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
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