Spring Scrimmage: What I'm Looking At Tonight

Great work today by our guy Ken Suguira.

A couple of things to note:
-Starting Center Ben Jacoby, who had been recovering from some ankle issues and a concussion, and Starting Left Guard Joe Gilbert will not be at the Dome on Thursday night.  Both are in Grad School and have night classes that will prevent them from being there.
-Back up Tackle Grant King and starting LB Jake Muasua will be out as well for precautionary reasons.

AJC Link

My thoughts:
-This is Spring Practice #15.  That's it.  While it is great for the fans to get a taste of football in the Dome for the first time since November, the coaches are not always thrilled about a change in their schedule (the team had been practicing in the morning).
-The increased likelihood of injury to key guys will likely move many starters off the field very early.  
-This is an opportunity for younger players to get snaps with the lights on.

-DISCLAIMER: DO NOT READ INTO STATS FROM THIS GAME
      - WRs like Brett Beidel and Zach Jones dropping passes are not indicative of our offense.  
        They are walk ons and will not be contributing in the Fall.

What to Watch For:
-Look for certain depth at positions.  Take a look a how back up Center Tim Wynn does tonight (#50). 
-Look at Nate Anthony at CB, Sam Burkhalter at ILB, Akeen Felder at LB, Cole Moon at H Back.
-Look at how QB Kelton Hill and QB Bo Schlechter look throwing the ball.  Not necessarily is deep reserve guys are catching them but where they are hitting them.
-Look at the overall speed at our skill positions.  This was something that I was encouraged by seeing key contributors who were faster and not carrying as much weight vs. muscle.

Looking forward to seeing you out in the Orange Lot and stop by and say hello!

“It’s kind of crazy, but that’s Georgia State,” said running back Parris Lee, smiling. “We make it crazy.”

AJC: QB Kelton Hill Impressive

Kelton is the clear #1 QB in camp

Photo Courtesy of the AJC's Jason Getz

Very, very good news.  Good work by our guy Ken at the AJC.  I've heard similiar reports as well that he is throwing the ball with great confidence and much better accuracy.  I'd like to see him gain 7-10lbs before Fall but again glad to see KH4 taking advantage of an opportunity.

AJC Link

Spring Practice Underway

QB Kelton Hill gets loose in Spring Practice #1

Photo Courtesy of GSU Sports Communications

Photo Gallery

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.

Georgia State vs. Old Dominion - Preview & Prediction

Georgia State vs. Old Dominion

Kickoff: 3:30pm Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium

TV/Radio: Comcast Channel 499  WCFO 1160 AM, WRAS 88.5

Foreman Field.  Expect 19,782 people in attendance and only a few leaving happy.

Photo Courtesy of ODU Sports Communications

Quick Slant: The Panthers play their 2nd road game coming off an OT victory vs. NC Central (which then proceeded to fire its coach) 20-17. Old Dominion is coming off a bye week after getting their doors blown off in the 4th quarter vs. Cal-Poly. This game will serve as Homecoming for the Monarchs, a fact that all of our players and coaches know well.

About Old Dominion: ODU is 3-3 on the season and will join the CAA in 2011. QB Thomas DeMarco is a dual threat as he has rushed for 203 yards and passed for 1668 yards with 18 combined TDs (15 passing, 3 rushing). DeMarco spreads the ball around as 13 different ODU players have receptions. His primary target over the last 3 weeks is Prentice Gill a 5'11 WR out of Los Angeles. They've thrown the ball on average of 41 times per game and threw a season high 57 passes vs. Cal-Poly.

What to Watch:
1) Can the Panthers force pressure? ODU has allowed 7 sacks through 6 games. Getting after DeMarco will be a top priority because they have shown a propensity to wear down later in games.

2) Can the Panthers take advantage of a small front 7? The Panthers faced an NC Central 3-4 defense that had a combined weight of 1828lbs. The Monarchs are 102lbs. lighter across their 4-3. Patience with the run and a new offensive formation will help move the chains.

3) Can the Panthers continue to play great vs. the pass? The Panthers young secondary would currently rank 16th in the FCS in pass defense (not ranked statistically because we are technically reclassifying for the 2010 season) allowing only 149 yard per game through the air. ODU dials up passes. It's strength on strength and Fred Barnes will be in the cross hairs as he has been all year so far.

Georgia State Wins If...
They are able to win the turnover battle (ODU has thrown 9 INTs and lost 4 fumbles on the season). The Panthers have done a great job getting turnovers in the last few games but the inability to cash them in nearly got them beat vs. NC Central. Run the ball and continue to take your shots down the field to Danny Williams and the Panthers should send the Homecoming crowd home disappointed.

Old Dominion Wins If...
They ride the wave of emotion and hit big plays in special teams. The Monarchs do not run the ball except for show and on QB draws. If they can use the quick kicks and hit big plays in the passing game, they could beat the Panthers.


Georgia State Checklist:
1) Pound the football - Kelton Hill was the leading rusher vs. NC Central. I have no doubt that he will hold onto the football better this week and exploit a smaller front 7. The unveiling of a new offensive formation will only enhance the cuts that the RBs can make. 35 runs plus to take the crowd out of it and move the chains.


2) Keep the play in front of you - ODU likes to dial up long passes over the top. I'd venture to say they haven't seen what Coach Thompson has cooked up. The LBs will have to play big as DeMarco can take off if he smells trouble. They WRs are quick but not tall and our CBs and safeties will need to be aware of things over the top.

3) Spread the ball around - Drew has done a fantastic job spreading the ball around to RBs, TEs and WRs. I think the formula has to stay the same. It's safe to say that ODU is aware of Danny Williams after 2 100 yard receiving days. If they roll coverage his way, Sidney, Albert, Arthur and Bo will all have opportunities to make plays.

The Roar
Old Dominion has sold all of their allotted 19,000 plus tickets which will mean the Panthers are facing significant crowd noise for the first time. The coaching staff pumped in crowd noise to practice this week including the ODU fight song. ODU features 2 players from Georgia including former Georgia Tech and Dunwoody HS grad Deron Jasper. The game is being billed as a "Blue Out" with ODU fans wearing all blue.

Prediction: Georgia State 28, Old Dominion 21

Georgia State vs. North Carolina Central - Preview & Prediction

Georgia State vs. NC Central


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

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.

 

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 

Pictures from Fall Practice Day 1

Courtesy of the folks at Sports Dept. at Creative Loafing.  Follow them on Twitter @Sportsloaf.

O-Line Doing Work. Two of the new guys #73 Gabriel Hampton & #76 LeDevon Kirkland.

Photo Courtesy of Georgia State Sports Communications

#2 Star Jackson and #4 Kelton Hill let one fire.

Photo Courtesy of Georgia State Sports Communications

RB Rosevelt Watson gets low while OL Coach Todd Perry looks on