Exciting Matchup Awaits as Georgia State Hosts Old Dominion
ATLANTA — This Saturday, October 12, at 3:30 p.m. ET, the Georgia State Panthers will take the field against the Old Dominion Monarchs in what promises to be a thrilling Sun Belt Conference showdown at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium. After enjoying their second bye week of the season, the Panthers are eager to secure their first conference win and elevate their standing in the divisional rankings.
A Prelude to the Game
This game marks the sixth encounter between these two teams, with Georgia State holding a record of 1-4 in series history. Their lone victory over Old Dominion came last season when they triumphed with a score of 31-17 at home. However, they narrowly lost their previous matchup this year, 24-25, which surely has left them hungry for redemption.
Current Standings
The Panthers are currently ranked fifth in the Sun Belt East with a 2-2 overall record, while Old Dominion holds a record of 1-4. A win for Georgia State could propel them to a tie for the No. 3 spot in their division, making this game a vital stepping stone for the rest of the season.
Strengths on the Field
When it comes to discipline, Georgia State is excelling. They lead the Sun Belt and are ranked fourth in the nation in fewest penalties, with only 19 so far this season. Offensively, they stand tall with a completion percentage of 59.5%, ranking seventh in the conference.
The Panthers’ passing game is particularly impressive, ranking third in the Sun Belt and 23rd nationally with an average of 268.3 yards per game. In terms of defense, Georgia State ranks third in the conference for fumbles recovered, with senior linebacker Kevin Swint leading the charge after forcing two fumbles this season.
A New Era at Quarterback
Shifting gears, fans will be watching closely as new starting quarterback Christian Veilleux will be leading the Panthers this season. After a record-setting streak of 36 consecutive games by Darren Grainger, Veilleux is ready to leave his mark. Despite joining the team late in the offseason, he has quickly proven himself to be a formidable force. He’s tied for second in the Sun Belt for completions per game, averaging 23.5.
Veilleux has already matched his personal best of seven touchdowns this season and recently set a career high of 356 passing yards in a previous game. With a performance like his upset against Vanderbilt, where he threw three passing touchdowns and rushed for another, it’s little wonder fans are excited.
Key Players to Watch
There are some notable returners on the team whose contributions could prove pivotal in this matchup. Senior linebacker Kevin Swint is looking to shatter records with his current two sacks and a chance to reach the single-season sack record of 10. On the other side, running back Freddie Brock leads the ground game with 266 yards and ranks fourth in the Sun Belt with 5.43 yards per carry.
Wide receiver Ted Hurst has also been a standout with 349 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He played a crucial role in the upset win over Vanderbilt and will be someone to keep an eye on scheming against the Monarchs’ defense.
A Focus on Newcomers
Not to forget, the Panthers have welcomed a large influx of talent with 54 newcomers. Junior wide receiver Ted Hurst has already made his mark this season, showing promise along with senior transfer Xavier Robinson, who leads the team in tackles.
As the Panthers prepare to host Old Dominion, the atmosphere at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium promises to be electric with fans eager to support their home team. Following this home game, Georgia State will embark on a challenging month-long road series, facing off against some tough opponents including Marshall and App State.
With both teams looking to make a statement, fans should gear up for an action-packed afternoon of football. Will the Panthers rally for their first Sun Belt win? Come out and support as they aim to seize the moment!
Thanks for stopping by, and let’s cheer on those Panthers!
