Georgia State Panthers
2015 Results: 6-7 (5-3. 4th in Sun Belt)
Lost to San Jose State in Cure Bowl
Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 9 DEF
2016 Schedule
September
2nd BALL STATE
10th at Air Force
17th at Wisconsin
October
1st at Appalachian State
8th Texas State
15th at Troy
22nd TENNESSEE-MARTIN
29th at South Alabama
November
3rd ARKANSAS STATE
12th LOUISIANA-MONROE
19th GEORGIA SOUTHERN
December
3rd at Idaho
Like teams in the Sun Belt before them, Georgia State is adjusting well to the jump in the level of division. The Panthers went to their first bowl game after closing out the season with four straight wins. They return enough personnel that it is not far fetched to believe they won't improve on last year and secure the program's first winning season since moving to the Bowl Subdivision.
The Panthers lose starting quarterback Nick Arbuckle who accumulated 7,600 yards over the past two seasons. Coaches have kept the replacement decision close to the vest as they have stated repeatedly that a starter will not be named before the first game. However, it will likely be former Utah transfer Conner Manning lining up behind center when the Panthers open up with Ball State. Three of the four top receivers return for the Panthers meaning that the eventual quarterback will have plenty of experienced targets. Wide receiver Robert Davis was first team Sun Belt last year, and tight end Keith Rucker was second. The rushing attack was one of the worst in the nation last year after averaging only 96.9 yards per game, but the Panthers are hoping that junior Glenn Smith will turn that statistic around. Three linemen return with a combined 50 starts between them.
The Panthers lost two all-conference players on defense from a year ago, but return the other nine starters. Former UAB linebacker Alonzo McGee returns after leading the team in tackles for loss with 12.5 last season. The secondary returns three led by senior safety Bobby Baker who had three INTs. They key for this defense will be just how much they pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Player to Watch: Penny Hart
The shifty receiver might not be big in size (5-8, 170), but he is the key to the offense. As a freshman, Hart had 71 receptions and was named Sun Belt Freshman of the year. Being the best receiver on the team, Hart is bound to dazzle fans all season long.
If you only watch them once, watch:
9/17 at Wisconsin
Not that we're going to put the Badgers on upset alert, but it is worth noting that they have a conference clash with rival Michigan State the following week. Don't put words in our mouth.
What to Expect
The starting quarterback will be the main question that hangs around this team, but it doesn't mean their sunk. The season will come down to how the Panthers close out the final four games of the season.
Prediction
7-5 (5-3, Sun Belt)
-Dug
@chansm1th
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