Kickoff: 1:00pm Georgia Dome
Radio: WRAS 88.5, WCFO 1160
Herman Boone, most remember the name as portrayed by Denzel Washington, is an NC Central alum
Quick Slant: The Panthers play the 3rd game of their latest homestand after pushing aside Savannah State 55-21. The game wasn't close and the team proved it could step on the gas at home when given the opportunity. There were still sloppy plays including: fumbles and drops by the WR corp and penalities. The Panthers are no doubt aware that this will be their toughest game since Jacksonville State.
About Morehead State: The Eagles are coming off arguably their most heartbreaking performance. They enter the Dome 2-3 and watching Hampton score 27 unanswered points after a 13-0 lead. QB Michael Johnson threw 2 INTs that were returned for touchdowns in the second half. RB Tim Shankle is a very capable runner and operates behind a huge offensive line (averages 310 across the line) and an enormous FB in 280lbs. George Mobley.
What to Watch:
1) Can the Panthers Stop the Run? The Eagles average more than 170 yard per game on the ground. The Panthers give up nearly 170 yard per game on the ground. The front seven has to hold up and force NC Central to throw the ball in 3rd and long situations.
2) Can the Panthers sustain long drives? NC Central averages better than 33 minutes of time of possession due in large part to their ability to run the football. Drew Little and the rest of the offense need to be able to march down the field and give the defense time to rest.
3) Can the Panthers win the field position battle? The special team story will tell you everything about this game. If Vance and Schlechter can pin NC Central deep and can flip the field position the defense can take their shots. If the Eagles are able to make plays in special teams with Arthur Goforth then it will be a long day.
Georgia State Wins If...
They protect the ball and execute the offense. Balance the run and the pass and don't be afraid to throw the ball down the field vs. the Eagles. I absolutely expect to see Kelton Hill & Drew Little in the game together at points and for Kelton to get 5 carries or more in the Wild Panther formation. Don't be surprised if we dial up a few trick plays including the reverse with Darren McCray or Albert Wilson because NC Central is prone to overplay in one direction. On defense, keep the game in 3rd and long. NC Central does not throw the ball deep and has only two plays through the air over 30 yards.
NC Central Wins If...
The run the ball and turn the Panthers over. If the turnover margin is +2 or better in favor of the Eagles then the home folks will walk away unhappy. The weakness of GSU has been stopping the run and if Shankle goes north of 100 and they are able to pull off a few plays on special teams with Goforth, then they could secure the upset.
Georgia State Checklist:
1) Win the turnover battle - While aiming to make big plays, the Panthers offense has put the ball on the field. It's time for the defense to put their helmet on the football and there will be opportunities for INTs as well. The Eagles have thrown 6 INTs in 5 games.
2) Don't give up on the run - Their front 7 mirrors ours and they run the same 3-4. The offense must continue its stellar play and run the ball 35 or more times. Even if it's not grabbing 4.0 per carry, it's crucial to stay balanced to crank up the play action to Bully and Emmanuel on the rollouts.
3) Win the battle at the point of attack - The offensive line combines for 1550 lbs. across. The NG and C positions will be ones to watch all day as both teams want to push the other off the ball. If you see LBs flying up into holes and safeties able to make plays within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage, it will be a good day for the Panthers. If you see long gains and 2nd and 3rd down and short, it's going to be a long day for the defense.
The Roar
The NC Central game is not going to bring a ton of fans and with the locals playing early the likelihood of 15,000 or so fans in the building is likely. NC Central is 3-0 playing in NFL venues since 2000 after have played games in Ericsson Stadium (Carolina Panthers), Giants Stadium in New York and at the old Veterans Stadium (Philadelphia Eagles). Mose Rison is the cousin of former Atlanta Falcon Andre 'Bad Moon' Rison. The Eagles will have 11 players from the state of Georgia on the roster.
Prediction: Georgia State 27, NC Central 17
Nice write up as usual Ben. I have a great feeling about this game. We have been more and more business-like every week since Campbell.
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