Georgia State Panthers Eye Road Victory Against Marshall
Atlanta, GA – The Georgia State Panthers are gearing up for an exciting matchup as they hit the road for a four-game series, starting with a clash against the Marshall Thundering Herd this Saturday. After a tough loss to Old Dominion with a score of 14-21 on October 12, the Panthers are itching to secure their first win in the Sun Belt Conference under head coach Dell McGee.
Road to Redemption Begins
This weekend’s game is pivotal for the Panthers, who are looking to bounce back after their recent setback. Following their encounter with Marshall, Georgia State will continue their road trip with games against App State on October 26, UConn on November 1, and James Madison on November 9. Fans can look forward to seeing the Panthers return home to the Center Parc Credit Union Stadium on November 16, when they host Arkansas State.
History Repeats: Panthers vs. Herd
Interestingly, this meeting marks the third time in program history that the Panthers and Marshall will face off, with the series tied at one win each. However, the good news for Georgia State is that they are currently riding a one-game win streak against the Herd, having bested them 41-24 at home last season. But, when it comes to road games, the Panthers are keen to flip the script, as they fell short in last season’s away game against Marshall, losing 28-23. This time around, they are determined to secure their first road win against the Herd.
Standing Tall in the Sun Belt
Despite a rocky start in conference play, the Panthers are still making some noise in the Sun Belt rankings. Most impressively, Georgia State leads the conference and ranks fourth nationally for fewest penalties, with only 23 flagged plays this season. This disciplined approach is certainly contributing to their efforts on both sides of the ball.
On the offensive front, Georgia State is not shy about showcasing their skills. They rank in the top 10 in the Sun Belt for several key categories, including completion percentage (7th with 59.5%), team passing efficiency (9th with 128.18), and overall winning percentage (9th at 50%). Notably, the Panthers’ passing game is currently third in the conference and 35th nationally, averaging an impressive 266.6 yards per game.
Defensive Strength Shines Through
The Panthers’ defense is also holding firm, ranking fourth in the Sun Belt and 31st nationally for fumbles recovered, with a total of four. Leading the charge is senior linebacker Kevin Swint, who has been a standout performer, recording two forced fumbles this season. Alongside him, teammates KD McDaniel, Izaiah Guy, Henry Bryant, and Rykem Laney have each notched a fumble recovery, solidifying the team’s defensive capabilities.
Record Watch
As the season progresses, several Panthers are also nearing personal milestones that could etch their names in the history books. Senior linebacker Kevin Swint, with four sacks on the season, is just two shy of tying the second-place spot for single-season sacks and seven away from breaking the franchise record of 10.5.
Meanwhile, Ted Hurst has made his mark with five touchdowns, putting him just four scores away from breaking the single-season touchdown record held at eight. Additionally, Liam Rickman stands tall in the kicking game with five field goals made, on pace to challenge the single-season record of 15.
Next Steps
With all of this momentum and determination, the Panthers are looking forward to their showdown against the Thundering Herd. As they prepare to hit the field, fans can expect an electrifying game, as the Panthers strive for victory and aim to break into the win column in the Sun Belt. Kickoff time for the matchup against App State on October 26 will be announced soon, so stay tuned!
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