NC State football continues its nonconference schedule this week, looking to build on what went well, and tighten up mistakes from week one, as Georgia State comes to Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday. Technician caught up with Jerell Rushin, sports editor of The Signal, Georgia State’s student newspaper, to break down the matchup between the Wolfpack and the Panthers.
Technician: What is Georgia State’s outlook going into this season?
Rushin, by email: The Panthers are hoping to duplicate last year’s success of having both its first winning season and first bowl victory. This year’s team is much younger than the previous team, but a lot more athletic as well. JUCO transfer quarterback Dan Ellington is running the show on offense, and looks to be a good fit after leading a comeback in the first game. The biggest question that will be answered is whether Georgia State overcomes its grueling schedule to make it back to bowl season.
T: What is the mindset of a smaller conference team playing a power-five team?
R: When facing power-five teams, the group of five mindset is to control what they can control. More times than not, the game is an away game in front of a loud crowd, so being disciplined and focused is a must. The Panthers will want to start off fast and not get behind the eight ball.
T: Who are some of Georgia State’s key players?
R: Wide receiver Penny Hart is Georgia State’s star of the team. The preseason third-team All-American selection may be the best player the nation has never heard of. Jerome Smith is a lockdown corner, and was No. 3 in the entire country entering the year in yards allowed per plays in coverage. Victor Heyward is a good pass rusher, and Ellington showed high poise and potential against Kennesaw State.
T: How do the Panthers matchup with NC State?
R: NC State is not the best matchup for Georgia State, but it’s a manageable game. Defensively, Ryan Finley and the offense can put up gaudy numbers because the Panthers lost a few important pass rushers and nearly every starter in the secondary. On offense, the Panthers will try to move the chains by spreading the ball around. It should be comforting for the offense that NC State was not dominant defensively against FCS opponent, James Madison.
T: What is your prediction for this game?
R: I think NC State will eke out a win much like Georgia State did last week. The Panthers will show that they are to not be overlooked despite playing in the Sun Belt Conference, especially on the offensive end. Defensively, they will make plays, but Finley and the receivers will have another great game and have the ball last. However, I would not be surprised to see Georgia State pull off the upset.
