Another big first in our program's history. Homecoming. Good write up by our guy Ken S at the AJC.
AJC Link
Thursday, September 30, 2010
A Special Video About Homecoming
Featuring Coach Bill Curry, Director of Athletic Cheryl Levick and President Mark Becker.
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwexa/video/index.html
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwexa/video/index.html
AJC: Panthers Win by 6
Congrats to Jeff Schultz for nailing the score last week vs. Campbell. He's predicting another W for the home team this week:
"Morehead State at G-State: The first Homecoming week included the pageantry of a golf cart parade through the concrete campus. It was a success — none of the carts got booted. This is what I know about Morehead State: They went 2-6-1 even with Phil Simms at quarterback. Panthers by 6."
Check out the rest of his weekend predictions and pretty funny comments. AJC Link
"Morehead State at G-State: The first Homecoming week included the pageantry of a golf cart parade through the concrete campus. It was a success — none of the carts got booted. This is what I know about Morehead State: They went 2-6-1 even with Phil Simms at quarterback. Panthers by 6."
Check out the rest of his weekend predictions and pretty funny comments. AJC Link
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
How Football Truly Affects Georgia State in the Wallet
Some of you may have received the PAC newsletter today (as did I). Telling graphics here and it also tells me that we have a ways to go on our journey.
AJC: Star Jackson is Ready To Play
Photo Courtesy of the AJC's Johnny Crawford
Great work by Ken S at the AJC. AJC Link
My take on Jackson: We won't likely see Star again this weekend unless an injury occurs. I believe we will likely see Star vs. Savannah State as they are absolutely awful. Drew has earned the job with his solid play in 3 out of the 4 games. Leading a game tying and game winning drive in back-to-back games only gives him another edge to keep his job.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday Quick Hitters - 9.28.10
Welcome to what feels like Fall and football season for that matter! The guys are ready to hit the practice field. Enjoyed seeing some of their social media responses at 6:15am this morning. They weren't dreading getting up that early, they were ready to get prepared for Week 5 and MSU.
Let's Get It...
Winning Record? SB Nation Thinks So:
Georgia State Panthers - 6-5
You heard it hear first, Georgia State will definitely finish its first season with a winning record! After starting out 2-2 and consistently playing to the level of its opponents, the Panthers will end the season 6-5. In fact, this past weekend's victory over Campbell was just the beginning of the Panthers' own four-game winning streak (all over FCS opponents!).
The biggest news to come out of Atomic Football's predictions for GSU is that the Panthers WILL NOT LOSE BY TRIPLE DIGITS TO ALABAMA. GSU is predicted to finish its season with (only) a 57-0 loss to the Crimson Tide. But who knows, they do have a 0.1% chance of winning (I guess those algorythms have some GSU bias too).
Additionally, if Georgia State had the opportunity to play the remainder of its season 1,000 times, it would win out one of those times! SB Nation Link
Jeff Sagarin Rating Update: We are currently #239 (still behind South Alabama and Lamar, as they are #229 and #231, respectively). Not the most fond of his numbers but it gives you an idea of how we are viewed nationally. AL.com Link
AJC Preview of Morehead State: Ken S is on the case and puts a nice capsule together. Check out his Twitter page @AJCGSU for continuous updates. AJC Link
PantherTalk.com is growing again: We've added a photographer to our team and we should have pictures from the game from our new PantherTalk.com photographer. Bookmark PantherTalk.com and visit early and often.
We're #1: National Jurist magazine, a publication aimed at law school students ranked the College of Law at Georgia State University No.1 in value, up from its fourth place ranking last year. The University of Georgia School of Law, the only other school from the Peach State to make the list, ranked 15th. The magazine based its selection on bar passage rates, tuition costs, average student debt after graduation and post-graduation employment rates. AJC Link
Let's Get It...
Winning Record? SB Nation Thinks So:
Georgia State Panthers - 6-5
You heard it hear first, Georgia State will definitely finish its first season with a winning record! After starting out 2-2 and consistently playing to the level of its opponents, the Panthers will end the season 6-5. In fact, this past weekend's victory over Campbell was just the beginning of the Panthers' own four-game winning streak (all over FCS opponents!).
The biggest news to come out of Atomic Football's predictions for GSU is that the Panthers WILL NOT LOSE BY TRIPLE DIGITS TO ALABAMA. GSU is predicted to finish its season with (only) a 57-0 loss to the Crimson Tide. But who knows, they do have a 0.1% chance of winning (I guess those algorythms have some GSU bias too).
Additionally, if Georgia State had the opportunity to play the remainder of its season 1,000 times, it would win out one of those times! SB Nation Link
Jeff Sagarin Rating Update: We are currently #239 (still behind South Alabama and Lamar, as they are #229 and #231, respectively). Not the most fond of his numbers but it gives you an idea of how we are viewed nationally. AL.com Link
AJC Preview of Morehead State: Ken S is on the case and puts a nice capsule together. Check out his Twitter page @AJCGSU for continuous updates. AJC Link
PantherTalk.com is growing again: We've added a photographer to our team and we should have pictures from the game from our new PantherTalk.com photographer. Bookmark PantherTalk.com and visit early and often.
We're #1: National Jurist magazine, a publication aimed at law school students ranked the College of Law at Georgia State University No.1 in value, up from its fourth place ranking last year. The University of Georgia School of Law, the only other school from the Peach State to make the list, ranked 15th. The magazine based its selection on bar passage rates, tuition costs, average student debt after graduation and post-graduation employment rates. AJC Link
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday Quick Hitters - 9.27.10
Happy Monday to all the Panther Nation! Homecoming Weekend is upon us and I hope the fellow alumni are excited about this weekend. If you need a run down on what's going on campus check out www.gsu.com/homecoming.
Let's hit the Links...
Great Run Down by Ken S at the AJC: To Pass or To Run? AJC Link
CBC Mentions Recruiting Roadmap for 2011: I hope you were able to listen to CBC on WCFO 1160AM today, if not, check out the show on the radio Mondays @ 4pm. Today they were at STATS (which is a very good place to watch a game). I digress...CBC said We currently have 63 scholarships utilized (CBC calls them grants, as in grants in aid). We don't lose a single scholarship Senior and he expects us to offer 7 or 8 scholarships. He also expects 2-3 players to leave via attrition (As I say 5% is usually the rule).
In that rationale, I expect the mix to be 4 JUCO guys (at least 1 DL and 1 OL) then 4 HS (May HS Roderick Thompson is 1 at DE who's already committed).
My take on 2011 class: Grab 1 WR, 1 TE, 1 QB (yep, still expect 1 to leave the program by Spring), 1 LB, 2 DBs and 1 K. Not a sexy class by any means but addresses needs which is the #1 priority in recruiting.
Road Trip to Alabama: Athletics has teamed with SGA on the Alabama game. Ticket for the Alabama game costs $40 and the SGA bus is free (includes meal and tailgate). GSU Sports Link
From the Godfather of Club Football: USA Today take a look at the topic of student fees to fund athletics USA Today Link
Pay Good, Play Good: As I mentioned last week, CBC is the highest paid coach in FCS (formerly 1-AA). So how does that compare with FBS? He actually makes more than 15 coaches in the FBS. Mostly from the C-USA and MAC.
FCS Stats of Interest Through Week 4: Bo Schlechter would be currently 6th in the FCS with a punting average of 43.2 yards per punt but has only has attempted 13 punts this year. Absolutely our best weapon to this point.
See you at the Dome on Saturday!
Let's hit the Links...
Great Run Down by Ken S at the AJC: To Pass or To Run? AJC Link
CBC Mentions Recruiting Roadmap for 2011: I hope you were able to listen to CBC on WCFO 1160AM today, if not, check out the show on the radio Mondays @ 4pm. Today they were at STATS (which is a very good place to watch a game). I digress...CBC said We currently have 63 scholarships utilized (CBC calls them grants, as in grants in aid). We don't lose a single scholarship Senior and he expects us to offer 7 or 8 scholarships. He also expects 2-3 players to leave via attrition (As I say 5% is usually the rule).
In that rationale, I expect the mix to be 4 JUCO guys (at least 1 DL and 1 OL) then 4 HS (May HS Roderick Thompson is 1 at DE who's already committed).
My take on 2011 class: Grab 1 WR, 1 TE, 1 QB (yep, still expect 1 to leave the program by Spring), 1 LB, 2 DBs and 1 K. Not a sexy class by any means but addresses needs which is the #1 priority in recruiting.
Road Trip to Alabama: Athletics has teamed with SGA on the Alabama game. Ticket for the Alabama game costs $40 and the SGA bus is free (includes meal and tailgate). GSU Sports Link
From the Godfather of Club Football: USA Today take a look at the topic of student fees to fund athletics USA Today Link
Pay Good, Play Good: As I mentioned last week, CBC is the highest paid coach in FCS (formerly 1-AA). So how does that compare with FBS? He actually makes more than 15 coaches in the FBS. Mostly from the C-USA and MAC.
FCS Stats of Interest Through Week 4: Bo Schlechter would be currently 6th in the FCS with a punting average of 43.2 yards per punt but has only has attempted 13 punts this year. Absolutely our best weapon to this point.
See you at the Dome on Saturday!
Football Opponents Report
Great job by Bob R. at the Examiner to fill us in. Our foes were an impressive 7-4 this weekend.
Examiner.com Link
Examiner.com Link
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Georgia State vs. Campbell: Preview & Prediction
Georgia State vs. Campbell
Kickoff: 1:00pm Barker-Lane Stadium
Radio: WRAS 88.5, WCFO 1160
Weather: 89 degrees at kickoff.
Quick Slant: Oh what a difference a week makes. After standing up to the #4 ranked Jacksonville State and eventually bowing in OT. The mood changes from desperation and fear for how bad it would be on the scoreboard to hope and confidence. Campbell will present itself as the Panthers first ever road game and it will present new challenges for our football team. Coach Bill Curry: "This will be our first road trip, and I don't even want to ask how many of our players have never ridden on a plane before. No matter though, we are all still very excited."
About Campbell: The Camels are reeling after dropping two straight home games to Old Dominion and Davidson. Campbell has started very slowly this season, being outscored 27-7 in the 1st quarter. Their offense is not very strong as they average less than 140 yards through the air and 140 yards on the ground. They run a 4-3 defense, do not play well against the run (giving up more than 230 yards per contest) and have been outscored by 3 TDs in the 4th Quarter.
What to Watch
1. Can the Panthers run the football? This could be a game to mash the football and really see the Offensive Line come alive. Will this be the game that we have our first 100 yard rusher in GSU history.
2. Can the defense create turnovers and turn the field? Campbell has actually done a really good job protecting the football as they've only lost one football on 122 rushing attempts.
3. Can Drew Little continue his strong play? Drew completed 69% of his passes in Game 1 and Game 3. He completed 41% in Game 2. Will he take what he's learned vs. JSU to carry over?
Georgia State Wins If...
The Panthers run the football. I expect to see 40 carries split between Parris Lee, Rosevelt Watson, Travis Evans and Sam Burkhalter. This should be the game that the offensive line steps out and moves the defenders down the field. I do not expect more than 25 passes to thrown by our combination of QBs.
Campbell Wins If...
Our offense gives them opportunities to make it a game. Turnovers on the road are an ingredient for a disaster. A 2 or 3+ TO margin would keep Campbell in it. The Camels are not going to throw the ball down the field as their longest pass completion this year went for only 36 yards.
Georgia State Checklist:
1. Get Physical on Offense. This team wants to run the football and Old Dominion was successful shutting down the run allowing Campbell 115 yards on the ground on 40 carries. Will we be able to punch holes in their offensive line and lighter linebacking corps? I believe so.
2. Stop the Run. Campbell averages better than 300lbs. on the offensive line and run a spread running attack triggered by NC State transfer Daniel Polk. They average only 3.4 yards per game. They will not abandon their running game as they average better than 40 carries per game on the ground. Jam eight defenders in the box and the Camels may have no answer.
3. Stick to the plan. Drew did a great job building confidence by taking short passes when blitzed and taking shots when the defense stayed back. I'm really interested to see how much of a leash Coach Bond has on Drew and will let him take chances down the field. He's a very adept deep passer and I'm interested to see if we unleash Sidney Haynes and Danny Williams on deep runs.
The buzz
The Camels will have a crowd of 4500 or so on hand. Not exactly the menacing atmosphere that will present itself as season's end. Gaylord the Camel (named for their most famous alum, Hall of Fame Picther Gaylord Perry) will rile the troops of Buies Creek and the surrounding areas. Did you know the Camels are only playing their 24th game since 1950?
The prediction: Georgia State 28, Campbell 10
Kickoff: 1:00pm Barker-Lane Stadium
Radio: WRAS 88.5, WCFO 1160
Weather: 89 degrees at kickoff.
Quick Slant: Oh what a difference a week makes. After standing up to the #4 ranked Jacksonville State and eventually bowing in OT. The mood changes from desperation and fear for how bad it would be on the scoreboard to hope and confidence. Campbell will present itself as the Panthers first ever road game and it will present new challenges for our football team. Coach Bill Curry: "This will be our first road trip, and I don't even want to ask how many of our players have never ridden on a plane before. No matter though, we are all still very excited."
Photo Courtesy of Mike Holmes, GSU Sports Communications
About Campbell: The Camels are reeling after dropping two straight home games to Old Dominion and Davidson. Campbell has started very slowly this season, being outscored 27-7 in the 1st quarter. Their offense is not very strong as they average less than 140 yards through the air and 140 yards on the ground. They run a 4-3 defense, do not play well against the run (giving up more than 230 yards per contest) and have been outscored by 3 TDs in the 4th Quarter.
What to Watch
1. Can the Panthers run the football? This could be a game to mash the football and really see the Offensive Line come alive. Will this be the game that we have our first 100 yard rusher in GSU history.
2. Can the defense create turnovers and turn the field? Campbell has actually done a really good job protecting the football as they've only lost one football on 122 rushing attempts.
3. Can Drew Little continue his strong play? Drew completed 69% of his passes in Game 1 and Game 3. He completed 41% in Game 2. Will he take what he's learned vs. JSU to carry over?
Georgia State Wins If...
The Panthers run the football. I expect to see 40 carries split between Parris Lee, Rosevelt Watson, Travis Evans and Sam Burkhalter. This should be the game that the offensive line steps out and moves the defenders down the field. I do not expect more than 25 passes to thrown by our combination of QBs.
Campbell Wins If...
Our offense gives them opportunities to make it a game. Turnovers on the road are an ingredient for a disaster. A 2 or 3+ TO margin would keep Campbell in it. The Camels are not going to throw the ball down the field as their longest pass completion this year went for only 36 yards.
Georgia State Checklist:
1. Get Physical on Offense. This team wants to run the football and Old Dominion was successful shutting down the run allowing Campbell 115 yards on the ground on 40 carries. Will we be able to punch holes in their offensive line and lighter linebacking corps? I believe so.
2. Stop the Run. Campbell averages better than 300lbs. on the offensive line and run a spread running attack triggered by NC State transfer Daniel Polk. They average only 3.4 yards per game. They will not abandon their running game as they average better than 40 carries per game on the ground. Jam eight defenders in the box and the Camels may have no answer.
3. Stick to the plan. Drew did a great job building confidence by taking short passes when blitzed and taking shots when the defense stayed back. I'm really interested to see how much of a leash Coach Bond has on Drew and will let him take chances down the field. He's a very adept deep passer and I'm interested to see if we unleash Sidney Haynes and Danny Williams on deep runs.
The buzz
The Camels will have a crowd of 4500 or so on hand. Not exactly the menacing atmosphere that will present itself as season's end. Gaylord the Camel (named for their most famous alum, Hall of Fame Picther Gaylord Perry) will rile the troops of Buies Creek and the surrounding areas. Did you know the Camels are only playing their 24th game since 1950?
The prediction: Georgia State 28, Campbell 10
Coach Bill Curry Highest Paid FCS Coach
According to DelawareOnline.com, CBC is the highest paid of all of the FCS (formerly 1-AA) Football Coaches:
Comparisons of head coaching salaries among schools in I-AA:
Bill Curry, Georgia State, $350,000
K.C. Keeler, Delaware, $310,662
Mickey Matthews, James Madison, $248,000
Al Lavan, Delaware State, $200,000-plus
Bobby Wilder, Old Dominion, $200,000
Sean McDonnell, New Hampshire, $183,000
Jerry Moore, Appalachian State, $180,000
Jimmye Laycock, William & Mary, $179,400
Rob Ambrose, Towson, $169,200
Jack Cosgrove, Maine, $155,000
Robin Pflugrad, Montana, $155,000
Delaware Online Link
Comparisons of head coaching salaries among schools in I-AA:
Bill Curry, Georgia State, $350,000
K.C. Keeler, Delaware, $310,662
Mickey Matthews, James Madison, $248,000
Al Lavan, Delaware State, $200,000-plus
Bobby Wilder, Old Dominion, $200,000
Sean McDonnell, New Hampshire, $183,000
Jerry Moore, Appalachian State, $180,000
Jimmye Laycock, William & Mary, $179,400
Rob Ambrose, Towson, $169,200
Jack Cosgrove, Maine, $155,000
Robin Pflugrad, Montana, $155,000
Delaware Online Link
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Campbell will serve as Charlotte's 1st ever opponent
Our first road game will serve as another peice of history, the first game in the history of the Charlotte (formerly UNC-Charlotte) 49er football.
Charlotte Observer Link
Charlotte Observer Link
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
JSU Coach Says Team Overlooked GSU
OVERLOOKED GEORGIA STATE?: It's not often a coach admits it, but No. 4 Jacksonville State's Jack Crowe revealed that his Gamecock's might have overlooked Georgia State in their 34-27 overtime win.
"I hate to use the word overlook, but I won't deny that was an accurate assessment of our game," Crowe said. "We certainly tried for that not to be the case. But I hope as we go forward that we've learned the lesson that every game we play starts out with a seven-point margin and it's what you do after that. So many games we play are seven point or less that you have to take care of all the little details or you'll find yourself on the wrong end of things."
Austin Peay Site
My take: This is called saving face after what they thought would be a breather. There are no breathers in college football. The team has to compete for 60 minutes and if they takes a play, a series or a quarter off, they can and, very often, do. As big as the Ole Miss win for them was, a loss to us would have destroyed their ranking and we would have planted a huge recruiting flag in our state. We came close but close only counts in...you know the rest.
"I hate to use the word overlook, but I won't deny that was an accurate assessment of our game," Crowe said. "We certainly tried for that not to be the case. But I hope as we go forward that we've learned the lesson that every game we play starts out with a seven-point margin and it's what you do after that. So many games we play are seven point or less that you have to take care of all the little details or you'll find yourself on the wrong end of things."
Austin Peay Site
My take: This is called saving face after what they thought would be a breather. There are no breathers in college football. The team has to compete for 60 minutes and if they takes a play, a series or a quarter off, they can and, very often, do. As big as the Ole Miss win for them was, a loss to us would have destroyed their ranking and we would have planted a huge recruiting flag in our state. We came close but close only counts in...you know the rest.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tuesday Quick Hitters - 9.21.10
Tuesday practice has just wrapped up and I'm interested to hear CBC's comments on how the team has responded. Let's hit the Links shall we...
Associate Head Coach/WR Coach/Recruiting Coordinator George Pugh pinch hit for CBC yesterday on his call in show. He did a great job impressing that with experience, we will continue to learn how to respond to tougher competition. Mark Hogan came on in the last segment and as CBC and Dave mention often, he doesn't like the spot light. Had a whale of a game on Saturday though. Check out my Twitter page for complete run down.
Good preview on Campbell by our guy Ken S of the AJC. AJC Link
Week 2 Opponent Lambuth getting an early look at the NAIA Playoffs after another good win vs. Division II's West Alabama. Jackson Sun Link
Checking in on Our Opponents as they went 6-5 this past weekend. Our own Bob R gives a great run down on the Georgia State Examiner. Examiner.com Link
Folks in Alabama (specifically at the Birmingham News) taking notice of Bill Curry and believe he's 'Working Magic' at GSU. AL.com Link
Associate Head Coach/WR Coach/Recruiting Coordinator George Pugh pinch hit for CBC yesterday on his call in show. He did a great job impressing that with experience, we will continue to learn how to respond to tougher competition. Mark Hogan came on in the last segment and as CBC and Dave mention often, he doesn't like the spot light. Had a whale of a game on Saturday though. Check out my Twitter page for complete run down.
Good preview on Campbell by our guy Ken S of the AJC. AJC Link
Week 2 Opponent Lambuth getting an early look at the NAIA Playoffs after another good win vs. Division II's West Alabama. Jackson Sun Link
Checking in on Our Opponents as they went 6-5 this past weekend. Our own Bob R gives a great run down on the Georgia State Examiner. Examiner.com Link
Folks in Alabama (specifically at the Birmingham News) taking notice of Bill Curry and believe he's 'Working Magic' at GSU. AL.com Link
Monday, September 20, 2010
GSU Sports Making Money?
"By their accounting methods, last year Georgia State turned a $2.3 million profit, Kennesaw State netted almost $700,000 and Georgia Southern broke even."
AJC LINK
My take: Absolutely crucial that we continue to grow athletic donations.
AJC LINK
My take: Absolutely crucial that we continue to grow athletic donations.
FCS Sports Network Poll: GSU Receives votes for Top 25
Tremendous for recruiting but of little value anywhere else at this point.
Great blog by Ken S at the AJC
Great blog by Ken S at the AJC
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Panthers Show Might: Lose to JSU 34-27 in OT
The Good: As I thought we would (and said as much in my preview and prediction) we stood up and matched the #4 FCS Team in the Country blow for blow. Two huge defensive stands lead to JSU field goals and Drew Little did exactly what he needed to earn another start on Saturday afternoon at Campbell. Oh by the way, this game was on TV and nearly 100 recruits were on hand. Good effort in front of a Southeastern audience.
The Bad: We just couldn't stop this team. They were 6 for 6 in the Red Zone and we had no sacks and no turnovers. That doesn't work. Coach Thompson had his hands full preparing for 2 QBs in Blanchard and Ivory. I look forward to the D getting back to blitzing and continuing to stop the run.
The Ugly: Not much here except for the officials calls in OT. Both the Ivory run (which Dave said on the air that he never saw a body part or the ball break the plane of the goaline) and the Williams dropped pass (which replays don't clearly show that he had posession of the ball) were enough to get this crew suspended for a game. It should not have come down to this. Brandon Jones had a tipped pass in his grasp and had reservations for 6. That would have been the game and the Dome would have gone insane. Alas, we lose in OT.
On to beautiful Buies Creek, NC to face the Camels! Sleep well Panther Nation.
Photo Courtesy of the AJC's Jason Getz
The Bad: We just couldn't stop this team. They were 6 for 6 in the Red Zone and we had no sacks and no turnovers. That doesn't work. Coach Thompson had his hands full preparing for 2 QBs in Blanchard and Ivory. I look forward to the D getting back to blitzing and continuing to stop the run.
The Ugly: Not much here except for the officials calls in OT. Both the Ivory run (which Dave said on the air that he never saw a body part or the ball break the plane of the goaline) and the Williams dropped pass (which replays don't clearly show that he had posession of the ball) were enough to get this crew suspended for a game. It should not have come down to this. Brandon Jones had a tipped pass in his grasp and had reservations for 6. That would have been the game and the Dome would have gone insane. Alas, we lose in OT.
On to beautiful Buies Creek, NC to face the Camels! Sleep well Panther Nation.
Photo Courtesy of the AJC's Jason Getz
Friday, September 17, 2010
Georgia State vs. Jacksonville State: Preview & Prediction
Georgia State vs. Jacksonville State
Kickoff: 1:00pm Georgia Dome
TV: CSS
Quick Slant: No one is giving the Panthers a chance in this game. Jacksonville State is ranked #4 in the latest FCS poll and have won on the road at Ole Miss to open the season. As Coach Curry said today, the Gamecocks will be playing their 882nd game in their 107 year history while this is the 3rd game in Georgia State history. How do the Panthers respond after losing to Lambuth last week?
Kickoff: 1:00pm Georgia Dome
TV: CSS
Quick Slant: No one is giving the Panthers a chance in this game. Jacksonville State is ranked #4 in the latest FCS poll and have won on the road at Ole Miss to open the season. As Coach Curry said today, the Gamecocks will be playing their 882nd game in their 107 year history while this is the 3rd game in Georgia State history. How do the Panthers respond after losing to Lambuth last week?
Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications
About Jacksonville State: They are coming off two enormous and emotional victories. Beating Ole Miss made their season and the effects caused a malaise over the Gamecock faithful until the 3rd quarter of Saturday's contest vs. UT-Chattanooga. They woke up just in time winning 21-17. They have not started well and have only scored 10 points in the first half total in their 2 contests. They run a 3-4 defense and have given up 48 points in the first half of games this season. Their offense will play both QBs Marquez Ivory and Coty Blanchard. Ivory is more of the pocket guy with Blanchard being able to tuck it and run.
What to Watch
1. Can the Panthers jump out to a lead? Jacksonville State has started slow but this time they are heavy favorites. Will they be overconfident and think they can just show up and win?
2. How will Drew Little perform against JSU's defense? They can give up points and the defensive line is actually smaller than Lambuth's.
3. Can the Panthers keep it under 30? Jacksonville State is 42-6 in games that they score 30 points.
Georgia State Wins If...
Drew Little and the Panther offense manage the game. Also, it's important to see how the ground game gets going. The Panthers were physically whipped on the offensive and defensive lines. If the Panthers can move the chains they have the athletes outside to put points on the board.
Jacksonville State Wins If...
They take advantage of a young secondary. The Gamecocks are not going to come out and run it 35 times in this game. They run a spread offense and would prefer to throw more than they pass. They will throw short and move the ball in spurts. They only have 3 total plays over 20 yards this year.
Georgia State Checklist:
1. Start Strong. Make this team sweat. They approached Ole Miss with a no lose attitude. They let that win affect them last Saturday night vs. UTC but adjusted. What will happen if they get punched in the mouth by a team everyone has told them they are better than?
2. Stop the Run. JSU is only averaging 2.6 yards per carry so far and will abandon the run. Force this team to be one dimensional and you can release the defensive mind of John Thompson's exotic blitzes.
3. Build confidence in the passing game. Drew Little's confidence was shaken and his poise was tested. Give him short passes, screens, quick slants to build his confidence. Don't be afraid to take some shots down the field.
The buzz
The Gamecocks are highly ranked and expected to bring more than 5000 clad in red and white to the Dome. Did you know the Gamecocks are 0-4 vs. teams from the State of Georgia (Georgia Tech twice, West Georgia and Georgia Southern) since 1995? Jacksonville State has never played in the Georgia Dome and is 0-2 playing on CSS.
The prediction: Jacksonville State 30, Georgia State 21
Friday Quick Hitters - 9.17.10
Happy Day Before Gameday Blog Nation!
Just a quick plug, visit the PantherTalk.com tailgate in the Orange Lot. We will be selling t-shirts in the coming months and all proceeds go to make the site (and then this blog) as great as it can be. We'd like to set some money aside as well to be able to donate back to athletics as well.
Stepping on my soapbox, if you are not a donor to athletics, I urge you to. If you'd like to see us accomplish great things in our athletic program, your gifts make great impact. Those who are vocal (positive or negative) can do little good with their voices. They are given new voices when you donate.
Let's Hit the Links (kind of light today, working on my preview and prediction that will be up tonight):
-Video from UrbanNews.com that was at our first game: Great pub and visit the site. Video Link
-AJC's Tony Barnhart is one of my favorite writers. He thinks we lose tomorrow and guess what? He's not alone in that. I've not seen a single site (not run by us) that thinks we are going to win.
10. Jacksonville [State] at Georgia State: Jacksonville State is 2-0 after a huge upset at Ole Miss (49-48 OT) on Sept. 4 and then a 21-17 win over Chattanooga. Jack Crowe’s Gamecocks simply have too many athletes for Georgia State. But if Bill Curry’s Panthers are going to play in the CAA down the road, this is the level of competition they must eventually match. It just won’t happen on Saturday. Jacksonville State 42, Georgia State 20. AJC Link
-Jacksonville is taking a little bit different of a role as the favorite: Interesting peice from the Gadsden (AL) Times. Gadsden Times Link
Just a quick plug, visit the PantherTalk.com tailgate in the Orange Lot. We will be selling t-shirts in the coming months and all proceeds go to make the site (and then this blog) as great as it can be. We'd like to set some money aside as well to be able to donate back to athletics as well.
Stepping on my soapbox, if you are not a donor to athletics, I urge you to. If you'd like to see us accomplish great things in our athletic program, your gifts make great impact. Those who are vocal (positive or negative) can do little good with their voices. They are given new voices when you donate.
Let's Hit the Links (kind of light today, working on my preview and prediction that will be up tonight):
-Video from UrbanNews.com that was at our first game: Great pub and visit the site. Video Link
-AJC's Tony Barnhart is one of my favorite writers. He thinks we lose tomorrow and guess what? He's not alone in that. I've not seen a single site (not run by us) that thinks we are going to win.
10. Jacksonville [State] at Georgia State: Jacksonville State is 2-0 after a huge upset at Ole Miss (49-48 OT) on Sept. 4 and then a 21-17 win over Chattanooga. Jack Crowe’s Gamecocks simply have too many athletes for Georgia State. But if Bill Curry’s Panthers are going to play in the CAA down the road, this is the level of competition they must eventually match. It just won’t happen on Saturday. Jacksonville State 42, Georgia State 20. AJC Link
-Jacksonville is taking a little bit different of a role as the favorite: Interesting peice from the Gadsden (AL) Times. Gadsden Times Link
Worried about Football Attendance? Don't Be
Emptier than we thought Dome got you worried? History says don't worry
Photo Courtesy of the AJC's Jason Getz
As I've continued to maintain, attendance is not necessarily a great indicator of overall interest in our football program, especially in the first year. Thanks to Bob at Examiner.com (read his work here) for compiling this on other programs that have started up in last 20 years:
-University of South Florida began football in 1997 at the FCS level and finished 5-6. They averaged 33,039 and now play in the Big East. They are our model program (let's just hope CBC doesn't go try to choke someone out in 2022, that's a different story).-University of Central Florida began football in 1979 at the Division III level. They finished 6-2 and averaged 11,227 fans a game. They are now in Conference USA.
-Florida Atlantic University started football in 2001 as an FCS team. They averaged 10,607 fans per game and now play in the Sun Belt.
-UAB began playing in 1991 in Division III and finished 4-3-2 with an average attendance of 4,661. They are also now in Conference USA. We also have their recruiting coordinator in the early years in WR Coach George Pugh.
For those who are overly worried, fear not. The Movement may take more time, but it's growing. Keep supporting the team and bring friends. I'll be bringing 6 people with me tomorrow. Hopefully you can bring 1 or 2 along with you.
Former Panther Herman Favors still chasing the dream
Native Atlantan Herman Favors has been there, done that -- repeatedly. The onetime Georgia State point guard spent the past four seasons hop-scotching countries, playing in each.
"Holland, Sweden, France, Venezuela," said Favors, who schooled at Pace Academy.
Favors would gladly put away his dog-eared passport for a while, having played stateside in Texas with another pro minor league and attended a New York Knicks camp. But he will follow his muse, no matter where it takes him.
"This is the life that I choose," he said. "I love it."
Favors was one of a few legitimate candidates hoping to help teams overcome their fear of height -- that is, lack of height. He is 5-foot-9, wee for his profession, though he towered over another quicksilver prospect.
AJC Link
"Holland, Sweden, France, Venezuela," said Favors, who schooled at Pace Academy.
Favors would gladly put away his dog-eared passport for a while, having played stateside in Texas with another pro minor league and attended a New York Knicks camp. But he will follow his muse, no matter where it takes him.
"This is the life that I choose," he said. "I love it."
Favors was one of a few legitimate candidates hoping to help teams overcome their fear of height -- that is, lack of height. He is 5-foot-9, wee for his profession, though he towered over another quicksilver prospect.
AJC Link
Thursday, September 16, 2010
AJC: Weekend Predictions: 'G-State Goes Down'
Jax State at G-State: The Panthers make their Weekend Predictions debut. Attendance dropped from 30,237 in the opener to 12,647 in game two. You would’ve thought they were showing a WNBA game at halftime. There are no official point spreads on Georgia State games yet but I know this much: Jacksonville State’s pretty good (ask Houston Nutt). The G goes down by two TDs.
Jeff Schultz AJC Link
Jeff Schultz AJC Link
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday's Quick Hitters - 9.15.10
Big news locally today as: Kennesaw State starts a program. We are serving as an example. Let that rattle around in your head. 'If things work perfectly' they plan to start in 2014. The press conference didn't start perfectly as Vince Dooley called our friends up I-75 Kansas State University. Oops!
My take on KSU: We'll be in the CAA by then and entrenched in the state. Better recruiting base, better coaching staff, better facilities. Not a major threat folks. Congrats to them but they'll be the FAU or FIU to our South Florida. AJC Link
JSU Preview from SB Nation: Link
Men's Basketball Announces Schedule: No suprises here. If you follow this blog and a reader of PantherTalk.com, we had nearly every matchup as they were announced by the other schools. We are typically one of the last schools to announce our men's basketball schedule and it really doesn't matter as football grabs the headlines and attention. Just win baby! GSU Sports Link
Speaking of Men's Basketball: The trip to the Bahamas was key for the coaches in regards to practice time and developing team chemistry. However, the scores left some scratching their heads at why we were so close to losinf to the Bahama National team (which from all acounts was a heavy mix of local guys that played against multiple teams). We could have been Portland State, they actually got beat in a game against the Bahamian All Stars. Link
Blueligans: The Second Coming of Lefty's Loonies? Big ups to Mr. Bray for getting a shout out. Good pub. Now grow and multiply. Signal Link
My take on KSU: We'll be in the CAA by then and entrenched in the state. Better recruiting base, better coaching staff, better facilities. Not a major threat folks. Congrats to them but they'll be the FAU or FIU to our South Florida. AJC Link
JSU Preview from SB Nation: Link
Men's Basketball Announces Schedule: No suprises here. If you follow this blog and a reader of PantherTalk.com, we had nearly every matchup as they were announced by the other schools. We are typically one of the last schools to announce our men's basketball schedule and it really doesn't matter as football grabs the headlines and attention. Just win baby! GSU Sports Link
Speaking of Men's Basketball: The trip to the Bahamas was key for the coaches in regards to practice time and developing team chemistry. However, the scores left some scratching their heads at why we were so close to losinf to the Bahama National team (which from all acounts was a heavy mix of local guys that played against multiple teams). We could have been Portland State, they actually got beat in a game against the Bahamian All Stars. Link
Blueligans: The Second Coming of Lefty's Loonies? Big ups to Mr. Bray for getting a shout out. Good pub. Now grow and multiply. Signal Link
ESPN's #24 PF Jervon Pressley commits to GSU!
From AllMetroSports.com: "In speaking with Jermaine Walker, the H.S. coach at Waddell stated, 'Pressley developed a great relationship with the staff and especially connected with Coach Rod Barnes'. He went on to say that 'the proximity to Charlotte and the city of Atlanta sold him on his decision'. When asked what he was adding to his game this season Walker commented, 'We're working on his footwork and his perimeter skills, Jervon is tough and physical but we think he needs to round out that part of his game.'
Link
ESPN Scout's Inc. Profile
Scout.com Profile
Rivals Profile
Monday, September 13, 2010
Week 2 Opponent Recap
Checking in with our opponents this week:
Shorter - 0-2 - Bye this week
Lambuth - 1-1 - Beat Us.
Jacksonville State - 2-0 - Came back from a 17-0 deficit to beat UT-Chattanooga 21-17 before 22K+.
Campbell - 1-1 - Smacked around this weekend by ODU 44-13 .
Morehead State - 1-1 - Win vs. St. Francis 31-21.
NC Central - 1-1 - Loss vs. Winston-Salem State 34-27.
Savannah State - 0-2 - Loss vs. Ft. Valley State 41-10.
Old Dominion - 1-1 - Beat up Campbell 44-13.
South Alabama - 1-0- Bye this week. They'll have 2 weeks for Nichols State, there first true test in their history. I'll be scoreboard watching on Saturday after our game.
Lamar - 1-1 - Gets their first win since 1989 by beating Weber International (one of our early club team opponents BTW) 21-14.
Alabama - 2-0 - Beat Penn State at home 24-3.
Combined record is 11-6.
Monday Quick Hitters - 9.13.10
The Football Team Has Day Off: "Team can re-focus and recooperate." The task will be great Saturday. Gotta hit it hard on Tuesday.
Bobby Bowden in town today and tomorrow gives CBC and the Panthers a shout: Thanks to Ken Sugiura. AJC Link
"Q: What did you think about Bill Curry going back into coaching at Georgia State?
A: I don't think that Georgia State could have hired a guy more capable than Bill Curry. The guy has coached under all situations and at all levels and I think they're very fortunate to have Bill.
I was so happy when I saw that he won his first ballgame. I think he lost last week. I'm amazed that the first year, they can win any. I know this. Bill is so thorough in what he does. He always has been. He's always been a detail man. They're fortunate to have him and he'll do the best he can do, whatever that is.
A: I don't think that Georgia State could have hired a guy more capable than Bill Curry. The guy has coached under all situations and at all levels and I think they're very fortunate to have Bill.
I was so happy when I saw that he won his first ballgame. I think he lost last week. I'm amazed that the first year, they can win any. I know this. Bill is so thorough in what he does. He always has been. He's always been a detail man. They're fortunate to have him and he'll do the best he can do, whatever that is.
AJC: Know Your Panthers - Kelton Hill: AJC Video Link
Out 2 game average attendance is 21,442. Invite more people to the game (I'll have a total of 7 people with me including my wife, my daughter, my boss, his wife and his 2 boys). Don't be upset at the lack of fans, do what you can to help spread the word. That is all.
Homecoming Info Beginning to formulate: GSU Homepage Link
GSU v. JSU Writeup: GSU Sports Link
Game Notes for JSU: GSU Sports Link
The Collective Winning Swine Flu this weekend: SB Nation Link
Examiner.com: Lines Get Whipped: Examiner Link
Panama's Blog: Blog like a champion today
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Preview & Prediction: GSU vs. Lambuth - 1:00PM
After last Thursday's win, Friday was a relatively easy day for me. Bragging about my program's first night was awesome. Now that the first one has been played and won it's time to focus. Coach Curry and staff have done a great job of letting the team know that Game 1 was "an illusion." We are not as good as we think we are and it's time to get back to work. We have a larger task (literally and figuratively, we'll get to that later) this Saturday as Lambuth is better than Shorter.
Let's Dive In Shall We...
Previewing Lambuth's Offense:
This is quite a different task than Shorter's Triple Option. The Lions run a spread style offense and have decent balance. I don't take much away from their glorified scrimmage vs. Shephard Film Academy (and it has since been stricken from the record books as just that). They ran 47 plays vs. Arkansas Tech with 23 of those being passes. Their primary target is 6'8, 250lbs. WR Rod Jefferson and he's a weapon anywhere on the field. He had 5 catches, 87 yards and 2 TDs on Thursday night. RB Marquis Williams is a threat both catching the football and running with it. At 5'7, 170, he has to be accounted for as he has gamebreaking seed as witness by his 83 yard TD catch and run in their opener. Key matchups will be the inside LBs and the safety help over the top. Coach Thompson is certain to release the hounds against this balanced attack.
Previewing Lambuth's Defense:
As Coach Bill Curry mentioned in his Coach's Show on Monday, Lambuth is very physical on the defensive line with 4 DT heavier than 285lbs. CBC said he was impressed with the film on the front 4. Analyzing their roster though, after this heavy line, their LB corp is very light. That tells me that if our guards move their DL back our RBs could have a very big game. They also have short CBs which does not bode well with 6'2 Sidney Haynes and 6'3 Danny Williams on the outside. Drew may have been given the license to take a few shots down field this game because the pass coverage will give him a lane to throw.
Thursday vs. Arkansas Tech (who is currently ranked outside the latest Division II poll) the Lion defense gave up 27 points (final TD was a fumble recovery) and 321 yards of offense. They forced 5 turnovers (3 fumbles and 2 INTs). This tells me that we need to raise our level of execution because we have to protect the ball again.
If you'd follow this blog you know I'm also a big proponent in yards per play. The Lion D had a very good night as they gave up 4.4 yards per play and again this factors in the 5 turnovers. Take those away and the yards per play is still only 4.65. We will have to execute much better in the first half to jump on them offensively.
My Take: I believe that this may be our toughest task to date. The first game is over. Our first victory is long gone and Lambuth is well aware of who we are. The crowd may not be as loud or as sizeable but I think CBC and his staff have refocused the troops. Lambuth is more talented than Shorter but our overall skill position players are much better. Watch for the kicking game to again produce a big play or two.
My prediction: Georgia State 34, Lambuth 17.
Let's Dive In Shall We...
Previewing Lambuth's Offense:
This is quite a different task than Shorter's Triple Option. The Lions run a spread style offense and have decent balance. I don't take much away from their glorified scrimmage vs. Shephard Film Academy (and it has since been stricken from the record books as just that). They ran 47 plays vs. Arkansas Tech with 23 of those being passes. Their primary target is 6'8, 250lbs. WR Rod Jefferson and he's a weapon anywhere on the field. He had 5 catches, 87 yards and 2 TDs on Thursday night. RB Marquis Williams is a threat both catching the football and running with it. At 5'7, 170, he has to be accounted for as he has gamebreaking seed as witness by his 83 yard TD catch and run in their opener. Key matchups will be the inside LBs and the safety help over the top. Coach Thompson is certain to release the hounds against this balanced attack.
Previewing Lambuth's Defense:
As Coach Bill Curry mentioned in his Coach's Show on Monday, Lambuth is very physical on the defensive line with 4 DT heavier than 285lbs. CBC said he was impressed with the film on the front 4. Analyzing their roster though, after this heavy line, their LB corp is very light. That tells me that if our guards move their DL back our RBs could have a very big game. They also have short CBs which does not bode well with 6'2 Sidney Haynes and 6'3 Danny Williams on the outside. Drew may have been given the license to take a few shots down field this game because the pass coverage will give him a lane to throw.
Thursday vs. Arkansas Tech (who is currently ranked outside the latest Division II poll) the Lion defense gave up 27 points (final TD was a fumble recovery) and 321 yards of offense. They forced 5 turnovers (3 fumbles and 2 INTs). This tells me that we need to raise our level of execution because we have to protect the ball again.
If you'd follow this blog you know I'm also a big proponent in yards per play. The Lion D had a very good night as they gave up 4.4 yards per play and again this factors in the 5 turnovers. Take those away and the yards per play is still only 4.65. We will have to execute much better in the first half to jump on them offensively.
My Take: I believe that this may be our toughest task to date. The first game is over. Our first victory is long gone and Lambuth is well aware of who we are. The crowd may not be as loud or as sizeable but I think CBC and his staff have refocused the troops. Lambuth is more talented than Shorter but our overall skill position players are much better. Watch for the kicking game to again produce a big play or two.
My prediction: Georgia State 34, Lambuth 17.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
AJC: Players Find Curry Motivating
My wife who has been around football her entire life (Mom was a season ticket holder, Dad liked that team in Athens) and she says to me, "I want to get hit someone after hearing him."
Not suprised our guys want to run through a wall for him.
Great write up and info about the helmet stickers.
AJC Link
Not suprised our guys want to run through a wall for him.
Great write up and info about the helmet stickers.
AJC Link
Augusta Chronicle Predicts a Win
Lambuth @ Georgia State: After the Panthers remain undefeated all-time, let's hope the players refrain from knockign coach Bill Curry out with the Gatorade bucket this time. Georgia State 41, Lambuth 14.
Augusta Chronicle Link
Augusta Chronicle Link
Thursday Quick Hitters - 9.9.10
2 Days Until Our First Saturday Home Game...Like Coach Curry says: "Be there...and bring your friends!"
Let's hit the Links:
M
Helmet Stickers: From our guy Ken S at the AJC and told to me by our Equipment Manager D Mac, we will have helmet stickers. One interesting note though: They will be in the shape of an M and will be red. The M stands for CBC's favorite Latin word Magnanimatas meaning "Greatness of Spirit."
Spectacular pictures from GSU-Shorter: A big thank you to my man DSB for taking these.
GSU Picture Link
Lambuth players are ATL-iens: Several players from Georgia on the Lambuth roster and our players know them and they know us. It will be pretty cool to see a step up in competition (no disrespect intended for our folks at Shorter). Jackson Sun Article
Creative Loafing Starting to Come Around: It seems as if they did an internal U-turn on Georgia State football and the impact on the students. One quote of interest:
"The world of academic and athletic funding is almost as confusing as trying to read NFL defenses, but in the end, it's important to understand two things: Tuition pays academic affairs, activity fees pay for extracurricular ones. The football program is no more taking from the education of Georgia State students than it is robbing the Falcons of needed Georgia Dome access on Saturdays." CL Link
Thoughts with Jordan Giles today: He's having surgery this morning and will be a costly loss. Let's hope for a speedy recovery for the JGiles and that finger he broke.
Let's hit the Links:
M
Helmet Stickers: From our guy Ken S at the AJC and told to me by our Equipment Manager D Mac, we will have helmet stickers. One interesting note though: They will be in the shape of an M and will be red. The M stands for CBC's favorite Latin word Magnanimatas meaning "Greatness of Spirit."
Spectacular pictures from GSU-Shorter: A big thank you to my man DSB for taking these.
GSU Picture Link
Lambuth players are ATL-iens: Several players from Georgia on the Lambuth roster and our players know them and they know us. It will be pretty cool to see a step up in competition (no disrespect intended for our folks at Shorter). Jackson Sun Article
Creative Loafing Starting to Come Around: It seems as if they did an internal U-turn on Georgia State football and the impact on the students. One quote of interest:
"The world of academic and athletic funding is almost as confusing as trying to read NFL defenses, but in the end, it's important to understand two things: Tuition pays academic affairs, activity fees pay for extracurricular ones. The football program is no more taking from the education of Georgia State students than it is robbing the Falcons of needed Georgia Dome access on Saturdays." CL Link
Thoughts with Jordan Giles today: He's having surgery this morning and will be a costly loss. Let's hope for a speedy recovery for the JGiles and that finger he broke.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Jacksonville State Coach: 'Will Be a Dog Fight'
Next week the Gamecocks will go to Atlanta to play Bill Curry’s 1-0 Georgia State team. The Panthers will probably sell a few more tickets to that game thanks to Jacksonville State’s upset of Ole Miss.
“I saw they had 30,000 for their first game. That’s incredible,” said Crowe. “Playing Curry will be a dogfight over there. Anything can happen on the road in this sport.”
AJC Link
“I saw they had 30,000 for their first game. That’s incredible,” said Crowe. “Playing Curry will be a dogfight over there. Anything can happen on the road in this sport.”
AJC Link
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday Quick Hitters - 9.7.10
-SI.com Stewart Mandel gives us a look, again: SI College Football Overtime Link
"More than anything, that's why Curry's program has a chance to be successful in a hurry. There is no larger city in the country more passionate about college football than Atlanta, and clearly the appetite is vast enough to accommodate more than just the Dawgs and Yellow Jackets. Even after the novelty wears off and the crowds dwindle to half that, you'll still be looking at a school with more resources, more support and more fertile recruiting turf than 90 percent of its FCS competitors."-GSU - The Inaugural Season Debuts this Friday @ 2 on CSS. GSU Sports Link
-Game 1 Video Issues - Had a good conversation with Blake Adams who's in charge of the videos we see during the football games. He admitted that they had 'a few issues' and is looking forward to debuting some new and improved things this Saturday. To their credit, I think they did a great job getting the crowd excited. I just hope our fans understand they need to be quiet when we have the ball! He is always open to suggestions and comments. Check out his blog at: http://www.blakegadams.com/blog/
-AJC: 'Immature Practice' - Not shocked by this at all. When you have as many young people as we do on our roster, the thoughts of 'well, that was easy' can overtake you. Coach Bill Curry and staff know that Lambuth will be a bigger challenge this week and absolutely worked the players for 2 1/2 hours. Get 'em Coach! AJC Link
"More than anything, that's why Curry's program has a chance to be successful in a hurry. There is no larger city in the country more passionate about college football than Atlanta, and clearly the appetite is vast enough to accommodate more than just the Dawgs and Yellow Jackets. Even after the novelty wears off and the crowds dwindle to half that, you'll still be looking at a school with more resources, more support and more fertile recruiting turf than 90 percent of its FCS competitors."-GSU - The Inaugural Season Debuts this Friday @ 2 on CSS. GSU Sports Link
-Game 1 Video Issues - Had a good conversation with Blake Adams who's in charge of the videos we see during the football games. He admitted that they had 'a few issues' and is looking forward to debuting some new and improved things this Saturday. To their credit, I think they did a great job getting the crowd excited. I just hope our fans understand they need to be quiet when we have the ball! He is always open to suggestions and comments. Check out his blog at: http://www.blakegadams.com/blog/
-AJC: 'Immature Practice' - Not shocked by this at all. When you have as many young people as we do on our roster, the thoughts of 'well, that was easy' can overtake you. Coach Bill Curry and staff know that Lambuth will be a bigger challenge this week and absolutely worked the players for 2 1/2 hours. Get 'em Coach! AJC Link
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sources: Season Tickets Reach 5,000
According to DJ, we've surpassed 5K in season tickets. That's great news.
If you know, work with or are currently serving in the military, police or first responders, get them down to the Dome on Saturday. It's Patriots Day!
If you know, work with or are currently serving in the military, police or first responders, get them down to the Dome on Saturday. It's Patriots Day!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Our Opponents Impressive this weekend
Gamecock players letting out a Rebel yell in Oxford on Saturday
Photo Courtesy of Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press
Jacksonville State - 1-0 It all starts with our Week 3 home opponent Jacksonville State. They walked into Ole Miss and capitalized on 3 Rebel turnovers and beat them in 2 OTs 49-48. A great win for them and I've got to believe they'll be very excited and will have a very large following on Sept. 18th.
Campbell - 1-0 Our Week 4 opponent defeated previously winless UVA-Wise 20-16 for their season opening win.
Morehead State - 0-1 Our Homecoming and Week 5 opponent absolutely got housed vs. James Madison losing 48-7.
Savannah State - 0-1 Our Week 6 opponent headed to Statesboro to face the Georgia Southern Eagles and received a worse beating that Morehead State did, losing 48-3.
North Carolina Central - 1-0 Our Week 7 foe beat Johnson C. Smith 59-0.
Old Dominion - 0-1 Week 8 road opponent ODU had a tough go and lost to non scholarship Jacksonville University 35-25 at home.
South Alabama - 1-0 Week 9 road opponent beats NAIA Pikeville (Ky.) 59-0 in front of 22,376 fans at Ladd Peebles Stadium.
Lamar - 0-1 Week 10 and final home game opponent loses to #11 McNeese State 30-27.
Alabama - 1-0 (0-0 SEC) The defending BCS National Champions defeated San Jose State 49-3 without Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram.
Through Week 2 our opponents are 6-8 (Lambuth lost on Thursday night to the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Sportscenter Highlights
Big Ups to Timber for taking it. Follow the link:
https://www.transferbigfiles.com/3cd2d7ef-7af7-4b74-9269-c6b9808e468d?rid=CiNT11wrZ9IieqKRep/0xQ%3d%3d
https://www.transferbigfiles.com/3cd2d7ef-7af7-4b74-9269-c6b9808e468d?rid=CiNT11wrZ9IieqKRep/0xQ%3d%3d
AJC: Friday Film Review: 'We've got to be better'
Great write up and I think this hammers home what we've been saying. Great first night, now let's build on it.
AJC Link
AJC Link
Friday, September 3, 2010
SB Nation: GSU Wins & 5 More Steps
Photo Courtesy of Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
SB Nation Link
Panthers Win 41-7
Travis Evans scores and lets some emotion flow
Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications
Full Wrap up coming tomorrow but I want to thank the 30,237 people that stood up and absolutely provided an electric atmosphere in the Dome tonight.
Panthers 1-0.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thursday Quick Hitters - 9.2.10 (Updated)
Logo On the Wall at the W Hotel
It's Game Day! A great time to be a Panther!
The AJC has given us a blog folks! Visit early and often. Add it to your favorites and thank Ken Sugiura for his coverage. AJC Georgia State Blog Link
Brandon Jones is Ready: Macon Telegraph Link
Shorter Thinks They are ready for PrimeTime: Rome Tribune News Link
Sports Illustrated covers Coach Bill Curry: SI.com Link
See you at the Georgia Dome tonight! 7:30PM. History is Made!
Preview & Prediction: GSU vs. Shorter - 7:30PM
This is a great day to be a Panther. Tickets are being gobbled up, Georgia State shirts, hats are causing a gush at the bookstores. Panther Fans everywhere and a great friend said to me yesterday, "Phenomenal business happening in ticket office. People care. I love it."
Let's Dive In Shall We...
Previewing Shorter's Offense:
They run a Triple Option (similiar to Georgia Tech but no where near as profient based on Offensive Line ability and speed of RBs). In Saturday's game, they only managed 4 first downs. That's not a typo. 4 First Downs. Another factor to the Triple Option is the yard per carry, they averaged 1.9 for the evening. Abysmal. As most triple option offenses they do not pass very much (and well for that matter). There two QBs were a combined 0-7. Expect our DBs to cheat up as the game wears on. They turned the ball over once on a fumble so assignment football is absolutely key. According to the AJC, Shorter's QB (and a former Lassiter grad) is ready for us. We'll see as he sure wasn't ready for what West Alabama was bringing.
Previewing Shorter's Defense:
As Coach Bill Curry mentioned in his Coach's Show on Monday, Shorter's defense aligns in a 3-4. This is a very good thing considering our offense has been practicing against this since Fall practice began. An interesting nugget as well that CBC dropped, they run a 3-4 base with 2 Deep and 3 deep coverage. For more information and a great explanation on this coverage, check out my friends at Tomahawk Nation.
Saturday night vs. West Alabama (who is currently ranked #10 in the latest Division II poll) the Hawk defense gave up 37 points and 594 yards of offense. They forced 4 turnovers but did not convert a single one into points on the offensive end. This tells me that this game wasn't even as close as the 37-7 score indicated.
I'm also a big proponent in yards per play. The Hawks D didn't have a good night here either. They gave up 6.9 yards per play and again this factors in the 4 turnovers (2 INTs and 2 fumbles count for 0 yards each). Take those away and the yards per play actually climbs to 7.2.
My Take: I believe that this may be one of the most emotional scenes in recent memory (for this humble writer) and many others. Grown men will be reduced to a glazed over look. I trust Coach Curry and his staff and our guys will be ready. Shorter is not as talented as we are and we overcome early nerves and put them away in the 2nd half.
My prediction: Georgia State 30, Shorter 10.
Let's Dive In Shall We...
Previewing Shorter's Offense:
They run a Triple Option (similiar to Georgia Tech but no where near as profient based on Offensive Line ability and speed of RBs). In Saturday's game, they only managed 4 first downs. That's not a typo. 4 First Downs. Another factor to the Triple Option is the yard per carry, they averaged 1.9 for the evening. Abysmal. As most triple option offenses they do not pass very much (and well for that matter). There two QBs were a combined 0-7. Expect our DBs to cheat up as the game wears on. They turned the ball over once on a fumble so assignment football is absolutely key. According to the AJC, Shorter's QB (and a former Lassiter grad) is ready for us. We'll see as he sure wasn't ready for what West Alabama was bringing.
Previewing Shorter's Defense:
As Coach Bill Curry mentioned in his Coach's Show on Monday, Shorter's defense aligns in a 3-4. This is a very good thing considering our offense has been practicing against this since Fall practice began. An interesting nugget as well that CBC dropped, they run a 3-4 base with 2 Deep and 3 deep coverage. For more information and a great explanation on this coverage, check out my friends at Tomahawk Nation.
Saturday night vs. West Alabama (who is currently ranked #10 in the latest Division II poll) the Hawk defense gave up 37 points and 594 yards of offense. They forced 4 turnovers but did not convert a single one into points on the offensive end. This tells me that this game wasn't even as close as the 37-7 score indicated.
I'm also a big proponent in yards per play. The Hawks D didn't have a good night here either. They gave up 6.9 yards per play and again this factors in the 4 turnovers (2 INTs and 2 fumbles count for 0 yards each). Take those away and the yards per play actually climbs to 7.2.
My Take: I believe that this may be one of the most emotional scenes in recent memory (for this humble writer) and many others. Grown men will be reduced to a glazed over look. I trust Coach Curry and his staff and our guys will be ready. Shorter is not as talented as we are and we overcome early nerves and put them away in the 2nd half.
My prediction: Georgia State 30, Shorter 10.
My Team Plays Tonight
I aimed to head to bed around normal, 10:30 or so. I know the anticipation was building at the W Hotel where the Georgia State football coaches and players were resting their bodies and minds ready for what Thursday night was to bring.
I popped 2 Tylenol PMs (not normal for me) and set my head to pillow. I dreamed about addressing the team, speaking to them with passion and vigor that bleeds through my veins. I’ll leave these details to your imagination and in my subconscious but I truly was amazed about how great this speech was (of course it was, it’s was a dream, remember).
I woke up this morning with a little bit of a different feeling. I’m still a married man, my beautiful wife still sleeping for a while longer before the inevitable alarm clock breaks her sleep. I’m still a father as my 19 month old daughter still sprawled in her crib. But I was a little different today.
My Team Plays Tonight.
I wax nostalgic for a moment as I remember the many, many people who helped bring us to where we are tonight. The men like Mark Lawson, Preston Stancil and Ed Gadrix. The President who denied that the “F Word” would ever happen. To all the local sports writers (one even shares my last name but we will never be mistaken for relatives and that has nothing to do with ethnicity or background) who bashed this decision and spoke of what they could not imagine. To all the people who could not and would not support, this is for you tonight. My Team Plays Tonight.
I trudge onto work thinking about my daily to do list. Anticipating an early out and setting the plan in motion about when I’ll be heading to the corner of Northside Drive and Georgia Dome Drive Northwest. The men taking field at 7:30pm tonight are not only my heroes, they are me. They represent my team, my school and my family. As long as I have been on campus, there is a unending pride that wells in me when someone mentions my school. My Team Plays Tonight.
To sing the fight song tonight, to welcome my team onto the field, to exult in their joy, to anguish in their disappointment. This sacred game of college football, in this state and around the country, these warriors begin a journey that none of can imagine. There is not pressure of the 120,000 or so alumni in the Atlanta area or the nearly 180,000 alumni worldwide but yet an encouragement. These men will feel the collective jubilation of 97 years of frustration being released upon an opponent from only 70 miles to our North. Our opponent cannot comprehend what they will encounter in this fight.
My Team Plays Tonight.
It’s football time and my team is included in that. The media coverage, so called “hype,” has lead us to this. I’m glad people care because I not only care, I bleed blue for my team. I’m ready to cheer loudly, ready to breath fire and ready for Panther football to kick off.
My Team, The Georgia State Panthers, Play Tonight.
I popped 2 Tylenol PMs (not normal for me) and set my head to pillow. I dreamed about addressing the team, speaking to them with passion and vigor that bleeds through my veins. I’ll leave these details to your imagination and in my subconscious but I truly was amazed about how great this speech was (of course it was, it’s was a dream, remember).
I woke up this morning with a little bit of a different feeling. I’m still a married man, my beautiful wife still sleeping for a while longer before the inevitable alarm clock breaks her sleep. I’m still a father as my 19 month old daughter still sprawled in her crib. But I was a little different today.
My Team Plays Tonight.
I wax nostalgic for a moment as I remember the many, many people who helped bring us to where we are tonight. The men like Mark Lawson, Preston Stancil and Ed Gadrix. The President who denied that the “F Word” would ever happen. To all the local sports writers (one even shares my last name but we will never be mistaken for relatives and that has nothing to do with ethnicity or background) who bashed this decision and spoke of what they could not imagine. To all the people who could not and would not support, this is for you tonight. My Team Plays Tonight.
I trudge onto work thinking about my daily to do list. Anticipating an early out and setting the plan in motion about when I’ll be heading to the corner of Northside Drive and Georgia Dome Drive Northwest. The men taking field at 7:30pm tonight are not only my heroes, they are me. They represent my team, my school and my family. As long as I have been on campus, there is a unending pride that wells in me when someone mentions my school. My Team Plays Tonight.
To sing the fight song tonight, to welcome my team onto the field, to exult in their joy, to anguish in their disappointment. This sacred game of college football, in this state and around the country, these warriors begin a journey that none of can imagine. There is not pressure of the 120,000 or so alumni in the Atlanta area or the nearly 180,000 alumni worldwide but yet an encouragement. These men will feel the collective jubilation of 97 years of frustration being released upon an opponent from only 70 miles to our North. Our opponent cannot comprehend what they will encounter in this fight.
My Team Plays Tonight.
It’s football time and my team is included in that. The media coverage, so called “hype,” has lead us to this. I’m glad people care because I not only care, I bleed blue for my team. I’m ready to cheer loudly, ready to breath fire and ready for Panther football to kick off.
My Team, The Georgia State Panthers, Play Tonight.
Video: The Travis & Bo Show
Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications
Pretty funny stuff. Nicely done by Travis Evans and Bo Schlechter.
GSU Sports Link
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
AJC Reports Drew Little will be starting QB
I still think the AJC is guessing here. No solid information from any of my inside sources. The players have been told to keep their mouth shut and stay off the Social Networks (believe me, I've scoured everywhere).
Interesting Advanced Box by Ken Sugiura
Interesting Advanced Box by Ken Sugiura
Question #1: Can Star Jackson Live Up to the Hype?
Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications
Those are my thoughts, what are yours?
Wednesday's Quick Hitters - 9.1.10
Yes, It is September 1st...and I think you know what happens tomorrow...
On to the Links:
SB Nation: 'I am a Georgia State Panther' - Great Write Up and this writer has done his research. Speaks to how our students and alums have had the need for football for so long but have had to have their fix elsewhere. No longer! Link
WABE Interview with Coach Curry: CBC absolutely gets it when it comes to speaking to the media. Another very good radio interview. WABE Link
Roderick Thompson update - Mays defeated Dunwoody 21-13 on Saturday night. Not sure on Thompson's stats and have been efforting on multiple fronts. Mays plays @ Redan (Lamont McIntosh's alma mater, BTW) on Friday night.
On to the Links:
SB Nation: 'I am a Georgia State Panther' - Great Write Up and this writer has done his research. Speaks to how our students and alums have had the need for football for so long but have had to have their fix elsewhere. No longer! Link
WABE Interview with Coach Curry: CBC absolutely gets it when it comes to speaking to the media. Another very good radio interview. WABE Link
Roderick Thompson update - Mays defeated Dunwoody 21-13 on Saturday night. Not sure on Thompson's stats and have been efforting on multiple fronts. Mays plays @ Redan (Lamont McIntosh's alma mater, BTW) on Friday night.
Yung Joc will be at the Dome tomorrow!
Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications
From GSU Sports:The Georgia State Department of Athletics has announced that recording superstar Yung Joc will be at the Georgia Dome on Thursday night when the Panthers take the field for the first time.GSU Sports Link
As part of his commitment to GSU, Yung Joc has re-mixed his hit single, Yeah Boy, just for Georgia State.
My take: Two words: Atlanta's Team. Get used to it. GSU - The Movement.
GSU Signal: The Wait Is Over
Great write up from DJ in The Signal. Giving credit to those who have helped along the way.
Signal Link
Signal Link
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)