Exciting Times in Atlanta as Georgia State Panthers Face UConn
Atlanta, GA – The anticipation is in the air as the Georgia State Panthers gear up to battle the UConn Huskies for their second face-off in program history. Set to unfold this weekend, fans are buzzing with excitement following the Panthers’ impressive victory over the Huskies just a few weeks ago. On September 9, 2023, Georgia State secured a solid win, dominating UConn with a score of 35-14 during the first game of this home-and-home series at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium.
Looking Back Before Looking Forward
Reflecting on that memorable game, the Panthers showcased some serious talent on the field. Despite a rocky start to their conference journey, Georgia State has maintained a decent standing in the Sun Belt Conference. They currently lead the conference—and rank an impressive 14th in the nation—for fewest penalties with just 37 penalties so far this season. Discipline on the field goes a long way!
Offensively, the Panthers have been nothing short of consistent, ranking within the top ten in completion percentage (7th at 0.607), team passing efficiency (9th at 128.84), and passing offense (6th with 247.7 yards per game). With numbers like these, it’s no wonder fans are hopeful about what this weekend holds.
The Defense is Locking It Down
On the defensive side of things, Georgia State’s defense isn’t letting up. They currently rank fourth in the conference and 33rd nationally for fumbles recovered, tallying up to five for the season. Senior linebacker Kevin Swint leads the team with two forced fumbles, with several players like D-Icey Hopkins, Josiah Robinson, and Henry Bryant contributing as well. It’s teamwork that makes the dream work!
Chasing Records and Making History
As we head into this game against UConn, there’s even more to keep an eye on as several Panthers are on the brink of breaking some records. For instance, Kevin Swint boasts four sacks this season, making him just two strikes away from tying for second place on the single-season sack list. Likewise, the talented Ted Hurst, with six touchdowns, is only three touchdowns away from claiming a new single-season touchdown record. And let’s not forget about Liam Rickman, who has already nailed nine field goals, edging closer to the record of fifteen.
The QB Situation
This game will also mark a significant moment for the Panthers as they dive into the quarterback shuffle. After witnessing a remarkable 36-game streak with Darren Grainger as the starting quarterback, Georgia State has seen a shift in the lineup. After starting with Christian Veilleux for the first six games, Zach Gibson has taken the reins after a solid showing against App State in Game Seven. Going 16-for-22 for a career-high 192 yards and throwing a touchdown, he definitely made his mark!
What’s Next for the Panthers?
After squaring off against UConn, the Panthers will continue their road journey with a visit to James Madison on November 9. But rest assured, fans are eagerly awaiting their return to Center Parc Credit Union Stadium on November 11 for an exciting Homecoming game against Arkansas State.
As the Panthers gear up for this thrilling matchup against UConn, the energy is palpable. Fans are looking forward to another potential victory and to see if Georgia State can continue its impressive streak. Remember, every game is a new opportunity, and this weekend promises to be unforgettable!
Thanks for keeping up with the action, and let’s rally behind the Panthers as they continue their quest for glory!
