Exciting Rivalry Ahead for Georgia State Panthers in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA – After a thrilling victory over SEC rival Vanderbilt, the Georgia State Panthers are set to kick off their conference play in style. Mark your calendars for September 28 at 3:30 p.m. as they host the renowned Georgia Southern Eagles at the Center Parc Credit Union Stadium. Fans can catch all the action on national television, specifically on ESPNU.
A Bit of History
Last week, the Panthers enjoyed a much-deserved bye-week, but their exciting 36-32 win over the Commodores was one for the books. This victory is especially significant as it marks the second time in program history that Georgia State has taken down a Power 5 school. Now, with Georgia Southern coming to town, the stage is set for an intense rivalry showdown, highlighted by the inaugural Georgia Grown Bowl, presented by Georgia Grown. This initiative aims to support local institutions and showcase Georgia’s top agricultural contributions, making this matchup even more special.
Key Matchup Insights
As the Panthers gear up for their 11th all-time meeting against Georgia Southern, the history favors the Panthers, who have won six out of ten matchups. It’s been a mixed bag lately, though, as Georgia Southern narrowly triumphed in their last game against Georgia State, a hard-fought 41-33 win in Statesboro.
Spotlight on the New Quarterback
In a big shift, the Panthers will see Christian Veilleux stepping into the starting quarterback role after a record 36 games with Darren Grainger at the helm. Veilleux, a junior transfer from Pitt, hasn’t skipped a beat, matching his own single-season record for touchdowns with seven, already! His performance thus far has him ranked fourth in the Sun Belt for passing touchdowns and sixth for passing yards per game, showcasing his effectiveness in the offense.
The highlight of his season came during the nail-biting win over Vanderbilt, where he threw for a career-high 269 yards and claimed three passing touchdowns alongside a rushing touchdown. This new spark could be just what the Panthers need to give them an edge in this fierce rivalry.
Spotting the Stars
Despite several new faces on the roster, the Panthers retained some crucial veterans. Standout defenders like Kevin Swint, who has already made a name for himself with two sacks and a forced fumble against Vanderbilt, are vital to the team’s ambitions. Swint’s performance earned him Sun Belt Player of the Week honors and sent a clear message to their rivals.
Meanwhile, running back Freddie Brock has been a powerhouse on the ground, emerging as the team’s leading rusher. He ranks fourth in the Sun Belt with a solid 230 yards this season. Brock’s touchdown secured the opening game against Chattanooga, and fans are eager to see how he performs against Georgia Southern!
New Faces Making an Impact
The Panthers introduced 54 newcomers to the roster this season, marking it their largest influx of talent. Junior wide receiver Ted Hurst has already made headlines as the leading receiver, racking up 237 yards and three touchdowns this season, including a thrilling game-winning catch against Vanderbilt.
Looking Ahead
As the McGee era unfolds, fans are buzzing with excitement. Coach Dell McGee, a versatile coach with deep roots in Georgia football, leads a rejuvenated staff, ready to make waves in the Sun Belt Conference. After the upcoming clash with Georgia Southern, the Panthers will have the chance to rest and regroup before welcoming Old Dominion to Atlanta on October 12.
So grab your gear and get ready to rally behind our Panthers as they aim to defend their home turf and continue their winning streak against their rivals. This is a game you won’t want to miss!
