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: GSU Knows Success against VCU

Scoreboard don't lie.

Photo Courtesy of Mike Holmes, GSU Sports Communications

Yes we do.  Ask them about that whoopin' in the GSU Sports Arena that lit a fire under them.  Coach Smart, we'll take our fruit basket once you get settled after that enormous raise in either Raleigh or Columbia.

On a serious note, great work by our guy Ken at the AJC. 

I hope you have enjoyed the tremendous coverage in the last 2 months.  There are many working behind the scenes to push Georgia State on the pages and getting in front of new eyes and ears daily.

AJC Link

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

AJC: Levick Wants New Coach by Final Four

AJC Link

More insight on what I've been saying since Barnes was relieved of his duties.  We are a week ahead of others in the area that may be firing their coaches.  Conference Tournaments are under way.  Good write up by our guy Ken of the AJC.

Rod Barnes Fired, Will not coach in CAA Tourney

Georgia State Men's Basketball Coach Rod Barnes was fired today and will not coach the Panthers in the CAA Tournament beginning on Friday in Richmond.  Assistant Coach Paul Graham will assume the helm and will lead our team vs. UNC-Wilmington and any further should we win.

This move has received national attention on ESPN and Fox Sports.  At one point, yesterday afternoon Rod Barnes was a trending topic on Twitter.

Per our guy Ken at the AJC, we will buyout the last year of Barnes' contract which is estimated at $267,000.

What is truly amazing to me is both local and national writers who have not seen us play a single game are smashing us.  It's time to get serious about basketball again. 

SB Nation Atlanta Story

AJC Story

Ken's Blog

Examiner.com Link

GSU Football Heading to FBS Houston

Via GSU Sports Communications:

The Georgia State football team will face its second Football Bowl Subdivision opponent next fall as the Panthers play at Houston, Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick and Head Football Coach Bill Curry announced.

The GSU-Houston contest is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at Robertson Stadium, which seats 32,000. Kickoff time is to be determined.

“We are very pleased to announce a game with a quality FBS program like Houston,” said Levick. “Attractive intersectional matchups like this raise the profile of Georgia State football and help us build our program.”

“This game presents another tremendous opportunity for our football team to test itself against a strong Houston program on their home field,” said Curry. “Houston has an impressive coach in Kevin Sumlin and an outstanding quarterback in Case Keenum, who was injured this season but has been granted a sixth year of eligibility.”

Ken Sugiura of the AJC reports that the payout is expected to be $300,000 from the Conference USA school.  Quite a bit lower than what Alabama paid but the Tide also have much deeper pockets and a stadium nearly 3 times as big as the Cougars.

AJC: GSU Stocking Up 3rd Class

Good work by our guy Ken at the AJC.  Interesting nuggets including 7 commits at this point (4 public) and that CBC doesn't expect anyone to transfer to this point.

AJC Link

AJC: GSU looks back at Alabama, ahead at 2011

Great job by our guy Ken as we deal with the fact that we will not see another snap of football until the 1st week of April in the Spring Game.

AJC Link

AJC: GSU Football feeling Rejuventated

Ah, my favorite verb.  Rejuventate: to make young again; restore to youthful vigor, appearance, etc. Also, to restore to a former state; make fresh or new again. 

Good work by Ken at the AJC.

AJC Link

AJC: Q&A with WR Danny Williams

Spectacular catch right in front of my seats vs. Morehead State.

Great peice by our guy Ken and take a look at Williams' summer preparation. It should come as no shock that he's having the success that he is.  Put the work in and you'll see results.  He's one of my favorite players on the team.

AJC Link

AJC: Coach Rod Barnes Q&A

Oh yeah, Basketball Season is Here: More good work by our guy Ken at the AJC: AJC Link

Who are two teams that will compete for the national championship?
Barnes: I think Duke is one team and I think Michigan State.

Complete this sentence. College basketball would be a better game if…
Barnes: I think maybe if the season were shorter (in terms of games). I think our season is so long now that I think even some of the best teams run out of gas.

Who's the most improved player on your team?
Barnes: Jihad Ali. Last year he had some games where he scored over 20 a game and I think this year he will have the opportunity to be our leading scorer. I think he would be the guy who would be the surprise, the guy that'll be talked about.

What's a fair criticism of you?
Barnes: A fair criticism is I'm a coach who probably puts more time in and works more time on his defense and sometimes his offense struggles.

What's the best book you've read recently?
Barnes: I would say probably a book I read called "The Rules of Engagement -- The Eight Principles of Leadership."

AJC: GSU Running Game Failing to Launch

I agree with Coach Curry's sentiments 100%. 

"The thing that is the biggest disappointment about our team is the running game."

I full expect a man like effort tomorrow in Mobile.  Our offensive line was blow up multiple times including the goal line stand vs. ODU when we had all the momentum in the world.

More good work by Ken at the AJC.

AJC Link

Joe Hamilton Rising Again at GSU

Great work by Ken at the AJC.

AJC Link

AJC: CAA Commissioner Talks GSU

The CAA Commish is happy here but will he be if Rhode Island & 'Nova jump?

More great work by Ken at the AJC.  Looking forward to Saturday's game more and more.

AJC Link

AJC: Curry avoids Bama talk & Recruiting

Great work by Ken and you get some insight about how recruiting works at the FCS level.

AJC Link

AJC: MSU Coach Compares GSU to JMU

Great read  and really interesting comments by Morehead State's head man Matt Ballard.

AJC Link

AJC: Football, Homecoming Raise Spirits

Another big first in our program's history.  Homecoming.  Good write up by our guy Ken S at the AJC.

AJC Link

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.

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!

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