Thursday, December 30, 2010

Panthers Trip UT-Chattannooga 81-76, Win Dr. Pepper Championship

Panthers Bringing a Trophy to add to the Basketball Case in the Sports Arena
Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communication

What a great way to finish 2010.  The Panthers are now 6-5 and take momentum into CAA play.  With a blowout win over a quality opponent in Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and UT-Chattanooga you'd think they played two great games but there is still plenty of room for improvement.  That's an encouraging sign as it's much easier for the coaching staff to teach while we win and the team's confidence continues to grow.

Coach Rod Barnes: "I am so proud of our team. I am just so excited for this team. They came out and played hard. They deserve to be raising that trophy tonight."


Great two game stretch for Dante Curry as he was named the Dr. Pepper MVP.  We will need him to put performances together in CAA play in January and February.  He and Eric Buckner were named to the All Tournament Team after Buck dropped a career high 23 points on the Mocs last night.

Eric Buckner and Dante Curry are All-Tournament Worthy
Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communication

Next: CAA play opens with a home date with VCU on Monday at 7pm.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Panthers Sink Texas A&M-CC 72-42

Panthers Warm Up Before they set McKenzie Arena & Texas A&M-CC ablaze.
Photo Courtesy of David McDaniel

Good win.  I'll not call this a great win until we see what kind of momentum this builds.  30 blowout wins over a quality opponent don't happen much around here.  It's almost unsettling.  This was a total team defensive effort and the Panthers hit nine shots from deep yesterday afternoon.
Freshman Devonta White directs the offense.
Photo Courtesy of David McDaniel

To give some perspective on how rare this kind of win is:
-Texas A&M CC entered the game with an RPI of 112. Our highest win vs. an opponent that highly ranked in non conference since Louisiana-Lafayette in 2004-05. They were ranked #48 and went on to win 19 games that year and head to the NCAA Tournament before losing to Lousville.

-Our last 30 point win over a Division 1 opponent was January 24, 2005 at Stetson when we were a member of the A-Sun.
The Georgia State Huddle
Photo Courtesy of David McDaniel

Even more impressive, we actually could have played much better:
-Yesterday we committed 21 personal fouls which is incredibly high in a blowout win.

-Freshman guard Javonte Maynor didn't shoot well and hasn't shot the ball in the last 5 games since the Samford game.
-Junior forward Jihad Ali was a complete non factor and needs to get more consistent. He seems to be riding a bit of a wave and can't put more than a few good games together. We will need him in conference play starting Monday vs. VCU.

*Kudos to Senior guard Dante Curry. It may be dawning on him that this is it, his last 2/3 of his college career. I really hope he can put more consistent efforts like this together because the kid can shoot, there is no doubt about that. Deliver with confidence and provide scoring off of the bench. He has been a bit of enigma at both South Florida and at Georgia State.  Tremendous promise when his first ever game he scores 21 points at Georgia Tech and has only scored double digits 9 times since in 53 games.

The next few weeks are going to be very interesting with this team. I believe they will continue to get better.  Let's see how we build on this effort.

Examiner.com Link

Corpus Christi Caller Times Link

Next: Thursday Night vs. Tennessee-Chattanooga at 7pm.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Pictures from Chick Fil A Bowl/FCA Breakfast

As many of you know, I grew up a Florida State football fan and had the privilege to attend the Chick Fil A Bowl/Fellowship of Christian Athletes' breakfast at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.  The guest speaker was none other than Bobby Bowden, legendary coach of the Florida State Seminoles (who happened to be playing in the game).  Orlando Sentinel FSU beat writer Andrew Carter (who's awesome BTW) did a write up on the event highlights and can be found here.

Pics from the event (thanks to my Dad):
TNT's Ernie Johnson, Jr. served as MC for the event

EJ, South Carolina's RB Brian Maddox & Florida State QB Christian Ponder

FSU Legendary Coach Bobby Bowden Speaks

         Your humble writer on the left and Former Eagle's Landing High, Georgia Tech & MLB player Matt Murton on the right.
Matt and I played HS basketball together for a couple of years.
I'm extremely proud of the way he represents the game and his family.
Big Red played in Japan in 2010 and is headed back over for 2011.
Look out for his "little" brother too.  Luke is in the Yankees Farm System.

Panther Recruiting Update - 12.28.10

Check out the Full Write Up Today and Every Tuesday Until National Signing Day at PantherTalk.com.

Today's Recruiting Update

Monday, December 27, 2010

AJC: Ol' Ball Coach - High Praise for City of Atlanta Recruits

From AJC.com:

Said South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier, "There's more players in a 50-mile radius of Atlanta than there is in the entire state of South Carolina."



My take: No real suprise here.  We know we are sitting on a recruiting gold mine. I'm hoping that others are paying attention. 

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Coach Curry #4 on Sunday Paper's People of 2010

4. Bill Curry

Bill Curry certainly wasn’t lacking for career accolades in 2008, when he accepted Georgia State University’s offer to head up its new football team. But the Georgia Tech alum, a nine-year NFL veteran and a respected coach with stints at Alabama and his alma mater, inspired us in a whole different way with his newest gig. At an age when most people are easing into retirement, Curry, 68, ably built an entire football program from the ground up (with the help of GSU’s Athletics Department, of course)—recruiting, staffing, and generally laying the groundwork for a successful program. What’s more, he led the inaugural Panthers squad to a respectable 6-5 record, including a memorable 41-7 victory over Shorter College in Georgia State’s first-ever game at an exuberant Georgia Dome. Curry’s leadership, his vision and his willingness to shoulder such an imposing task in his seventh decade helped a skeptical city embrace the fledgling team as its own.—K.F.M.

Sunday Paper Link

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas Panther Nation!

From my family to yours.  Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Georgia State Falls 74-72 in OT

Losing hurts.  Losing to Georgia Southern hurts more. 

I've maintained for months that if you set your expectations correctly, you will not be disappointed.  Should we have beaten Georgia Southern? Probably but our teams are 8-37 on the road in the Rod Barnes Era.

I said that I would be pleased with a .500 overall record and near .500 in CAA play.  I believed that would be enough for Barnes to remain our coach and I still believe that will be the case.

So how do we get there? We currently sit at 4-5 in the non conference heading to Chattanooga next Wednesday for the Dr. Pepper Challenge which is a MTE (Multi-Team Event).  Thursday's game will likely be vs. Montreat who is an NAIA school.

I believe we should be able to split those two games and will return to Atlanta and enter conference play at 5-6.

To achieve .500 overall the team would need to go 10-8 the rest of the way.  I believe this is probable but will very difficult as we've never had better than a 8-10 CAA record.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

South Carolina State Added to 2011 Football Schedule

WCSC-TV just released South Carolina State's 2011 schedule and Georgia State will travel to Orangeburg on October 15, 2011.

This is a pretty impressive game as they were in the FCS Playoffs this season.  Sounds like a weekend trip to Charleston and then gameday on Saturday.

Live5 Link

GSU's Iain Vance is 3rd Team FCS All American

Congrats Iain!

The Sports Network All American Team

Monday, December 20, 2010

GSU Sports Arena Continues Makeover

Whirlpool Treatment Area is being finished in the Sports Arena
Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications

Pretty cool to see the continual evolvement of the Georgia State Sports Arena. 

With 9,000-square feet of brand new space, a spacious weight room, training room and whirpool treatment area will be made ready for occupancy. All the weights from the third-floor weight room will be moved downstairs to the new area, while a training room for the medical staff will be set up for second semester.


QB Taylor Heinicke Verbals to ODU

Congrats to the Monarchs as they grab a QB from our back yard.  They graduate their starter Thomas Demarco in 2011 and Heinicke likely felt he can go up there and compete for playing time within his first 12 months on campus.

We came to him very late but I thought we still had an outside shot.  I fully expect an offer to SW Dekalb's Andre Wilson when the dead period ends on January 3rd.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Panthers Shake Off FAMU 76-67

My first game live this year and I was impressed with Devonta White in his first (hopefully of many) career starts.  He finished the game with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists but I tend to look at other things that the box score does not always indicate.

The energy level seems to be higher when he is on the court and he finds players with passes that they should be able to convert.  Like any other freshman guard, there are momentary lapses in judgement and he made a few that were not tremendously costly.  He will learn and get better.

Jihad Ali shoot the ball well and hit 5-6 from deep.  This is a tremendous step forward and hopefully a sign of a turnaround to his disappointing junior season.

Next Game: @ Georgia Southern on Dec. 22nd.

Friday, December 17, 2010

AJC: GSU Stocking Up 3rd Class

Good work by our guy Ken at the AJC.  Interesting nuggets including 7 commits at this point (4 public) and that CBC doesn't expect anyone to transfer to this point.

AJC Link

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

SB Nation Atlanta Has a New GSU Section

A New Partnership for 2011

And yours truly is the new Georgia State Editor.  Thanks for all the kind words and I'm looking forward to this incredible partnership.

SB Nation Atlanta Link

GMC DB D'Mario Gunn Signs with GSU

Signed, sealed and delivered!

Just confirmed that his LOI is likely headed to our compliance folks but GMC Coach Bert Williams confirmed that former Georgia Military College Defensive Back Demario Gunn signed with us today.

He would have 3 years to play 2 and would give us another veteran body in our defensive backfield.  From what I've been told, he would count towards the 2010 class and that we should have approx. 5.5 grants-in-aid (using CBC's preferred phrase) left for 2011.


More details as they are available.

GSU offers Collins Hill Taylor Heinicke

Future Panther?

Just confirmed that MTV Reality Star and Collins HS QB Taylor Heinicke is holding an offer from Georgia State.  He currently holds offers from Old Dominion, Richmond, Valdosta State and West Georgia. I've been told William & Mary and Penn have shown interest as well.

I've been told that he went on an official visit to ODU this past weekend and is planning on an OV to Richmond in January. 

Coach Curry was in New York on Monday and he and several offensive coaches were in Heinicke's home last night for a visit.

Mid Season Highlights (2010)

ESPN Scouts, Inc. Profile

Rivals.com Profile

Scout.com Profile

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Monday, December 13, 2010

Is Georgia State about to get more Greenspace?

Interesting to see if this gets added as the area in and around our campus would take another huge step to looking more "traditional." 

Atlanta Downtown Link

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Georgia State Falls 61-59, Squanders 10 point 2nd half lead

Junior PF Brandon McGee was a bright spot vs. WMU
Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications

The AJC called it a collapse and it's hard to disagree.  Maybe it was just the way things bounce after the victory vs. James Madison with the Ali tip in winner.

You're at home and you have a 10 point lead with 8:49 to play in the ball game.  From that point, Western Michigan outscored the Panthers 19-7 and stole a game that they never should have won.

It's extremely frustrating to watch but as I've said over and over, this is going to happen with so many key players who are new to this team and new to college basketball on the Division 1 level.  My expectations were, and still are, to stay around .500 overall and continue to get better as the season goes on.  Our freshman struggled mightily vs. the Broncos, as Harold Doby and Devonta White shot 1-8 from the field and had 5 turnovers between them. 

Brandon McGee played very well and I wouldn't be suprised if he earned the start vs. Florida A&M this Saturday.  Last week was a little harder as new players (see how I keep emphasizing that), took final exams all week and were practicing while their peers left for Christmas break.  This cannot be understated.  If this is your first time doing this at a Division 1 level (many JUCO players have no organization and can pretty much go and come as they please to class and many HS players have never taken 5 exams in a semester before) then it becomes a culture shock.

This week should be a more focused week of practice and I expect a good effort vs. the Rattlers of FAMU on Saturday night at the Sports Arena.  I'm hoping to see you there.

Examiner Link

Source: John Thompson no longer candidate for Ark. St. DC job

From a source close to the situation:

John Thompson has pulled out of consideriation for the Defensive Coordinator job at Arkansas State. In an email exchange, there were multiple factors but Coach Thompson did not want to move his children again [Thompson has two sons, 14 and 11].   He said he'd like to come back home to Arkansas [at some point] but his family had to come first.

My take and what this means for 2011: This is great news for Georgia State fans. We will likely retain our DC for 2011 and I said after the Alabama game that keeping our coaching staff together is vital for long term success. John Thompson is a very good DC and game planner.  With another offseason conditioning program, another recruiting cyle, getting NG Eduardo Curry back from injury and adding a very good pass rusher in DE Roderick Thompson, our defensive line will continue to get much better.  This helps our LBs get better and in turn makes our young DBs continue to get better.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Star News: Barnes [Still] Likes Panthers' Potential

We are 1/5 through the regular season schedule and the Panthers are 3-3.  I expected them to be a .500 overall team and they are staying true to form.  With the new additions, 3 freshman playing significant minutes and lack of a vocal leader on the floor I stil believe this team will be staring at a 15-15 final mark in March.  That would be huge progress for both Barnes (7 straight losing seasons, including his time at Ole Miss) and for our men's basketball program.

Pretty good read by Brian Mull of the Wilmington Star News.  Touches on FT shooting woes, a freshman that has suprised Barnes and Jihad Ali's shooting slump.

Star News Link

Friday, December 10, 2010

Western Michigan's WR Trey Smith Transfers to Georgia State

Welcome to GSU Trey Smith!
Photo Courtesy of Kalamazoo Gazette file

From MLive.com
Trey Smith's 6-foot-4, 222-pound frame made him an intriguing prospect as a wide receiver. It wasn't enough for consistent playing time within Western Michigan University's football program.

Broncos coach Bill Cubit said Thursday that Smith is transferring to Division I-AA Georgia State.

MLive.com Link
 

Notes: Smith was the #189 rated WR by ESPN's Scouts, Inc and was a Top 10 WR in the State of Georgia in 2008.  He had offers from Akron, Marshall, East Carolina, Akron, Ball State before signing with Western Michigan.



From ESPN Scouts, Inc.

Smith is a huge target that does not get many opportunities to catch the football in this scheme. His size and long arms are his best assets as he is purely a possession guy that is best utilized on underneath routes and in the [Red Zone] area on jump balls.

My Take: This is a tremendous grab as he will be a true Junior this fall.  This looks to be very much a family related decision as his quote from someone I talked to was:

"Transferring back home after this semester. I'm gone miss my Western Michigan Fam but I gotta do whats best for me and my family."

His size will give us another powerful Red Zone weapon in 2011 and 2012.  Great work by Coach Pugh, Coach Curry and the rest of the staff.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

SportsDaily: Interview with Coach Curry

Short but good Q & A with Coach Curry (honestly, when is it not, the man gets it done with the media).

My favorite Question and Answer:

Q: How long do you think you’ll keep coaching?

Curry: Wow… (long pause) I didn’t expect that question. It chokes me up to think about not doing it. I start to think about missing out on my grandchildren growing up. Joe Paterno is my hero and one of my best buddies. I will not be like Joe. I promised that to [wife] Carolyn and Sue Paterno. He is doing the right thing for him. I’m going to do it for as long as it makes sense to Carolyn Curry and those children that I coach.

Sports Business Daily Link

GSU Sports: Letter from Director of Athletics Cheryl Levick

Full text can be read via GSU Sports Link.

GSU Sports: Vote for Your Favorite Football Plays of 2010

Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications


Vote early, vote often.  The Top 10 plays of the Georgia State football season are now online.  Vote for your favorite three.

GSU Sports Link

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Wednesday's Quick Hitters - 12.8.10

Good Morning Panther Nation!  I hope you are enjoying the winter sports season and I hope to see you out at a men's or women's basketball game very soon.  We are counting down the days until signing day (56 for HS prospects and 7 for JUCO prospects) and I will be updating you with information as I hear it. 

Onto the links...

Coach Bond Helps GSU: Always interesting to hear perspective from outside our Metro area.  Northwest Arkansas Online Link

Got this tip from the Godfather of Football.  For any of you that watch Antique Roadshow, they stumbled upon a Green Bay Packers team signed football.  Of course, Coach Curry had signed it.  Pretty cool.  PBS Link

Comparing CBC to FBS Coaching Salaries.  Based on what Coach Curry's reported salary (he is the highest paid coach in FCS) he would make more than 5 FBS coaches.  USA Today Coaches Contracts for 2010 

Did you know? In 1989, GSU's band was rented by eventual Men's Basketball National Champion Michigan?  USA Today Story on Steve Fisher

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Updated: DC John Thompson to Arkansas State?

12.7.10 Update - Spoke to a contact of mine in Jonesboro, Arkansas and he confirmed that there has been lengthy communication with Coach Thompson about joining Arkansas State. My source was led to believe it's a matter of budget and ability to pay him a salary that is acceptable and competitive. No confirmation from there side or ours but my contact communicated with several boosters who say there has been communication between both parties and there have been appeals made to raise enough money through donations to bring Thompson in.

The rumbling from The Den at ArkSt.com, an unofficial message board of Arkansas State football is discussing the possibility of our Defensive Coordinator and Asst. HC for scheduling and strategic planning as being named the new DC under new coach Hugh Freeze. 

Freeze knows Thompson very well and they served together at Ole Miss and this would be a very good hire for Arkansas State.  I have the utmost confidence that CBC would hire a more than capable replacement if JT does accept this position.

This is not a shock to anyone that has followed our program as Thompson was actually a finalist candidate for the LSU DC job last season.  This is the blessing and the curse of a brand new program, if you experience success, your coaching staff gets poached by much larger programs. 

Updated: GSU Lands Football Commit #2

Another Future Panther from Roswell HS
Photo by Josh D. Weiss/AJC

Just confirmed that we've locked up a verbal from Athlete Nick Henderson out of Roswell HS. He was a 3 year starter and played Safety/Wide Receiver/Tight End for the Hornets.   I've been told we are recruiting him as an ATH (I'd imagine he'll likely RS in 2011 and then will be placed at Free Safety/Rover and provide depth behind Fred Barnes).  This fills another need and a great find by Coach Curry and staff.

Henderson at Bill Curry's Football Camp

Scouting Report and Notes: Good frame to play Safety.  Good recognition and sure tackler from the film I've seen. He looks to project at a 6'1 and in the 210-215lbs range.  He was Honorable Mention All-North Fulton Neighbor Team at WR this season.  From what I've been told, he's "pumped to be a Panther."

2010 Stats: 30 catches, 370 yards and 1 TD.


YouTube Junior Highlights (2009)

YouTube Sophmore Highlights (2008)

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Ali Plays the Hero, GSU beats JMU 64-63

This a great home win.  Read that again.  James Madison was a Top 4 team in our league.  In the CAA lately, that has meant playing beyond the conference tournament. 

Ali was the man in the right position and this should not be shocking as he has incredibly high basketball IQ.  I've been tough (perhaps unfairly on my part) on him as expectations were very high for him to not only lead our team (he's a captain along with Sr. Marques Johnson) but possibly our leading scorer. 

This evens our overall record at 3-3 on the season and 1-0 now in CAA play.

Next game: Home vs. Western Michigan on Saturday at 8pm. 

AJC Link

Examiner.com Link

Friday, December 3, 2010

(Updated with Video) AJC: College Football HOF Selects Site

Current College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, IN

The AJC just confirmed the new site for the College Football Hall of Fame.  Yet another reason to visit before our games or stay downtown after our games.

It's taken a few years but downtown is becoming the destination for sports and we are extremely fortunate to be in that landscape.

AJC Link

Atlanta Hall Management, Inc. Video

Evaluating Front Seven Size vs. Offensive Production in 2010

"If you torture the data long enough, it will confess." - Ronald Coase

As many of you know, I'm a huge proponent of Front 7 size and offensive production against.  A great way is to look at the yards per play (not necessarily the scoreboard as you have varying factors such as turnovers, special team plays and others).

Here's a look at the Defensive Front 7 that GSU faced in 2010

Sizes Of The Front Sevens Georgia State Faced in 2010
SULUJSUCUMSUSSUNCCODUUSALAMALA
DL230245237252229230260250205250306
DL240270285278274281294285290250279
DL260275275280250250272295275255310
DL/LB210305260285238259240220215215231
LB185215235225189184230225230190263
LB220220245225208216244225215205258
LB240215255225203217210225200210238
 Total15851745179217701591163717501725163015751885

Teams that had 1700 or less combined pounds (Shorter, Morehead State, Savannah State, South Alabama and Lamar) we averaged 4.6 yards per rush and 7.1 yards per pass.  In the other 6 ball games vs. heavier defensive fronts we averaged 3.4 yards per rush and 6.2 yards per pass

It's absolutely imperative that our offensive line gain a minimum of 5lbs per man (with the exception of LaDeven Kirkland as he will probably be in the lose 5lbs category of the eating line).  This added strength would have our projected starting O Line at 1482lbs.  I think this is very conservative and considering starting RG Harrison Clottey was basically playing with 1 good arm for the last 5 games of the year, this would be a tremendous gain.

What does all this mean?  As I've heard said many times by a former coach of mine, "The Off Season is when the Average become Good and the Good become Great."

Thursday, December 2, 2010

What Will it Take to Get to 20K in 2011?

"20K in the Dome? I can dig it."
Photo Courtesy of Mouthpeicesports.com

I've been asked several times the last few days on the likelihood and % chance that we reach 20,000 in average attendance. I’ve decided to throw my thoughts together as it seems that Football Withdrawal has officially taken hold. Like one of my favorite sports interviewees, Shaquille O’Neal said, “I’m not an Odds-Matician.”

First, our attendance average this season for 7 games was 16,750.


Let me stop right there. That's tremendous. How tremendous? That's a better average than 13 FBS programs.


The soft season ticket renewal has already begun (if you haven't received a call, call the ticket office and they'd be glad to assist you) and full season ticket renewal will begin in January.


So what's the magic formula? If you are looking for that, you won't find it here. I don't have that. What I do have is my thoughts on what is possible in 2011.


We will graduate an estimated 3000 students in total in our December and April commencement ceremonies. These all become potential ticket purchasers at a minimum of $72 per ticket for the season or $15 per ticket for individual single games. I'll aim extremely conservative and say we grab 10% of these new grads. That's 300 new season ticket holders.


We will enroll an estimated 2000 transfer students (including many this January) who will be entering in the beginnings of Year 2. Again, conservatively I'll say we can attract 15% giving us 300 in the student section.


It's estimated that more than 3500 freshman will arrive on campus in August to begin classes. Using my 10% model again, let's add 350 additional bodies into the Georgia Dome next season.


A little further outside the campus lines, our season ticket base, which is currently more than 5500, is to increase and I'll again be very conservative and say 10%. That would be a additional 550 season ticket holders.


Average fan interest is extremely hard to judge. How big of impact did the Alabama game resonate in potential donors/season ticket holders? Nearly impossible to register but I will stay conservative and say that we receive an additional 1,500 fans per game next season by this factor alone.

Last, but not least, is adding local players. We are expected to sign a very small class (currently would be 8 or 9 and could blossom to 10 to 12 with attrition) but the adding of the family members alone from those 8-12 players could result in an extra 25 fans in the building.

So let's total my projections up and you have an increase of 3,725 in attendance giving us a total of 20,475. That would push us over 20K and would move us from 9th to 4th in all of FCS in only 2 years of existence.  Could we achieve this? Yes.  Will we? That remains to be seen.

SB Nation: If UMass Jumps to The MAC, What About Georgia State?

Interesting thoughts here from Jason Kirk.

SB Nation Link

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Virginian-Pilot: Rumblings in the CAA

More good work by Rich Radford of the Virginian-Pilot:

If UMass bolts, expect New Hampshire to do likewise right on the Minutemen's heels. They just won't be hopping to the same conference, but they'll be leaving the CAA as yet another natural rival departs. With Hofstra and Northeastern cancelling their programs last season, if UMass goes, why would UNH stay? And it's all but a done deal that Rhode Island is bolting the league in 2013.

Full blog entry here: Virginian-Pilot Link

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

What Could Have Been: Lefty's son Chuck could be coaching Panthers

Good write up by Carroll Rogers talking about our former coach and his family in the AJC.

One nugget that struck me:
Chuck learned about his father’s “I must” from inside the huddle. The third of Driesell’s four children, and only son, was a fixture on the bench “since he could sit up,” Lefty said. He went from ball boy to player at Maryland to nine-year assistant coach to Driesell at James Madison. The only reason he didn’t follow his dad to Georgia State was because of a nepotism rule.

As many of you long time Panther fans know, when Lefty woke up on New Year's Day 2003 and told his wife, I'm done with coaching.  The reins were immediately passed to his top assistant Michael Perry (which caused a rift on the coaching staff and possibly within the team) who had 16 years of coaching experience at Virginia Union, Richmond and 5 years on Lefty's bench.  I'm not 100% sure that Lefty would have handed it to his son but it's very possible that things may have changed slightly.

AJC: GSU Offers Johnson County WR Zack Walker

From the AJC's Chip Towers Ten@10:

Another in-state player on Georgia Tech’s radar is Johnson County wide receiver Zach Walker, whose prolific career came to an end in the second round of the Class A playoffs. Georgia High School Football Daily reports that Walker got an offer from Tulane last week and has offers from Western Kentucky, Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, Georgia State and Illinois State. The Yellow Jackets are actively recruiting him but have not offered. Walker, who is not related to Johnson County native Herschel Walker, had 69 catches for 1,187 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.

My take: If Georgia Tech doesn't put an offer in front of Walker, we have a great shot at signing him in February.  I've been told he's looking to stay in state.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Monday Quick Hitters - 11.29.10

Happy Monday Panther Nation!  I hope you've cleaned out the Thanksgiving leftovers out of your fridge and your Holiday decorations are hung with care. 

Onto the links...

Recruiting Update: As CBC said in his call in show last Monday, we have 8 scholarships to give for the 2011 season prior to academic and football related  (playing time, home sick, etc.) attrition.  Our official scholarship total is at 55.5.  We have one commit in DE Roderick Thompson from Mays HS.  We will be updating this each Monday and I'll be giving you my projected breakdown closer to Signing Day.

Recruits Still in the GHSA Playoffs: It's no secret that we are after a Kicker to replace Senior Iain Vance.  What's unclear is which kicker(s) we are after.  We have mutual interest in both Roswell's Ty Long and Starr's Mill's Ryan Nowicki.  The latter will face Tucker this weekend in Final 4 Playoff action.

Even Practice Squad Football Players Make the Paper: Nice Profile of Freshman OL Andrew Newsmith from Forsyth Central HS. Forysth News Link

Could GSU Athletics be Making the Switch to Nike?

Could these fill our practice facility for Spring Practice 2011?

Our current Adidas contract is up at the end of the year and it's possible that Georgia State athletics could have a new apparel sponsor as early as Q1 2011 according to some people I've talked to.

All 16 athletic teams are covered under the Adidas apparel deal and only men's golf receives additional sport specific items from its contract with Ping.

My take: With football opening many more doors, this could give us some leveraging power that we haven't heard before in recent years.  Only in the last 5 years have we unified our athletic brand and that's a huge credit to Cheryl Levick and her staff.  We are seeing more and more Georgia State gear in the marketplace and a partnership that included apparel and a sum of money for athletics tells me we are again building the right way.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Georgia State Falls at Home to Samford 70-61 in OT

This one hurt a little bit and reminded fans of our recent past.  Samford, our old rival from the TAAC, came in having played 6 games on the season to the Panthers 3.  That game experience and Senior leadership of Andy King, Josh Davis and Josh Bedwell combined with inexplicable fouls by the Panthers late in the game allowed the Bulldogs to climb back from an 11 point second half hole.

Yes, this is one game and this team is learning to win.  The current upperclassmen on this team have only seen 13 Division 1 wins in the out of conference schedule the last 3 years so we must continue to be patient with this bunch.

Next: Tuesday at Hampton.  Tip is 7:00pm.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving Panther Nation!

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Georgia State Beats Utah Valley 69-56

Good win last night at home.  Panthers move 2-1 and have won consecutive games. 

Compliments from Utah Valley Coach Dick Hunsaker, "Georgia State is athletic and long and it was a tough, physical game."

Next home game is at home on Saturday vs. Samford. We have a size and length advantage again and it should be a good test to see if we can grab our first 3 game win streak in nearly 11 months.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

SB Nation: How GSU, KSU and Mercer Football Affect Recruiting

Interesting piece here.  No mention that Mercer will go non scholarship and Savannah State may not be long for FCS either with their financial and organizational issues.

SB Nation Link

Notes from Coach Curry's Call In Show

Yesterday marked the final Coach Bill Curry Call In Show of 2010 and he gave tremendous insight and mapped out the recruiting process and the offseason while discussing the Alabama game.

Some highlights:
-All of the coaches watched the Alabama film and they were itching to get to the practice field again.
-CBC was disappointed in the games results but the team did not hang their heads, they kept fighting vs. Alabama.
-Spotlighted RT Grant King, TE Arthur 'Bully' Williams and QB Kelton Hill for their play vs. the Crimson Tide.
-Curry looks back fondly on the season and says that he was glad they scheduled the way they did.  It would have been easy to schedule "cupcakes" every week and win every game. 
-Recruiting Game Plan: Based on current roster, we could sign 8 right now, expects that number to grow to 10-12 (or more) in February (I fully expect some academic and football related attrition).  Coach Curry rolled down his wish list: Defensive Line, Safety, Linebacker, Quarterback (Coach Curry's goal is to sign 1 in every cycle) and a Kicker (big loss in Iain Vance but we can sell immediate playing time).
-More Recruiting: Says staff has hit JUCO ranks hard as well as South Carolina, Georgia and South Florida.
-One pretty cool note: The team received a police escort from the Alabama state line to the stadium and then from the stadium to the Georgia state line.  That's impressive folks.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Georgia State Drops Troy 80-70

Good win at home and we even our record at 1-1.  Wiping the Alabama footballl defeat out of mouth, our fans got to see our young talent led by Harold Doby and Javonte Maynor.

Next up: Home vs. Utah Valley on Tuesday.

AJC: GSU looks back at Alabama, ahead at 2011

Great job by our guy Ken as we deal with the fact that we will not see another snap of football until the 1st week of April in the Spring Game.

AJC Link

Georgia State Falls 63-7, Completes Season #1

I just got back as my wife and I stayed in Birmingham and both of us worked this morning.  I could not be more proud of this team. Yes, there were negatives from last night but the game proved to our players that the off season begins today and work is to be done.

Last Night's Game helped in many ways but I believe 3 of the most important:

1. Recruiting - It's absolutely crucial to let recruits know we are not afraid to play anyone, ever.  We want the best, to play against the best. 

2. Off Season Strength & Conditioning: Can you imagine this game tape or highlights in our weight room?  Guys finishing a set or thinking about this game as they prepare for spring practice, will be more motivated and understand that they have to be physically dominant in order to prepare and compete at that level.  Our Front 7 and starting OL will make gains this off season, I can assure you.

3. Fundraising: I had the privelege of sitting near some of our larger donors and last night got our alums motivated to say, "We need your help."  I'm all in folks, we have a product that is worthy to carry the Georgia State name and we need our alums to rally around this team this off season and into 2011. 

This puts a cap on football season and we finished 6-5.  Absolutely fantastic and it is going to be a fun ride.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Alabama Gameday!

Welcome to Thursday, November 18th!  For most of our country, this is just the Thursday before Thanksgiving. For Panther Nation, this is the day we take on the #12 Alabama Crimson Tide at vaunted Bryant Denny Stadium.

I hope you enjoy it as my wife and I will be in the building tonight!

See you in Tuscaloosa!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Talking GSU vs. Alabama with RollBamaRoll.com - Part II

Part II where I answer Paul of RBR's questions:

http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2010/11/16/1816655/georgia-state-blogger-q-a

Talking GSU vs. Alabama with RollBamaRoll.com

Got a chance to catch up with Paul Holley of RollBamaRoll.com and he was gracious enough to spend some time talking about Thursday's game and a few other thoughts.

PantherTalk.com: How do Tide fans view this game? The reason I ask is when it was announced many Tide fans groaned. When it was moved by Alabama even more were upset because it was a rare weeknight game in Tuscaloosa.

PH: I think some 'Bama fans are upset about the scheduling of the game on a Thursday night throwing a kink in their normal weekend routines and travel plans, but on the whole I don't think there are any great complaints here. Admittedly scheduling a Division 1-AA upstart is not the most intriguing match-up for late November, but clearly the idea is to create as easy of a game as possible to help preparations for the Iron Bowl. I think the bulk of the fan base, while not overly excited about the opponent or the date, realizes that this is probably a necessary evil.

PantherTalk.com: What do you believe Saban's plan for the game will be? I beleive the Mississippi State will likely be a very physical battle and you guys already have a few players, including Trent Richardson and others on defense knicked up before facing Auburn 8 days later.

PH: I would expect a pretty vanilla game plan where we attempt to do those things that we normally do on both sides of the football. I'm sure we'll try to establish a big lead early and then pull the starters from there. A year ago in this game against Tennessee-Chattanooga, the starters played the first half but few saw action in the second half, and I would imagine that is the ideal scenario for our coaching staff again this year. I think you might see some extra precaution with a few players that are ailing -- Trent Richardson will be unlikely to play, for example, even though he probably could if absolutely necessary -- and clearly the goal is self-preservation with the Auburn game eight days away.

PantherTalk.com: What are fans saying about Bill Curry's return? His last game in Tuscaloosa was a 35-7 loss in 1996 when he was coaching Kentucky (his last year with the Wildcats).

PH: Justified or not, the bulk of the UA fan base has never liked Curry for a variety of reasons. Having said that, though, Curry hasn't coached at Alabama in over 20 years now, and for the most part it's largely irrelevant. Most fans thirty-five and under have little or no memory of Curry's three seasons in Tuscaloosa, and the ones who can remember it vividly have probably moved on at this point. I doubt any tears will be shed if Curry gets taken to the woodshed once again like he did in 1996, but I honestly don't think anyone will really care all that much one way or the other. The goal is to win the game with as little effort and human cost as possible, and anything involving Curry is just a sideshow at best.

PantherTalk.com: Has Georgia State gained any respect in Tide's fans eyes since the preseason after taking Jacksonville State in OT in Week 3 and not showing that they'll roll over and die like many expected this first year program to do?

PH: I think those that have really paid attention to Georgia State this season are probably a bit surprised that there haven't been quite as many struggles as you typically expect with start-up programs, and at this point I really don't think that anyone legitimately expects them to just roll over for us. Having said that, though, that still doesn't change the fact that we are probably one of the best ten or fifteen teams in the country and that anyone in that position should handle a Division 1-AA upstart with ease, even if they have surprised some people in their inaugural season. I don't think anyone lacks respect as much as they just have a legitimate expectation for how this game should turn out.

5. We are expecting approx. 7500 Georgia State fans in Tuscaloosa next week and would love some insight on seeing one of college football's legendary stadiums. What are your best bets for fans to see while in town? Best places to eat/visit?

PH: In terms of college football history, a stop by the Bryant Museum is an absolute must. For food, my suggestion is Dreamland, but there are quite a few other places worth trying like the Waysider for breakfast or Chuck's for a bit more of a pricey meal. A lot of people prefer Archibald's in Northport for BBQ, but you really cannot go wrong either way. If you're looking for a drink, the best bet is to go to the Strip given its proximity to Bryant-Denny Stadium, and if you can make sure you hit up Egan's. Tell 'em you found out about them through RBR.

Thanks again to Paul and check out the best Alabama fan site on the web.  RBR Link

AJC: Little comes up big for GSU

Good work by our guy Ken Sugiura of the AJC profiling our QB.

AJC Link

Video of PantherWalk vs. Lamar

Monday, November 15, 2010

AL.com: 5 Questions with CBC

Great read as always.  These questions were from a teleconference with writers that cover Alabama.

AL.com Link

One Man, One Team, Many Signs

Big ups to our guy Justin C getting love on the Georgia State Sports homepage.

Thanks for the name drop to PantherTalk.com.

Read all about Justin and signs.  GSU Sports Link

AJC: "Tuscaloosa Defines GSU football"

Founding Fathers: Tony Henry, Mike Jamal, Preston Stancil and me
Photo Courtesy of Michelle Hiskey

Great work by the AJC's Michelle Hiskey.  Your humble writer gets a mention as well.  For many of you that don't know, I've been down with Georgia State football for a long time.

AJC Link

Sunday, November 14, 2010

It's Really Tuesday?

Good Morning and Happy Football Tuesday!

Before many of you wonder what I'm drinking in my coffee, our football team practiced is practicing this morning and installing the Alabama gameplan.

Football season ends on Thursday at Alabama and it's been a very successful winter sports season.

*One quick non-football note: Volleyball ended their season yesterday with a 3-1 loss to Delaware wrapping up their best campaign since 2005 finishing 14-14 and 8-5 in CAA play.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Clark Atlanta Shocks GSU 56-53 in OT

Not the way you want to ride the momentum wave from the football team.  Take a breath everyone.  Eight newcomers and Barnes played 12 players tonight and exhibition games are used to work on rotations and see what players need to be played.

Good: Eric Buckner scored 7 points and grabbed 12 boards.  That's an impressive debut.

Bad: Team Captains Marques Johnson and Jihad Ali did not shoot the ball well and combined for 18 points on 24 shots. 

Ugly: James Fields got the nod to start and was awful.  No way to sugar coat 0-6 on his FG attempts and 6 turnovers.  There is a reason why he's a bench player and defensive specialist.

Next Game: Panthers travel to McNeese State next Tuesday.  Gametime is 8pm.

AJC: ESPN Gameday Crew to cover 'Bama game

Great work by Ken to grab this. 

Other tidbits:
-ILB Olefemi Opanubi was ruled out for the year but has been running and cutting. 
-P Bo Schlechter is pretty much a go for the game.
-Practice until Saturday will be harder for back ups and younger guys.  Great experience for the players and great opportunity for the back ups to get 1st team reps.

AJC Link

Georgia State vs. Clark Atlanta - Preview & Prediction

Georgia State Men's Basketball vs. Clark Atlanta

Georgia State Sports Arena

Radio: WRAS 88.5

Off the Bounce: We get a peek at the men's basketball team tonight at home for their only exhibition vs. Clark Atlanta. 8 newcomers, 1 returning starter. Expectations are low for Coach Rod Barnes and this team. I just have a funny feeling about this team and they way the Bahamas trip helped them. I get the sense that they actually like each other and that's a huge thing in basketball.   During the Transfer Experiment/Failure of the last two seasons (team went 24-40 overall and finished 8th and 9th, respectively, in the CAA standings) it seems like guys didn't know their roles and seemed a little out of place. I'm more confident that this team will suprise some people. How big of a suprise is up to the coaching staff and the development of our newcomers.

About Clark Atlanta: This is a very good Division II team that went 24-7 last season. Just how good? They nearly pulled off a stunner at Georgia Tech last week (and got the Fire Paul Hewitt groupies going again) and bowed out in OT by 3 points. Was Tech ready for a potent two guard attack that the Panthers of CAU brought? Probably not. Coaches tend to view exhibitions as roll the ball out there and let's beat the other team by 30+. We don't have the same luxury. Clark begins and ends with their dynamic guards: 6'4, 195lbs Najee Lane and 6'4, 190lbs David Brown (who happens to be the twin brother of GSU walk on Daniel Brown and younger brother of former GSU star Marcus Brown). They combined for 44 points and hit 6 threes between them.

Projected Starting Lineup:
PG - Marques Johnson
SG - James Fields
SF - Jihad Ali
PF - Brandon McGee
C - Eric Buckner

Prediction: I fully expect Barnes to press this team and run a multiple defensive set to get the ball out of Brown's hands (he's actually the better outside shooter). Expect Brown to know what Boom (James Fields) had for breakfast, lunch and dinner because he will get a face full. Clark is not as deep as Georgia State and I expect Buckner and Vincent off the bench to pound the middle. I expect a 70-54 win by the Panthers of Georgia State.

(Updated) Basketball Recruiting: Signing Day!

Good Morning and Happy Thursday! 

Football takes a bit of a backseat yesterday as our men's and women's basketball programs are expected to receive National Letters of Intent today. 

             

Updated as of 4:00pm: PF Jervon Pressley of E.E Waddell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina signed his LOI yesterday at a ceremony at his school.  He's very excited about becoming a Panther: "[I'm] now a GSU (Georgia State University) bound PF!!!

This is arguably Coach Rod Barnes' highest profile signee in his 4 years on campus.  Pressley is a 6'8, 220lbs power forward with incredible athleticism, strong hands and a body frame to add 10-15 lbs.

Pressley Link from Scout.com as of two weeks ago:
Sporting the flat-top fade haircut, Pressley finished with a couple monster dunks that almost brought the backboard down. He was a force in the paint, swatting shots left and right and pulling down boards. Named MVP of 2011 game. Needs to work on a 8-10 foot jump shot to add to his arsenal.  Scout.com Link

Women's Team:
SG Brittany Johnson of Southside High School in Ft. Wayne, Indiana signed yesterday.  She is a 5'9 guard is the younger sister of starting men's basketball PG Marques Johnson.  Johnson chose the Panthers over IUPUI, Western Michigan and XavierFrom the Ft. Wayne Journal-Gazette, Johnson: "It makes me comfortable, and I’ll work harder now because it isn’t like I am working for just one person, but I am working for Georgia State and South Side, so I have to represent both sides."
"My mom (Dawn) and my brother had everything planned out, but they wanted it to be my decision," said Johnson, who scored eight points against the Patriots. "It helped my brother is down there, but I wasn’t even looking at the program three years ago. It just happened this summer, and they came to watch me. I feel comfortable with them."

10.11.10 Update - Video on Brittany's signing: YouTube Link

Also signing is 5'8 PG Kayla Nolan out of Duluth HS.  She signed at a ceremony at her school to sign her LOI.

Welcome to the family Jervon, Brittany and Kayla!

Did you see Coach Bill Curry on the Country Music Awards?

We did! 

YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvrsBhJoIXI

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Coastal Carolina added to 2011 Football Schedule

The Chanticleers will host us in 2011


According to several people I've talked to, Coastal Carolina has been added to the football schedule for the next 2 years.  We will play them at "The Beach" in 2011 and they return in 2012.

My take: I really like this series and they will return to the Dome which is important.  They are struggling a little this season going 4-5 but draw nearly 9,000 fans.  These are the kinds of games that I expect for us to continue with moving forward.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Coach Bill Curry on Twitter

As many of you know, Coach Curry is on Twitter  several times a week.  This week is particularly interesting as he is walking down memory lane a little with the conclusion of our first year ending in a place he used to coach.

I'd encourage you to jump on board and check out CBC's Tweets @ CoachBillCurry.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Monday Quick Hitters - 11.9.10

Good Afternoon and Happy Monday Panther Nation!

I hope you enjoyed the last home game of the season and it was certainly exciting and gut wrenching all at once.  Glad to have clinched a winning year and a winning record at home.  Absolutely awesome.

In my preview, I highlighted the turnover battle (which was even), our ability to jump to an early lead (which we did 10-0) and playing well against the pass (eh, not so much).  A clutch play by Jamal Ransby and a good final stand by the D clinched it.

The Panthers will have until Wednesday off and will begin preparations for FBS #12 Alabama.

On to the Links...

Media Recap the Lamar win: A great job, as always, by our guy CT for compiling these. GSU Link

Georgia State as the Example? As many of you may know, Kennesaw State announced that it was going to be playing football.  Now it's the funding portion that is up to a student vote today.  Let's just say the faculty and alumni are not as excited as we were back in 2007 and 2008.  AJC Link

Georgia State Attendance 'Excellent' in 1st Season: Good work by our guy Ken at the AJC.  AJC Link

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Panthers Beat Lamar 23-17, Clinch Winning Season

Best: Win the win vs. the Cardinals, Georgia State clinches a winning season in it's first season of existence.  This is an incredible feat and a credit to Coach Curry, his staff and the football training staff for keeping these guys healthy and ready to go for 10 straight weeks.

Good: We answered the bell.  After grabbing a 13-3 lead, the Panthers absorbed a 14 point barrage capt off by a pick 6 on a good read by the Lamar CB.  As John Bond said in the post game interviews, Drew put it exactly where the coaching staff told him too.  No blame there.  Drew responded by absolutely making play after play and the game of football smiled on us a little with the tipped pass into Arthur Williams' hands.

Disappointment of the day: Tough way to send the 5 seniors off.  I was mildy disappointed in the crowd support.  Georgia Tech played on Thursday (and we actually had a few Tech football players in attendance as guests of Gilbert and Yandell) and Georgia was playing an opponent that both Lamar and Georgia State would likely beat.  I actually brought 3 people who had never been to a football game before and I'd encourage you to do the same next season.

Next up: The Panthers will not get back together until Wednesday and have this upcoming Saturday off before heading to Tuscaloosa on Wednesday, November 17th for our contest on Thursday night.  Sleep well Panther Nation!

Friday, November 5, 2010

AP Video: GSU Campus Transformed by Football

YouTube Link

Georgia State vs. Lamar - Preview & Prediction

Georgia State vs. Lamar

Kickoff: 1:00pm Georgia Dome

Radio: WCFO 1160 AM, WRAS 88.5

Quick Slant: The Panthers play their final home game on Senior Day after fighting back for a second week in a row before falling 39-34 to South Alabama. Lamar is coming off a 31-6 loss at North Dakota.  This will be the first time that two first year programs will take the field this year on the floor of the Dome.  Lamar is restarting football after closing the program down in 1989. The Panthers are aiming to clinch a winning season before next week's BYE week.

About Lamar: Lamar is 3-5 (1-5 vs. FCS opponents) on the season and has had struggles moving the ball on offense. They've beaten two NAIA schools and only average 13.8 point per game. The Cardinals will start JUCO Transfer from Navarro JC Andre Bevil and he's their best player having thrown for for 240 yards per game and can dodge pressure with his feet. Bevil does a very good spreading the ball around to his Top 3 WR targets: 6'3, 205lbs WR JJ Hayes, 6'1 195lbs WR Marcus Jackson and 5'9 170lbs WR Josh Powdrill.  All 3 were JUCO teammates of Bevil at Navarro and they've combined for 95 catches and 1371 and 12 TDs.  Jackson is the deep threat with Hayes as primary possesion, move the chains guy. 5'6 170lbs RB RB Octavios Logan has struggled on the ground but is a threat on kick returns averaging 24 yards per return and is their leading all purposed threat. 6'0, 210lbs LB Asim Hicks is their leading tackler and has 3 sacks which lead the team.

What to Watch:

1) Can the Panthers win the turnover battle? Lamar has been awful this year taking care of the football.  They are a cumulative -10 with 14 INTs and 10 fumbles lost (22 fumbles total).  The team that wins the turnover battle should win this game.

2) Can the Panthers jump on early and hit the gas? In both the ODU and South Alabama games, the Panthers were outscored 47-0 in the 2nd quarter. Lamar has been outscored 76-15. Get in your seat and expect some action early tomorrow.

3) Can the Panthers continue to play great vs. the pass? ODU threw 38 times for 152 yards. South Alabama threw 21 times for 181 yards.  That's tremendous pass coverage and not giving up the big play. With the injuries to ILB Olefemi Opanubi we will continue to keep the ball in front and roll our safeties back.

Georgia State Wins If...
They can keep the offense rolling and value the football.  Drew has thrown for 648 yards and 5 total TDs in his last 2 games.  He's ended his pass without an INT streak but it's time to start a new one (currently at 16 passes but you didn't need to know that, did you?).

Lamar Wins If...
They are opportunistic and hope for a low scoring, sluggish affair.  This could also be the best game of the year running the football as the Panther run defense has sprung major leaks in the last few weeks.  Don't see it happening for the Cardinals, though.

Georgia State Checklist:
1) Pound the football - The Panthers could not move the football vs. ODU or South Alabama on the ground but I expect to see a concerted effort to get our running game off.  Lamar runs a 4-3 and will be facing a front 7 that weighs a combined 1677lbs.  That ranks them lighter than ODU but heavier than Savannah State as our opponents go.

2) Make the Cardinals uncomfortable early - We were able to essentially stymie South Alabama in the 2nd half and only allowed 3 field goals.  I expect Lamar to face a very agressive defense and constantly changing looks.


3) Take shots down the field - Danny Williams has been sensational but I believe that we can absolutely take advantage of a defensive backfield that is giving up 230 yards per game through the air and have only forced opponents into 4 INTs.

The Roar
Georgia State will conclude its 7 game home schedule and will honor 5 seniors.  Those Seniors are: Walk-On WR Charles Borowsky, Back up Safety Hubert Davis, Back up ILB Trey Ennis, Punter / Holder Brandon Lupo and Kicker Iain Vance.  The Panthers will be without Punter Bo Schletcher for this game and have announced that ILB Olefemi Opanubi will be out for the rest of the year with a partially torn meniscus.

Prediction: Georgia State 31, Lamar 13

Weekend Predictions Pouring In

Good Morning and Happy Day Before Gameday!

I'll have Preview & Prediction up before lunch time but wanted to give you a few writer's predictions for our game vs. Lamar.

AJC: Jeff Schultz: Lamar at Georgia State: Lamar returned to college football after dropping it 21 years ago. That’s an even longer layoff than Bill Curry had. Panthers cover 14.  AJC Link

Augusta Chronicle: Scott Michaux: Lamar @ Georgia State: Lamar got skunked by South Alabama. Georgia State nearly beat them. Good enough analysis for me. Panthers 24, Cardinals 7 AC Link

The Record (Orange County, Texas): GEORGIA STATE over LAMAR—Georgia State was barely nipped by South Alabama last weekend and South Alabama put a pretty good-sized knot on the Cardinals’ head a couple weeks ago. The Redbirds need to have two good halves of football to be competitive against these opponents outside of the Southland Conference.  Record Link

Thursday, November 4, 2010

AJC: GSU Football feeling Rejuventated

Ah, my favorite verb.  Rejuventate: to make young again; restore to youthful vigor, appearance, etc. Also, to restore to a former state; make fresh or new again. 

Good work by Ken at the AJC.

AJC Link

AJC: Q&A with WR Danny Williams

Spectacular catch right in front of my seats vs. Morehead State.

Great peice by our guy Ken and take a look at Williams' summer preparation. It should come as no shock that he's having the success that he is.  Put the work in and you'll see results.  He's one of my favorite players on the team.

AJC Link

GSU Tradition Takes Another Step: Panther Walk

From GSU Sports Communications:

Panther Walk



Panther Fans! Come help cheer on the GSU football team as they enter the Georgia Dome for the final home game of the inaugural season on Nov. 6th vs. Lamar. Simply put, the “Panther Walk” entails the football team walking through a gauntlet of fans and cheerleaders to enter the Georgia Dome. It takes place between 10:45 - 10:55 AM outside of Gate E of the Georgia Dome. The Panther Walk has grown each week and is another great way to show your support for the Panthers!