Georgia Southern Football Scared To Schedule Georgia State

by Ben Moore • Feb 16, 2011 5:10 PM EST

So why is a six-time FCS national champion scared to schedule a program who has played a total of 11 games and won 6 of them? The reasons may or may not suprise you.

The AJC's Ken Sugiura mentioned today in his Georgia State blog that:

The school is working for a game with Georgia Southern, but I don’t think anything will happen anytime soon. Levick said that president Mark Becker has talked with Georgia Southern president Brooks Keel about it and that she has done some "gentle calling to see if there’s any interest at all."
...

Levick acknowledged that Georgia Southern is scheduled out, so it’d likely take some re-arranging, but said "I just think that the state of Georgia would love to see it."

So Georgia State wants a game (or two, as a home and home would make financial sense for both school). Georgia Southern does not. It's that simple. Why?

I love Ken and his coverage is outstanding but it's not a lose, lose for Southern. They'd be guarenteed a sellout and would play in as charged an atmosphere in the Georgia Dome as they've ever seen. I'm sorry there's no true hate between a Southern fan and the fightin' Terriers of Wofford or Samford or any of their other Southern conference foes.

Georgia Southern touts a trip to the FCS playoffs in 2010, and they should. They almost had a shot to win their seventh title. Almost. Well, Georgia State almost beat nationally ranked Jacksonville State in it's 3rd ever game. They don't print T-shirts that say "Almost." They don't hang banners that say "Almost."

There are three main reasons why I believe that Southern administrators and coaching staff are flat out scared:

1. Recruiting - Georgia State has signed a total of nine players (six on the current roster) from formerly Georgia Southern fertile recruiting grounds in the last three recruiting cycles.

LB Jarrell Robinson
DT Sherroud Loud (who didn't qualify academically and is now in the Army)
OL Jon Sauls
CB KJ Morton (currently at a JUCO and has signed with Baylor for 2011)
LB Allen McKay
KR Darren McCray
DL Demetrious Shorter
LB Justin Orr (didn't qualify)
LB Qwontez Mallory (prepped at Doughtery HS, then went to Georgia Military College)

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Coach Bill Curry has hit more high schools than ever before and Rivals.com is reporting that the Panthers have already contacted two prospects from Middle Georgia and lower South Carolina -- and it's spring. Wait until the Panthers graduate 22 players in 2011 and have even more scholarships to offer. Would you rather grow a plant or would you rather graduate from one of the most respected business schools in the southeast? Would you rather play in a cow pasture or would you rather play in the home of the Atlanta Falcons and the home of a Super Bowl?

2. Budget Concerns - It's easy serving as the University of Georgia's step child and getting a game once every couple years. It's a whole other issue when you get paid one-third of what the market rate is because your athletic director can't ask for bigger money. How does it look to your boosters when you run from opponents? I'm not talking about FBS opponents like Navy (which doesn't award athletic scholarships) or Alabama (who may score more in 2011 than they did on Georgia State in 2010). Those games balance the budget, but then again, apparently Georgia Southern's athletic department doesn't care about that as they actually forgot to file a piece of paperwork that caused them to miss a home FCS playoff game.

3. Reputation - If you talk to a Georgia Southern fan for any amount of time they will most certainly mention Erk Russell, their legendary architect. Since Erk, they've had Paul Johnson, who brought titles home to Statesboro. Since Johnson left for Navy, the titles have gone away and they have largely become irrelevant in the local and national scene. Now they are becoming irrevelant in their own state. Georgia State opened their program with higher profile head coach and coaching staff and have already won recruiting battles in typical Georgia Southern areas. Kennessaw State begins football in 2013, and the Eagles realize their grip is slipping.

Before the Panthers began, Southern was the third banana behind Georgia and Georgia Tech, and they were okay with that. Now, Georgia State plays in the Georgia Dome and has a student populous that is projected to reach 40,000 by the end of 2015 and has people in place who are now serious about athletics.

The Long and Short of It: Georgia Southern is absolutely terrified to put Georgia State on its football schedule. Make whatever excuses you want, but the fans want it, the boosters will want it to happen and the state of Georgia needs it. Man up Fake GSU -- if not, the Panthers will equal you, pass you, and put you back in the creek.

Do you like this post?

Next Post: TV Schedule, 2/17: Gatorade Duel, Spurs-Bulls, Thrashers-Coyotes, Northern Trust Open

Previous Post: A.J. Green's Agent, Saints Fans Hate Roddy White, And Killing College Football: Around The Perimeter

Comments

Ain't Skerred

With you being a Panther fan, I completely understand why you would write a blog like this. We have said the same thing about GT being “scared” to play us for years. It doesn’t mean it’s actually true that they are, but we have said it. So for that, kudos. Here are a few things I’d like to add about what you wrote.

1st, we already basically “sellout” every game regardless of the opponent. With no true capacity it’s hard to call it a sellout. But we average about 125% of the number of actual seats. Bringing State to Paulson would do no more to add to our attendance, than playing anyone else. There might be a few more visitors there than normal, because of it being your first game there. But to act like it would be some coup for our attendance is a joke.

Regarding recruiting….were any of the 9 that you tout as being signed from Southern’s fertile recruiting ground (what, the state of Georgia?) even recruited by Southern? Just because they came from the state or areas that we recruit doesn’t mean you beat us in a recruiting battle. Just because they have live “near” Statesboro, doesn’t mean we recruited them or even knew their names. We signed Adrian Peterson from about 10 miles away from UF. Does that mean we “beat” them in recruiting him or that UF should worry about us recruiting in North Florida?

Now, I’m not going to even try to defend our AD, because he’s a hot mess. That’s a given. But I have a question for you about the whole “1/3 of the going rate” for I-A vs I-AA games. If I remember correctly, we got paid $465K the last time we played uGAG (don’t hold me to that, cause I’m old and my memory fades easy). Does that mean the going rate for a I-A vs I-AA game is $1,395,000.00? If so, we need to find out who is paying that much and camp on their doorstep. That ain’t happening sir. Sure YSU got $1M from OSU, but that is because of Tressel and is nowhere near the norm.

The simple truth is that Southern is not scared of State. To the contrary, there is nothing about State to be scared of. There is no reason that one of the best programs in the history of I-AA should be going out of its way to schedule a first or second year team. If it happens, great. If we can work out a trip for you guys to Paulson, great. But why in the world would LSU schedule a home and home with UL-Monroe? They are in the same division right? They are in the same state, right? Would you say that LSU is scared of UL-Monroe? Would you say that LSU worries one second about a recruit that chooses UL-Monroe? I don’t.

Keep trying though. It’s going to get a lot of people to read your blog, which is the goal obviously, but it is far from the truth.

by KJ Eagle on Feb 16, 2011 6:12 PM EST reply actions

Goals

My goal is for your fan base and our fan base to agree. We need to play each other. We are both FCS teams and we know what that means. It makes too much sense to play. We want it, your HC, AD and President don’t. My question remains and has yet to be answered: Why not?

Playing us and beating us would help your Playoff standing.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions

No, playing you and beating you will not help our playoff standing anymore than playing Savannah State or some other low tier FCS team.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 10:49 AM EST up reply actions

Vs. Savannah State

Savannah State has won a combined 3 games in the last 2 seasons. We won 6 in our first year and are likely to win that many in year 2.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 11:03 AM EST up reply actions

As a native of Atlanta and a GSU (Southern) grad as well as someone who has not only been a fan of the Eagles but covered the team for the school newspaper for three seasons, I seriously have to hold back laughter when reading this.

You said that our grip on the state is “slipping” and that we are becoming “irrelevant.” Are you kidding? While the last few years haven’t been easy by any means for Eagle Nation (three HC changes and two losing seasons), if State posted those kinds of records, no one would think anything of it, saying “it’s a growing program.” And…wait for it…it is. State has a long way to go to even be mentioned in the same breath as Southern. Not saying that it isn’t possible, just that this is a team with ONE year under its belt. (FYI Southern had a winning season its first year of sanctioned NCAA I-AA play as well).

Our AD is incompetent, so for that purpose, any truth behind him not wanting the game is null in void. Knowing coach Monken personally, I can assure you that he could care less either way. He just wants to win football games and national titles. When it comes to our president, he doesn’t have that big of a hand in that kind of stuff.

So in conclusion, it’s not that Southern is “scared” to play State, or because of any other reasons you may be trying to claim. We simply don’t have the time to waist dealing with stuff like that. We’re too busy trying to win a 7th national title.

If the game happened it would in fact a.) draw a large crowd regardless of location b.) attract media attention from all over the state and potentially other southeastern media and c.) would make to a nice beginning to an in-state same-division rivalry for both teams.

As far as increasing either teams so called stock, the game would benefit State more than Southern as State is a growing program.

Playing state would not help playoff standings for Southern. Playing App. State and Furman and tough non-region and well established FCS teams (Coastal Carolina, South Dakota State) help our playoff standings.

Now, this could all change in the future, but why don’t you wait a few years before writing another post like this. If State wins a title in 2012 (their 3rd season) then we can talk.

by Matt Mauney on Feb 17, 2011 3:12 PM EST up reply actions

not going to agree...

See, here’s where we are not going to agree. We don’t NEED to play you. You however, NEED to play us to gain any sense of relevancy at all. The reason our HC, AD, and Pres don’t want to is simple. Why should we? If it happens down the road, great. But you better be coming to Paulson instead of us going to the Dome, or I will be pissed at our administration. At this point, you have done nothing to deserve us padding your coffers with a huge home attendance. I would rather drive 4 hours south to the Boro (which I do for every home game) to see us play anyone, than to drive 45 minutes to the dome to watch us play you.

by KJ Eagle on Feb 17, 2011 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

oops, I almost forgot...

Did I mention that you LOST TO LAMBUTH?!?!?!?!?! Do we even need to say anything more than that?

by KJ Eagle on Feb 16, 2011 6:28 PM EST reply actions

Lambuth

Yep. We did. Turnovers killed us in our 2nd ever game. Tough.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks Ben

I really needed the laugh. GSU is sure shaking in it’s boots to play the Georgia State Kitty Cats.

by Zach Towery on Feb 16, 2011 6:31 PM EST reply actions

Where did the topic of this blog entry come from?

The quotes you posted are all from Georgia State staff members, and they are speculating about what they think Georgia Southern staff members are thinking. Trolling on a blog site is still trolling, so keep this crap on P*ssy Whisper.

by Zach Towery on Feb 16, 2011 7:19 PM EST up reply actions

Topical

Our AD wants to play, yours does not. We will play anyone, anywhere and anytime.

We fear no one and our athletic department operates that way.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 10:49 AM EST up reply actions

No, you will play anyone that takes you because your a brand new program. We were there once, we know what it’s like. But there is a difference in not fearing playing someone and not being scared of someone.

GaState has no fear of playing GSU, but believe me, nothing about your program scares us.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

Fear

We didn’t have to play Alabama in Year One. No one held a gun to our head.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

Because, as I said, you’ll take anyone you can get. Hell, if I was Saban I would have scheduled you guys twice if they would have let me.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

Congrats on a good first season Georgia State, but the fact of it is that Georgia State is still a new program. Georgia Southern really has nothing to prove when it comes to playing Georgia State, so in turn there is no reason to play Georgia State currently. Now if Georgia State has 3-5 winning seasons and Georgia Southern still is not wanting to play Georgia State, then i could see a reason to create this article. BUT when it comes down to it, State is new, not experienced and Georgia Southern ALREADY HAS A FULL SCHEDULE FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR as stated in your article, "Levick acknowledged that Georgia Southern is scheduled out", Why cant you Ben Moore?

by jr2 on Feb 17, 2011 11:21 AM EST up reply actions

Tusculum

I believe that you guys scheduled Tusculum and it was only announced this week. We’ve made it known that we’ll play anyone, anywhere (that’s why we are going to Division 2 West Alabama who will likely be ranked in their division).

Why couldn’t we get a game in 2012? 2013?

Speaking of winning seasons, before 2010, the previous 4 year stretch Georgia Southern was 21-23. Guess you guys need to prove you can put back-to-back winning seasons again before you get all high and mighty.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 18, 2011 9:33 AM EST up reply actions

Do some research

This week, Coastal Carolina postponed a game in Statesboro until 2015, so we had to find an opponent who was willing to play one game in Statesboro with no return game, and who had an open date that lined up with one of ours. Tusculum agreed to fill the hole in our schedule. The fact that Coastal Carolina had to push the game all the way back to 2015 should tell why there is no game coming in the next few years.

Oh, and congratulations on cherry picking the worst four year stretch in Georgia Southern’s history. You do realize that Georgia Southern has not had back-to-back losing seasons in the modern era? In the 29 seasons since Georgia revived it’s program, there have been a total of two losing seasons. There’s a reason Georgia Southern is “high and mighty.”

by Zach Towery on Feb 18, 2011 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

And we didn’t have to play UF, Miami, Florida St., Auburn, Oregon St, Uga, UNC, Colorado St, Navy, either but we did. See, we have played more I-A games than you have wins. (not hard to have done, but still FUNNY!!!!!!) Who you play for big money has nothing to do with being scared of them or not and doesn’t prove anything. Get it through your thick heads…YOU DON"T MATTER, and fear has nothing to do with it.

by KJ Eagle on Feb 17, 2011 9:58 PM EST up reply actions

Yes you did

It’s called balancing the budget. You have to play an FBS team to make money and balance the budget. That’s why we found a dance partner in Houston.

Did you guys play all those teams in one year? Nope. FCS schools have to schedule an FBS team because it benefits both sides. FCS team gets a payout and FBS team (in nearly 85% of the time) get a guarenteed win.

We don’t matter so much that the southeast’s largest newspaper has given us space on their website, a dedicated beat writer and daily recruiting coverage. Yep, we don’t matter. We have more alumni in the Atlanta Metro area then you have total.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 18, 2011 9:36 AM EST up reply actions

Ha!

KJ pretty much summed it up. Where were you 25 years ago when GSU beat Furman for the 1985 National Championship? You ever attended at GSU / ASU game? Have the kittens ever taken over five thousand fans on the road for a playoff game? I can respect you stating an opinion, but don’t try to pass off fallacies as fact and pretend you have knowledge where there is none. When Ghetto University proves it can have a winning season with a quality schedule, then come back and make a case for a game. Until then, your just trying to boost your own gate income by begging for scraps at the door to the house that Erk built. You have my sympathy.

by Heath Chester on Feb 16, 2011 7:07 PM EST reply actions

25 years ago

We’ve gone through 2 Presidents in the last 25 years. Those Presidents didn’t really understand how athletics impact a University.

We have a President who gets that now. An Athletic Director who is creating a tidal wave of support and after 90 years, the 2nd biggest University is now serious about college athletics. The sky is the limit for our program and this game has to happen.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

You have so many questions, I’ll help you answer them.

25 years ago when GSU beat Furman, well, this isn’t relevant at all. Ever attended a GSU/ASU game? No, what’s your point? Have the GSU Panthers ever traveled 5,000 fans to a playoff game? No, we’re not yet eligible for playoffs. See, that was easy.

So let me get this straight. Because we’re going into our 2nd year as a program that means we have no knowledge of college football? That’s pretty naive of you to think that. Do baseball fans who live in Statesboro have no knowledge of MLB baseball? You must think all us Panther fans have never watched a game of college football before 9/2/2010. You couldn’t be more wrong…again.

Ghetto University? Heh heh, that’s the best you have? Wow, we haven’t heard that before. I didn’t realize having a national research university located in the heart of the southeast’s hub makes it a “ghetto” school. Call it what you want, doesn’t affect my life.

Math isn’t your best subject, I get that, however let me help you. 6 wins in an 11 game schedule is a winning season. See, thats 6 wins and 5 losses. 6 is greater than 5. Quality schedule? It was one of the toughest schedules for a 1st year team.

The writing is on the wall people. If you can’t see it, we can’t help you. You’ll see for yourself a few years down the road. Until then…….

…..TELL YOUR AD TO SCHEDULE GSU. Until then, we’ll continue operating under the assumption that Southern is scared to play GSU. Have a nice night now.

by JustaGSUFan on Feb 16, 2011 8:52 PM EST reply actions

Our AD is not the most popular man in Statesboro

So if you disagree with him, you’re actually siding with the majority of Georgia Southern fans.

As for a GSU-GSU football game, the only way it happens is this: one game played in the Dome as a neutral site game, with a 50-50 split of the gate proceeds. There’s no way on Earth State brings as many fans to Statesboro as Southern brings to Atlanta. Georgia Southern really doesn’t have anything to gain from playing Georgia State, but I guess we could throw you guys a bone.

by Zach Towery on Feb 16, 2011 9:29 PM EST up reply actions

50-50 Proceeds

So will you guys split the proceeds from the game in Statesboro? No way. It’s called a home and home.

You make yours, we will make ours. Again, make it a Premium Game. Charge more.

Don’t throw us a bone. Play the only other FCS team in the state of Georgia.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

We did play another FCS team in GA last year in Savannah State. You played them too.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 10:54 AM EST up reply actions

Savannah State

I’m sorry should have inserted the word relevant there.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions

Well in that case there is only one relevant FCS team in Georgia, and they don’t play in Atlanta…

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

Forgot

Ahh, so where is the coverage in the Southeast’s Largest newspaper? What about that ESPN the Magazine preview?

When was the last time you played on ESPN?

Those Championships are great when the pool was so much smaller. Now you can’t beat CAA teams and it just keeps getting better and better.

The more you run, the easier it is to prove my case.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

We played on ESPN this year. And last I checked, William & Mary was a CAA team.

And as far as running, I’ll just say this. Monken did what he did this year with a transfer quarterback and Hatcher’s leftovers. Have you seen our recruits we signed? You should check them out. Because in 2 or 3 years when we can clear a cupcake spot off of our schedule, you will know what tradition feels like.

And as far as new and coverage, we really could care less. You were on a newspaper? Thats great. We were in the playoffs. I’ll take that trade anyday.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

Daily Coverage

We get daily coverage in the Southeast’s largest medium. They register more than 1 million page view per day. We have more untapped resources and yes, I have seen your recruits.

Have you seen the interest in our program? We’ve had more than 35 FBS players inquire about transferring because we play in an NFL city and are not a regional university.

We hope to see you in the Playoffs then you can’t run anymore.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 18, 2011 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

We aren’t running, we already have games scheduled. When you are a respected program, that’s something that happens. Maybe one day you will plan your schedule out farther than “who doesn’t have a game this week.”

by Bhendri5 on Feb 18, 2011 8:56 PM EST up reply actions

We already do one thing you want...

We schedule GSU every week, of every year, of every football season. That’s why we sell out our stadium.

Just do us all a favor and start shortening your name to GaSU. It makes it a whole lot easier to tell when you are talking about sell out crowds at Paulson or lazy afternoons in Atlanta playing in someone else’s stadium.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 10:43 AM EST up reply actions

Somoeone else's stadium

The stadium actually belongs to the GWCC. The Falcons rent it for 10 dates per year too. Does anyone think it’s not the Falcons stadium. Weak argument.

USF plays in Raymond James Stadium. It’s where they play. Pitt plays in Hines Field. That’s their stadium. San Diego State plays in Qualcomm.

Get it? We are both tenants of that building. It’s our stadium. Don’t believe me? Just walk in the Georgia State locker room.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

Did I say the Falcons owned it? I don’t believe that was part of my argument.

The GSU Eagles play in Allen E. Paulson Stadium, on Glenn Bryant Field, in a facility that they alone use and that is there for the sole purpose of housing them. We don’t have a dome, but technically you don’t either.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

Someone else's stadium

That was your comment. My point was those other teams play in someone else’s stadium too but there isn’t a question where they play.

You guys have to pay to upgrade your facility. We get to enjoy state of the art changes paid by someone else.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah but on Saturdays when we whip the dog piss out of teams, it feels good to do it somewhere we own. You guys will get to give us that feeling one day. And let me tell you one thing, the ride back to Atlanta after getting the royal ass whippin’ we will throw on you feels so much longer than the ride down.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

Make it Happen

Then write your President, AD and Head Coach and tell them you want a game. If it’s that easy and you guys know you’ll win then what’s the issue?

We are FCS, you guys are FCS. We won’t be staying long so you might want to get a game. Each year the experience gap shrinks. Next year, we’ll have the majority of our roster as RS Juniors, Juniors and Sophmores. 2012 we will have the majority of our players with 25+ games under their belt playing in the best FCS conference in the country.

Again, if it will be a whipping then bring it. We’ve encouraged our AD to schedule a game and she’s game. Is yours? The answer is a resounding NO.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

Because we shouldnt have to clear bigger draws and opponents off of our schedule to make room for a 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th year team. Bama this year, UGA the next. And then we play in the most difficult conference in FCS. Get your AD to get you guys in the SoCon, lets get some rivalry going, and make it a game that actually means something.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

Why should the Eagles clear their schedule for a team that is not even relevant yet?

by jr2 on Feb 17, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

STATE OF THE ART CHANGES?????

what state of the art changes are you talkin bout? last time i checked, the stadium hasnt been renovated for years except for the turf a few years back. and theres gotta be a reason arthur blank is wanting to build a new georgia dome. its cuz its OLD!! We know what the dome looks like, we have made quite a few trips there to watch our local high school play for state.

by Joe Williams on Feb 17, 2011 11:22 AM EST up reply actions

Your Stadium???

What brand of glue have you been huffing lately?? Just because you play in it, does not make it yours. By that same token, my team from high school owns that stadium as well. They played in it every year I was there. If you want to say that the GWCC owns it and you rent it, that’s fine, but it no way can you claim it as yours.

by SouthernDoc on Feb 18, 2011 12:30 AM EST up reply actions

Owns

Never said we own it. Check out the visiting locker room. It’s Ours. We get to practice, play and entertain recruits in a state-of-the-art suite.

There’s no doubt, it’s our building on Saturdays during football season. Don’t believe me?

www.gadome.com

All I see is the Falcons logo and then ours. You tell me.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 18, 2011 9:44 AM EST up reply actions

We get to entertain recruits on the campus where they will one day be attending, not in the house that Lowe’s built…

by Bhendri5 on Feb 18, 2011 8:57 PM EST up reply actions

Upgrades

I know you guys don’t have a propensity for facts but in 2006, 2007 and 2008 Arthur Blank made more than $30 million dollars in upgrades to the building. Our rent stays the same. Get it?

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 18, 2011 9:42 AM EST up reply actions

Allow me to retort.

25 years ago is relevant when the author of the article claims there are no hatred among SoCon schools; it’s ignorant statement and unbecoming of a journalist. I never claimed you didn’t watch, or were not knowledgeable of college football. My point is that the author however has no clue about the SoCon, yet he publishes articles making claims that are unfounded.

National research university? Nice, we got one of those as well. My point was not to affect your life, you took it that way. Bottom line is that the school resides in one of the highest crime areas in the country.

As for math, I’m definitely no Einstein, but if you think that winning season puts you among the elite in FCS, or even gives you the credibility to call someone out for being scared to schedule you, your delirious. It’s really amazing that you are so freaking proud of a winning schedule that includes how many D-1 wins, yet you assume someone else is scared to schedule you? Lambuth, really?

Last hint for you. If you want to be taken seriously, don’t discount six national titles and then boast about what your going to do “a few years down the road”.

Lastly, you won’t find me backing Sam Baker on many issues at all. If he gave the kittens credibility by allowing them the chance of stepping on the same field with the GSU EAGLES, yeah I’d be pissed. Champions can’t afford to entertain ever challenge from posers, regardless of how loud they beg.

by Heath Chester on Feb 17, 2011 12:21 AM EST reply actions

What cracks me up about Georgia State fans

is that they’ve convinced themselves that Bill Curry is a good coach. He’s a great speaker and a nice guy, but ask Georgia Tech and Kentucky fans what they think about the job he did at those schools.

by CraigT on Feb 17, 2011 10:09 AM EST reply actions

Coach Curry

Take a look at Kentucky’s history for a moment. How has had long term success there? Not many.

Take a look at CBC’s record at Alabama. That’d be 26-10. He has a winning record at Georgia State after being told that we would not likely win a single game playing with a roster full of freshman and sophmores.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 17, 2011 10:57 AM EST up reply actions

YOU ARE A JOKE!!

First of all, if we even decided to waste our time with playing a worthless program like Georgia State, we would wipe the floor with you guys. NO WAY y’all can stop the triple option when programs that have been around for decades have a hard time doing it.
And to say there isn’t any hatred in the SoCon is the craziest thing I have ever heard. Obviously you have never been to a GSU-Furman game, or a GSU-App St game, or GSU-WOFFORD game, or any game containg 2 of the other teams.We don’t make t-shirts saying Phuck Phurman cuz we like em.
Oh and about your top rated business school, you might want to recheck the rankings because I’m pretty sure we are ahead of your program. Sorry, it appears there is another thing we are better than you at, along with any other sport you wanna bring up.
And if this “rivalry” that all Georgians want is scheduled, when we play at the Dome, it will not be any more packed than GHSA state championship games. And more than half of the people there will be EAGLES, not panthers. GAURANTEE that!! So before you go boasting on your winning record, (6-5 whoopdeedoo!!), check your facts and you sanity because your crazy if you think y’all can beat a 6-time champion.
ONE MORE TIME!!

by Joe Williams on Feb 17, 2011 11:16 AM EST reply actions

So here is the rundown

This is how it will go until we finally play, and destroy, GaState. First, you guys will say we are scared which is just downright silly. We have nothing to gain from playing you guys, and if anything the spot to lose out scheduling a conference opponent, or someone who can bring more money to the table. Second, we will say that your “Home and Home” idea is just nuts. Why would we, the most prestigous program in the history of FCS, go play you guys up there? It would cost us more in gas than we would probably make from gate sales. Tell you what, schedule some decent programs this year, and come back and talk to me in exactly one year. Because your “winning record” will look a whole lot more appealing if the schedule resembles ours and not that of our local high school.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 11:21 AM EST reply actions

So what happens...

When we go FBS and you guys are FCS? Then we get the phone calls begging for a game. My point is let’s play now and get the relationship built and a series going.

The experience gap shrinks every year. We aren’t new in 2012 when 3/4 of our roster have played 20+ games. The talent gap doesn’t exist after this season. 3 full offseason training in state of the art facilities.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 18, 2011 9:46 AM EST up reply actions

Ben Moore, just look what you have done...

All I can say is that if you get your wish, and I pray with every fiber of my being that you do, please don’t let anyone in Atlanta complain. If you do get a home and home situation, and you come here for the wonderful display of football that we will be putting on that day, you will have a whole year after that to think about how much it sucked leaving Paulson Stadium that day. And just about the time you’re able to hear the word “option” again with passing out and soiling yourself, here we come again. This time it’s in Atlanta, but it doesn’t seem like it. There are more Southern fans there than State fans. The chant of “GEORGIA, SOUTHERN” is so loud that you suddenly wish you had your own outdoor stadium. And then we traumatize your program for the rest of its life. Look what we did to Bobby Lamb. We made him fear the name Georgia Southern, and if y’all aren’t careful, Bill Curry might go the same way.

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 11:30 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

I have said it once, and i will say it again...

Congrats on a good first season Georgia State, but the fact of it is that Georgia State is still a new program. Georgia Southern really has nothing to prove when it comes to playing Georgia State, so in turn there is no reason to play Georgia State currently. Now if Georgia State has 3-5 winning seasons and Georgia Southern still is not wanting to play Georgia State, then i could see a reason to create this article. BUT when it comes down to it, State is new, not experienced and Georgia Southern ALREADY HAS A FULL SCHEDULE FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR as stated in your article, “Levick acknowledged that Georgia Southern is scheduled out”, Why cant you Ben Moore?

by jr2 on Feb 17, 2011 11:51 AM EST reply actions

We don't want a game?

What do you mean we don’t want a game?

You mean we aren’t going to cancel a game we already scheduled in a legally binding contract to make room for Ga. St.? I would hope not. Just because your athletic director thinks “it would be great for the state of Georgia” and would take some rearranging doesn’t mean anything to us. I think it would be great for the State of Georgia if Georgia Southern would jump up to FBS. Back to reality. Why should we cancel on contractual obligations just to accommodate Georgia State?

Also. You brought up some almost stuff. You almost beat ranked Jacksonville St.? Aww. Cute. Oh.. what’s that? You ALMOST beat Lambuth too? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! LAMBUTH!?!? A NAIA powerhouse. We almost beat #1 App. St. Oh.. what’s that? We did beat them? No kidding. Well, I’ll be darned. Oh, we also beat #4 William and Mary, #10 Elon, and #11 SC State? Holy dander catman! And banners!?!? You want to talk about BANNERS?! OK!! LETS TALK ABOUT BANNERS!!! This is one of our favorite subjects. We have some banners at our stadium. Six of them. We actually had to get a seperate flag pole to fit them all because we couldn’t have 8 flags on one pole- it just looked tacky. Now, our banners aren’t like Furman’s that say “almost”. They actually say NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. We have our own National Champions banners. You guys have… Atlanta Falcons NFC Champions Banners?? Umm… ok…

Now, on to your “reasoning”. Yea… “reasoning” if that is what you want to refer to it as.

1. Recruiting. 195 high school seniors signed letters of intent to play football at FBS schools. 195. That’s more than enough to resupply UGA, GT, GSU, and Ga. St. if you consider that 85 scholarships (max) with graduation rates. You somehow have this impression that Ga. St. is all of the sudden out recruiting Georgia Southern just because you scooped up some guys from south Ga. Dude, we recruit from everywhere. Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, where ever we feel like there is someone to pick up. Did you guys pick up SIX 3 star recruits? We did. Oh I saw where you guys got ONE 2 star recruit. That’s nice. Congrats. We got several. So keep on picking up those guys from south Ga. Maybe you can finally beat NAIA Lambuth with them sometime.

2. Budget concerns. Let me get this straight. You want a home and home with us. I can understand why YOU guys would like that. We would bring a ton of people to the Dome and you guys would make out pretty well $$ wise. Bringing Ga. St. down here wouldn’t do anything that App. St., Furman, the home opener, family weekend, or Homecoming wouldn’t do. We are averaging 125% capacity right now.

Also, the Naval Academy doesn’t offer athletic scholarships obviously. Why? Because EVERYONE that goes to the Naval Academy is on a FULL scholarship and a living stipend. It would be a waste of tax payer dollars to give them an additional scholarship.

And Alabama… wtf. May score more than they did in ‘10 against Ga. St.? Well ok Sherlock. They also may score less. They may also score the same. They may also not even score. They may also score on every other drive. They may also score 28 points. They may also score 27 points. They may play the game in sunny weather. They may play the game in overcast weather. They may even play the game in snow. It’s Feb. and you want to talk about may. Slow your role dude.

Btw, on your comment about forgetting to file the paperwork with the NCAA about a playoff game. If you were to actually have read the article my good friend Charles wrote (which as a journalist I wouldn’t say that would be unreasonable to expect that you would actually research wtf you’re talking about), you would know that nobody forgot. The gentleman who was managing that for us has a thing called a wife. She was pregnant. She went into labor 3 months early. That, sir, is called a medical emergency. I don’t think he was thinking about filing paper at the office when he wife and newborn child were fighting for life. That just doesn’t seem to be one of those things people think about at moments like that. We our fans happy about it? Absolutely not. Do we have hearts and realize that it was an honest mistake? Well, yes. Did our Eagles still win? Yes.

3. Reputation. Seriously? You have a bachelors degree in journalism with a minor in history. Surely you are joking. You think WE, the most storied and successful FCS program ever, are scared to play you? Are you daft?

A few other comments:

- Cow pastures? Awesome journalism right there. Huge props. Next time I write a story about Ga. St. I’ll be sure to include homeless people and the robberies. Oh murders too. Almost forgot about those.

- We don’t hate any of our in conference rivals? I mean, I may be a few beers in at the App. St. or Furman game but I’m pretty sure we loathe them pretty intensely. A few years back App. St. even tore down the goal posts and smashed our team’s bus windows out with them. Fights have broken out after games. But I guess you do those sort of things with your homies, after all you are in the middle of urban ATL. What does a country bumpkin like me know?

- Also, you posed the question: “Would you rather grow a plant or would you rather graduate from one of the most respected business schools in the southeast?” What exactly are you talking about? Growing plants? I mean, I keep a garden with roma tomatoes, oregeno, basil, eggplant, peppers, sage, and rosemary. I could also change my major to business and graduate from one of the top ranked business schools in the nation (which is at Georgia Southern, btw).

With all of that said, do some research next time you write an article. I’ve read your other stuff and it’s pretty good. What happened here? This is a mess. You are hurting your credibility when you attach your name to things like this. Just saying.

by Jeff Haas on Feb 17, 2011 12:01 PM EST reply actions

Haas is online…he has stirred the hornets now…

by Bhendri5 on Feb 17, 2011 12:06 PM EST up reply actions

Mr. Haas, You tha man.

by jr2 on Feb 17, 2011 12:08 PM EST up reply actions

The REAL GSU

Oh, honey. That’s too cute. You should know that Georgia SOUTHERN University is the real GSU. Good luck with your little football program. I’m sure we’ll be seeing you soon enough.

by EagleinS on Feb 17, 2011 12:14 PM EST reply actions

History Lesson

BOR approves Georgia State University in 1969.

BOR approves Georgia Southern University in 1990.

We are GSU. Simple.

Georgia State - Join the Movement.

by Ben Moore on Feb 18, 2011 9:49 AM EST up reply actions

Great, you now have 3 letters and three Division 1 wins.

Congrats.

by Zach Towery on Feb 18, 2011 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

You should be a comedy writer

Absolutely hilarious, bravo! Georgia State’s football program has been around approximately 15 minutes and they are already talking shit? We’ve won as many championships as Georgia State’s won games. Bill Curry is higher profile than Erk Russell? Erk Russell is a legend in the state of Georgia while Bill Curry has an all-time losing record. Bill Curry wouldn’t make it onto Erk Russell’s coaching staff. Erk Russell never lost to Lambuth. The only reason you want to play us is because you’re struggling to sell tickets and you want our fans to buy tickets. As much as I’d love to stomp the Panthers back to the Stone Age, we’re not doing you any favors, you have to come to Paulson first. I’d rather schedule SC State or Savannah State because at least they will bring some fans, I’m not even sure Georgia State has fans, and even if they did none of them would make the trip to Statesboro. Too busy trying on girls jeans, drinking zimas, and slitting each others wrists to care about football. You want to build rivalries but we already have rivalries with REAL teams like App State, Furman, and Wofford. We’re not scared of them, they aren’t even on our radar yet, Valdosta State has more cred than you do at this point. I’m not even going to mention the fact our basketball team (which might be the worst team in the country) beat Georgia State this year.

by eaglenick on Feb 17, 2011 12:22 PM EST reply actions

GSU vs GSU

Personally as an Eagle I would love to play the Panthers. Why? The dome is 30 minutes from my house. Ga. Southern will bring more fans than State, and the Eagles will win the game. Why you ask, better players, better coaching. What’s in this game for Southern, not much from a football point of view. But remember we opened with Sav. State last season, so playing a weak sister in week one will help our guys work out the kinks.

Now from a PR standpoint it’s a win-win; both schools will get publicity from the Atlanta media, this could evolve into a IAA GA-Fla game, both schools could make this a recruiting win by having so many recruits at the game. Remember we’re competing against SoCon & whatever conference you’re in for these players. I vote for a home & home deal, first game of the season. It’s much cooler in the dome in September than Statesboro anyway.

I will interested to see how the Panthers handle a IAA scheule instead of the NAIA crap you played last season, with the exception of UA.

Just remember when you lace up aginst the Eagles leave your panties at home, borrow a jock strap you’ll need it.

Eagle-ATL

by Eagle-Atl on Feb 17, 2011 12:44 PM EST reply actions

GSU vs. GSU

As a (real) GSU fan, I appreciate your impartial argument for a match. I too agree it will benefit both Universities immensely. But your sarcastic “whatever conference you’re in” was a bit much. As we BOTH know, we will be joining the CAA for the 2012 Football season; which has won 4 out of the last 10 national championships. This certainly does not take away from the SoCon, which has one 3 out of the last 10 (all by App State); but does bring into question GaSouthern’s absence from national championship game. It goes without saying Ga Southern was once dominant at the FCS level; but one can only live off the past legacy for so long.

As to your comment regarding “the NAIA crap” schedule, we did play two NAIA schools: Lambuth and Shorter. And unfortunately we lost to Lambuth on a terrible performance. No Excuses. But playing two NAIA schools does not classify our schedule as “NAIA crap” as the rest of our schedule were against 8 FCS schools and 1 FBS schools.

And finally, regarding your “…borrow a jock strap” comment. That might be what’s required in Statesboro, but if you haven’t heard GSU finished in the black this year. We’ll buy one.

focused

by GStateGuy on Feb 17, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

You finished in the black...

Thanks to you playing Shorter. I am pretty sure my highschool team could beat them, and I know that for a fact because half of the crappy players on our highschool team went on to play there and they start. Take Shorter out of you schedule, and you’re looking at a 5-6 season. Also, what is your excuse for 6-5? If you break it down, You won barely (and I mean barely) more games than you lost. You basically lost half the time you put your pretty baby blue uni’s on.

by GA SOUTHERN Alumni on Feb 17, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

Yes we finished in the black....

I think you are a bit off base. We finished in the black due to our prudent financial management and playing the University of Alabama. The former being more important since this years budget included start-up cost. Which is impressive since most FCS football programs lose money every year (even with a money game).

As to our record being 5-6 if we take Shorter out of our schedule, I disagree. If you’re stating simply removing them from our schedule without a hypothetical replacement, our record would stand at 5-5 (6-5 record minus 1 win = 5-5). If your are stating replacing them with a “tougher” opponent, neither you nor I could argue a win or loss as the speculation of that opponent and characteristics said game would be endless.

Regarding our 6-5 record, there is no excuse. We loss 5 games. I never argued for our record; only against the remark that we played “NAIA crap” schedule.

Food for thought…I don’t think an argument against or regular season record should be presented when GaSouthern only one more regular season game. It’s not a good basis for a comparison.

by GStateGuy on Feb 17, 2011 3:53 PM EST up reply actions

You finished in the black...

I assumed you meant schedule. Congrats on your financial success.

However, if you switched Shorter with a real team, you would have been 5-6. Sorry for the confusion.

by GA SOUTHERN Alumni on Feb 17, 2011 4:26 PM EST up reply actions

You finished in the black... (continued)

To clarify, you have not said anything I totally disagree with. My sister graduated from State, so I am glad to see your financial success, and I am glad to hear you will be joining CAA. However, I am upset that you all think we would be scared to play you, or that your program is currently better program.

At the end of the day, there’s a lot of BS in the above blog (read my below post, I’ve outlined a few). This article appears to have spread to some Georgia Southern fans, and I think it’s creating some unneeded animosity.

by GA SOUTHERN Alumni on Feb 17, 2011 4:37 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks..financial success aside.

Ben is doing what we he should be…stirring the pot. Conversation on a subject at times start with a “bang” (Ben’s article) instead of a handshake (which our Athletic Department has been trying to do). But I hope we can agree this game is GOOD for both teams. Imagine the benefit…rallying the Georgia Southern base in Atlanta, increasing the exposure of both teams by being broadcast on TV, even giving a trophy at the end of the game. Starting a tradition at Georgia State is important, even it means being drubbed by Georgia Southern the first few years.

We both can’t ignore the elephant in the room. We are competing universities, we should be competing on the field as well.

by GStateGuy on Feb 17, 2011 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

I agree. Look forward to seeing you all when we play in the future. There will be a lot of houses divided. I know mine will.

by GA SOUTHERN Alumni on Feb 17, 2011 7:00 PM EST up reply actions

its not the elephant in the room we are ignoring...

it’s what it dropped on the floor in the shape of a panther.

by KJ Eagle on Feb 17, 2011 10:00 PM EST up reply actions

Mr. Ben, I found a few flaws in your article...

1) Brooks Keel is a man, so apparently you and Ken Sugiura have done your homework on the situation.
2) You misspelled guaranteed. Maybe you should have come to Georgia Southern to get an education.
3) “They’d be guarenteed a sellout and would play in as charged an atmosphere in the Georgia Dome as they’ve ever seen.” I suggest you come to an App State vs. GSU game sometime before you try to tell us about “the charge” your 6-5 team produces.
4) You rag on us about “almost” winning another national title. How about Georgia State should start playing some “almost” good teams? We made it as far as we did with an entirely new coaching staff, an entirely new offense, and an entirely new quarterback. So you can’t play the new kid on the block card with us.
5) The only reason you played (I say that loosely) Alabama is because Coach Curry was a former Alabama coach. Not because your threatening.
6) Oh god not Kenessaw State in 2013… They may put up a 6-5 record too. That is really going to hurt our program.
7) Fake GSU? I don’t get it. We’ve been around longer, won more national championships in all sports, ranked the #4 most popular university in the U.S., we pregame harder, and have WAY hotter babes. PERIOD

by GA SOUTHERN Alumni on Feb 17, 2011 2:05 PM EST reply actions

Ten reasons you are full of crap...

1. Amazing to see someone has a sorry enough life to blog about Panther football.
2. The State v Alabama game was nothing more than a PR stunt thanks to Bill Curry’s former involvement with UA.
3. UGA pays GSU (the real one) less because of LESS TRAVEL EXPENSES. I’ve looked into it.
4. Look at the D-1A teams on the Eagles future schedules. I had a hard time finding ANY info on some of the teams State is slated to play this season. Not to mention one (UTSA) will in their first season of football. Winners…
5. HALF of State’s opponents this coming season had a losing record last year.
6. Look what Monken did with a bunch of leftover players and a “NEW” offense. Be scared.
7. Did you really just talk-up 9 recruits, 4 of whom are dumber than bricks or went elsewhere? You stay classy San Diego…
8. Everything in Atlanta is better than everything else below the gnat line. Especially the probability of being stuck in traffic for more than 3 hours, or getting S H I V V E D on the way to class…
9. Georgia Southern history and traditions far outweigh the history and traditions of State, which only include losing to NC Central, if memory serves me. Keep that one up, people will eventually RESPECT you for it.
10. Oh yeah, respect… Until your little baby nuts have been on the block for more than 15 minutes, shut your mouth and know your role. Just because our schools have the same acronym (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/acronym for reference purposes) doesn’t mean you are remotely in the same class as us. Enjoy being a punching bag for the next 10 years. The donors will love that…

by gsu2583 on Feb 17, 2011 2:42 PM EST reply actions

Ten reasons you are full of crap...

Haha, I guess you beat me by 3 reasons… I’ve been passing this around to other Georgia Southern people and they are definitely getting a kick out of it. Like they say: “Imitation Is The Best Form Of Flattery”

To sum it up:
Hail Southern
One More Time

by GA SOUTHERN Alumni on Feb 17, 2011 3:08 PM EST up reply actions

I’m so glad I found this. This clown is getting my weekend started off right… HAIL SOUTHERN!

by Chad Hester on Feb 17, 2011 11:40 PM EST up reply actions

Words can’t describe how much I agree with this post! I laughed until I was drying up tears after reading this article… I would like to see if this scary Panther football team can win a National Championship 4 years into their existence like we did- that will prove if they are anything to be remotely afraid of in the future. Classic example of a downtown Atlanta education I guess. HAIL SOUTHERN!

by Chad Hester on Feb 17, 2011 11:44 PM EST up reply actions

A letter to Mr. Moore

Mr. Moore,

You said that our grip on the state is "slipping" and that we are becoming "irrelevant." Are you kidding? While the last few years haven’t been easy by any means for Eagle Nation (three HC changes and two losing seasons), if State posted those kinds of records, no one would think anything of it, saying "it’s a growing program." And…wait for it…it is. State has a long way to go to even be mentioned in the same breath as Southern. Not saying that it isn’t possible, just that this is a team with ONE year under its belt. (FYI Southern had a winning season its first year of sanctioned NCAA I-AA play as well).

So in conclusion, it’s not that Southern is "scared" to play State, or because of any other reasons you may be trying to claim. We simply don’t have the time to waist dealing with stuff like that. We’re too busy trying to win a 7th national title.

As far as increasing either teams so called stock, the game would benefit State more than Southern as State is a growing program.

Now, this could all change in the future, but why don’t you wait a few years before writing another post like this. If State wins a title in 2012 (their 3rd season) then we can talk.

GATA

by Matt Mauney on Feb 17, 2011 3:33 PM EST reply actions

A Simple Solution Mr.Moore

Mr.Moore…All Georgia State has to do is make the FCS playoffs the same year Georgia Southern makes the FCS playoffs and there is a good chance that your dream will come true….and the 2 teams will play football..until then, good luck with your existing schedule…Unless you have followed Georgia Southern Football since the early 80’s and witnessed all the great games we have played in, and understand the rich traditions and passionate fan/student following that we have, then you cannot begin to understand why we do not get excited about whether we do or do not play Georgia State…Thanks for the interesting blog that has resulted in a good exchange of ideas and good luck to your program…Eaglesfan 1976

by Eaglesfan 1976 on Feb 17, 2011 5:33 PM EST up reply actions

I’m glad you were able to hold back the laughter because I definitely couldn’t… HAIL SOUTHERN!

by Chad Hester on Feb 17, 2011 11:38 PM EST up reply actions

I’m glad you could hold back your laughter because I definitely couldn’t… HAIL SOUTHERN!

by Chad Hester on Feb 17, 2011 11:39 PM EST up reply actions

This is one of the funniest things I've ever seen!!!!

I know that I attend the real GSU, so I’m a tad bit biased, but this is hilarious! For you to get this enthused and make up this much bull about how a team with 6 National Champions is afraid of a school who has a bunch of rejects on their team who apparently you “stole” from under our noses. We don’t have room on our schedule because we’re a legitimate football team who schedules in advance and also schedules teams who are going to make our team better not the scrubs who walk onto the Panthers football team. I’m glad you have school spirit but you sound like you’ve gotten a typical downtown Atlanta education…

by Chad Hester on Feb 17, 2011 11:36 PM EST reply actions

Network Bar

Georgia Southern Football Scared To Schedule Georgia State

Do you like this post?

Comments

Comments For This Post Are Closed

SB Nation on YouTube

Recently on SB Nation Atlanta

Pro quality. Fan perspective. Your town.