Georgia State football returns home looking for the same thing it has been searching for nearly a month: consistency. The Panthers celebrate homecoming against South Alabama at the Georgia Dome at 3pm ET.
Coach Curry saw positives in the Panthers last outing, a 23-13 loss to South Carolina State:
"Last week, we began to run the ball better than we had up to this point and we stopped the run better than we had against a pretty good football team. We need to continue the improvement there. Our special teams improved and we improved in the area of penalties, not having ridiculous penalties, although we still had more than we would like.
We've got miles to go in the two areas of the football game that are of critical importance. Those are starting fast and playing well in the fourth quarter. That's something we emphasize. We're still working and pushing to make that happen. We have to make that happen. There is no excuse for that."
South Alabama is a third year program that is spending 2011 as a FBS transitional member and will join the Sun Belt in 2012. They have amassed an undefeated 21-0 record versus FCS and lower level competition. The Jaguars' lone losses? FBS opponents NC State and Kent State. They will start Alabama transfer free safety BJ Scott for a stingy defense and Georgia transfer running back Demetre Baker on a balanced offensive attack.
Georgia State will be starting a new starter at quarterback for the third time this season as redshirt sophomore Kelton Hill gets the nod. Hill's 94 rushing yards led the Panthers attack en route to 244 yards on the ground vs. SC State. Panther fans are clamoring for a similar effort against a front seven that is almost identical to the one faced in Orangeburg, SC last Saturday. The Panthers are still seeking their first point in the fourth quarter since their season opening win vs. Clark Atlanta.
Will the Panthers remain patient in the face of a future FBS opponent with more defensive depth? How will QB Kelton Hill react in his first career start? Here's to a Homecoming miracle.