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The Georgia State Panthers came into their showdown versus the Troy Trojans riding a three game road winning streak. They would return home to the newly dubbed “Georgia State Stadium” after a 51 day sabbatical away from Atlanta. Well the home coming wasn’t as fun and welcoming as the team expected. The Panthers would fall to Troy 34-10, in what would be a repeat performance of the first home game (the 10 points). In that game, the Panthers would fall to the Tennessee State Tigers 17-10. Two tough losses, filled with a myriad of problems they haven’t seen (often) on the road.
Two Different Panthers:
The numbers take a significant dip when in the confines of Georgia State Stadium. It can’t just be the opponent. Tennessee State was the first FCS school this season to beat an FBS team. Troy is a Sunbelt foe who already had a loss in conference before Saturdays tilt. The trend at home continues no matter who the opponent is.
[Passing Attack]
Conner Manning on the road averages 275.5 passing yards while dropping to just 207 yards per at home. The two defenses he faced were in the backfield (and in his face) almost the entire game. He was sacked four times vs. the Tigers and had to exit the Tennessee state game (two sacks) as precaution due to a hit to the head.
[Rushing Attack]
The running game hasn’t fared much better. They take a hard drop down from 146 rushing yards per game on the road to 50.5 yards on the ground at home. Only 1.6 yards per carry and they have zero rushing touchdowns. Still, the problem is opponents parading around in the backfield. The Panthers have been tackled 17 times behind the line of scrimmage at home.
[The Defense]
The defense has played two hard fought games but seem to be on the field way too long. They actually allow less passing yards at home but give up more rushing yards. With the offense struggling, the defense eventually lets a few scores get by them.
[Penny Hart]
He was placed on the Biletnikoff Award watch list after he torched Louisiana Monroe for 11 catches, 190 yard and three touchdowns. On the season, he averages 97.8 receiving yards per game on 7.8 receptions. At home he’s a pedestrian averaging five catches for 34 yards.
What’s next:
The teams next home game is Thursday night versus the South Alabama Jaguars.
The Jaguars are allowing 436.3 total yards when they face opponents on the road. They only allow 3.6 yards a carry on the ground.
The Panthers will have to come out with much more intensity to get the home crowd involved early. More protection upfront is key which will give plays time to develop.
In any event Georgia State will be looking for their first win of the season on their home turf. Hopefully they can reverse these trends and bring home the victory (no pun intended).
