PANTHER PROWL: Panthers return to Lone Star State

After a dramatic double-overtime win over South Alabama last Saturday, the Georgia State Panthers head back to Texas to take on the University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners in the program’s first year.

Coming off a record-setting rushing performance by RB Donald Russell, who tallied up 135 yards on 20 carries, the Panthers hope to continue their winning ways as they take on a Roadrunner squad, currently riding a three-game losing streak.

The coaching matchup is an intriguing one as Georgia State’s veteran coach Bill Curry takes on former University of Miami Head Coach Larry Coker. Coker, who coached the Hurricanes from 2001-2006 and won the national championship in 2001, took over the reins of the UTSA program in 2009. So far he has not achieved the same level of success that Curry found during the Panthers’ inaugural season one year ago. Both the Roadrunners and the Panthers currently stand at 2-5.

Along with Russell’s stellar performance on the ground, the Georgia State defense had its best performance of the season, forcing a school-record five turnovers against South Alabama. The team will have a tough task at hand trying to contain UTSA QB Eric Soza, who is a mobile quarterback that can deliver big plays on the ground and the air. The Roadrunners also have a dynamic receiver duo in Kam Jones and Brandon Freeman, who have torched defenses throughout the season.

Coach Curry has announced that Kelton Hill will make his second straight start for the Panthers. Hill was nothing short of spectacular against South Alabama, completing 12 of 15 passing attempts and throwing for 209 yards and two scores. Both touchdown passes were snagged by WR Albert Wilson, who set a school record, tallying 175 yards on five catches.

After an inspiring performance on both sides of the ball, the Panthers hope that this trip to Texas fares better than their last trip earlier this season, when they were humbled by national powerhouse Houston. In a matchup of young programs and veteran coaches, the Panthers will look to keep the momentum from last week’s victory rolling and conjure up some late-season magic as they look to finish their second campaign strong.

16 Responses to “PANTHER PROWL: Panthers return to Lone Star State”

  1. Panama
    October 27, 2011 at 1:42 pm #

    What if GSU beats both programs THIS year that will be moving to FBS NEXT year? #beatutsa

  2. gsu01
    October 27, 2011 at 1:48 pm #

    Thanks for the GSU coverage! Looking forward to the trip to San Antonio and a Panthers WIN!

  3. GSU is in Atlanta
    October 27, 2011 at 1:50 pm #

    Go GSU and beat UTSA continuing our path to winning out for the rest of the year!

  4. gsu01panther
    October 27, 2011 at 1:52 pm #

    THe last trip to TX to play UH was very humbling for the team. I don’t think there will be any comparison to that of UTSA even with the expected 30k fans. I wish the Panthers success and bring home another victory.

    PS – Can you add GSU to your menu bar at the top? Thanks.

  5. ajg marietta
    October 27, 2011 at 2:22 pm #

    Good article, Ryan. I expect a good game against UTSA. Hopefully Donald Russell will continue to impress and Kelton will protect the ball.

  6. Montinod
    October 27, 2011 at 2:52 pm #

    Thanks for the coverage. Should be a good game with the Panthers winning by a touchdown. Go State!

  7. Stateside
    October 27, 2011 at 5:35 pm #

    I’m super stoked after last week’s game and looking for the winning to continue. Go Panthers!

    Also, thanks for the coverage here! It does seem like “GSU” would fit nicely in that menu bar section currently occupied by “Thrashers”…

  8. PantherCJ
    October 27, 2011 at 5:58 pm #

    It will be a good game for both teams but I hope to see the good guys win.

  9. TheMayor
    October 27, 2011 at 6:29 pm #

    You cannot fumble thrice on the road. You also can’t bank on five turnovers—four interceptions—from the other team, like we got from South Alabama. Kelton holds onto the ball, we win by two scores. The rushing game will work if we don’t kill ourselves with turnovers.

  10. Ryan
    October 27, 2011 at 8:16 pm #

    I think as long as we commit to the run and do not turn the ball over, we win this game going away.

  11. Rowdy talk
    October 27, 2011 at 9:29 pm #

    Utsa beats GSU by 3 TD’s, crowd will freak out your team, welcome to 2-6 little baby panthers!

  12. Frod
    October 27, 2011 at 10:19 pm #

    Thanks for the coverage, we hope we can secure another win.

  13. Montinod
    October 28, 2011 at 11:03 am #

    Sir, we’ve played in front of 100K plus at Alabama and a modest 30k plus at Houston. I seriously doubt UTSA’s crowd will freak us out.

  14. GSU is in Atlanta
    October 28, 2011 at 12:13 pm #

    @Rowdy Talk

    Overconfidence much? I think this game will a close game and be very exciting…too bad we can’t get the Longhorn Network

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