play of the revamped line in last week’s game, which also included Cade Yates starting at center, noting that the team had its best rushing performance of the season, with 136 yards.
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