Kickoff: 1:00pm Georgia Dome
Radio: WRAS 88.5, WCFO 1160
Yep, former Smart Guy Tahj Mowery is a Savannah State alum and former football player.
Quick Slant: After putting together the first winning streak in football history, by dismantling Morehead State (and they followed my checklist pretty well, I digress) and dominating on both sides of the ball, the Panthers face a taller task: Complacency. This week could present itself as our biggest margin of victory or our best chance for a Lambuth sized let down.
About Savannah State: Hard to mince words here. The Tigers are 0-5 and can't get out of their own way. They average less than 10 points per game and have been steamrolled this year by losing games by a combined score of 211-48. They turn the ball over (5 INTs and 5 Fumbles lost) and they commit penalties (8 for 53 yards on average). They do have above average size on the offensive line but have only averaged 3.4 yards per rush. They've also given up 14 sacks which tells me those big fellas may be slow afoot.
What to Watch
1. Will Drew Little take shots deep? SSU has shorter corners and I fully expect after taking two shots down the field to Albert Wilson (and completing one for 50 yards to set up 1st and Goal) that the plan will be to run then play action pass deep.
2. Can the Panthers continue to run the football? Coach Curry has absolutely hammered the offensive line last week and they responded. 40 rushes for 153 yards. I could absolutely see better results per rush this week vs. a SSU line that averages 255lbs. across the line.
3. Can the Panthers step on the gas again? The thing about a team that is going in the wrong direction is that if they feel the game slipping away, there's a "here we go again" mentality that can take effect. The offense has outscored opponents in the 1st Quarter 42-19. Savannah State has yet to score in the 2nd quarter all year.
Georgia State Wins If...
The Panthers stay balanced and force Savannah State into 3rd and long. QB Drew Little had a tremendous game on Saturday and continued to protect the ball. Cut down on the fumbles by the WRs and this should be a field day for the Panthers.
Savannah State Wins If...
They can execute. It's easy to say but they do have guys that can make plays. The Tigers have just beaten themselves over and over. If they can limit penalties and not get caught up in the bright lights of the Dome they could upset the Panthers.
Georgia State Checklist:
1. Impose Their Will Along the Lines. Yep, same formula as the game vs. Morehead State. The task gets tougher for the defensive line but I believe our offensive line is taking a step each and every game. Chemistry is such an underrated thing on the offensive line.
2. Let Savannah State beat themselves. They do a great job of giving it to you and letting you get off the field. Allow them to do that and maintain focus and intensity between the whistles. Giving them free yards is not something we can afford to do.
3. Turn Bully loose. I believe that the last 2 games have been a bit of a coming out party for our TE Arthur 'Bully' Williams. Dragging a defender at least 5 yards into the end zone wass one of my personal highlights of the year so far. You almost felt bad for the Eagle defender. I said almost. The 6'4, 270lbs. workhorse from Miami is an absolutely stud. Give the big fella another 3 or 4 touches out the outside and I dare a Tiger defender to bring him down.
The Roar
The bunch from Savannah may actually win one battle on Saturday: the halftime show. Our band is very good, there band is better. The Coastal Empire Sound Explosion does a great job and Georgia State fans are in for a treat. They should also bring a decent group as the Morehead State fans couldn't fill out a middle school music class.
The prediction: Georgia State 45, Savannah State 7
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