Georgia State Panthers Set to Face Coastal Carolina in Season Finale
ATLANTA—The excitement is palpable as the Georgia State Panthers gear up to take on the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers for their Season Finale this Saturday, November 30th, at 2:00 p.m. in Atlanta’s Center Parc Credit Union Stadium. After a thrilling win against Texas State in their last road game, the Panthers come home with renewed energy and a hunger to close out the season on a high note.
History of the Matchup
This will mark the eighth meeting between these two teams, and the Panthers hold a slight edge in the series with a record of 4-3 against the Chanticleers. Last time they faced off, it was a satisfying victory for Georgia State, with a score of 30-17 on September 21, 2023. Fans are hoping for another exciting game!
Pantheon of Stats
As the season draws to a close, it’s worth noting how well the Panthers have performed, particularly on the defensive end. Surprisingly, Georgia State leads the Sun Belt conference and ranks in the top 50 nationally for the fewest penalties per game, averaging just 5.27 infractions. This discipline has been crucial in their ability to stay competitive.
On the defensive side, it’s exciting to report that the Panthers rank second in the conference and are among the top 20 programs nationwide for recovering fumbles, with a total of eight. Senior standout Henry Bryant is leading the squad with two recovered fumbles, positioning him eighth in the nation!
Noteworthy Player Achievements
Moving on to individual accolades, senior player Ted Hurst recently broke the program record for single-season touchdowns, nabbing his ninth receiving touchdown during the Panthers’ home game against Arkansas State on November 16.
Likewise, Kevin Swint, the Panthers’ senior linebacker, is making waves with 4.5 sacks on the season—just two sacks shy of tying the second-place spot in program history. He’s also in the running to break the record for forced fumbles, boasting four so far!
The Quarterback Dilemma
Fans have been particularly intrigued by the ongoing quarterback situation. After a remarkable streak of 36 consecutive starts by Darren Grainger, the team now looks to either Christian Veilleux or Zach Gibson to fill the role. Veilleux has put up impressive numbers, with 13 touchdowns and nearly 1,842 passing yards this season. His recent performance against Texas State saw him guiding the Panthers to a nail-biting victory of 52-44.
On the other hand, Zach Gibson has also made a splash, showing off his skills in his starting games. By throwing 1,004 yards and seven touchdowns this season, Gibson’s journey has been nothing short of thrilling!
Key Players Making an Impact
Despite the shakeup in the quarterback room, several players have remained consistent and impactful. Running back Freddie Brock is having a breakout season, leading the team in rushing yards with 748 total and six touchdowns. His 133-yard performance against Texas State stood as a career highlight.
Also, sophomore Dorian Fleming is making his presence felt, contributing 540 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His combination of speed and skill has become a reliable asset for the Panthers.
The Season Ahead
Looking to the next year, the Panthers are retaining 65 returners while welcoming 54 newcomers, creating a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent. As they prepare for the Coastal Carolina game, the anticipation is building, and fans are certainly hopeful to see their team leave it all on the field!
Don’t forget to catch the game live on ESPN+ or tune in to the Georgia State Radio Network on WRAS-FM 88.5 and WGTJ-FM 97.5 to support the Panthers!
