Georgia State faces rematch with ranked Vanderbilt
It’s not often that a Group of 5 team has the upper hand over an SEC team, but that will be the case this Saturday as the Georgia State Panthers go on the prowl to Nashville where they’ll meet the undefeated Vanderbilt Commodores.
Last season when these two teams faced off in Atlanta, the Panthers came away with a 36-32 upset of the then 2-0 Commodores, but will lightening strike twice for Georgia State?
Georgia State
The Panthers are heading into Nashville after notching their first win of the year last Saturday on the the heels of monster perfomances by senior wide reciever Ted Hurst and junior linebacker Josiah Robinson.
The Georgia State offense combined for 454 yards against Murray State, with 288 yards coming through the air. Wide reciever Ted Hurst’s 10 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns was a major factor in the Panther’s passing attack, propelling Hurst into the top-20 for receiving yards in all of FBS.
For quarterback TJ Finley, it’s still uncertain how he fits into this Georgia State offense and if he’ll be at the helm for the remainder of the season. Despite the win against the Racers, Finley struggled to find a groove as he threw two interceptions to just one touchdown. This may be pinned on a lingering shoulder injury he sustained during his debut against Memphis.
The Georgia State defense will have a tall task ahead of them this weekend, even coming off of their best defensive performance so far this season.
Linebacker Josiah Robinson will lead the defense after a nine-tackle (four solo) and one-tackle for loss performance last weekend against Murray State.
Georgia State head coach, Dell McGee, emphasized the importance of teamwork.
“We’re just trying to win the game,” McGee said in his postgame press conference. “I’m not really concerned about who gets the credit, who plays well. Win [or] lose, we do it as a team.”
McGee also added that he is sticking with playing both quarterbacks, saying each one has something different to offer the Georgia State offense.
Vanderbilt:
After a breaking a 16-game losing streak against South Carolina with a 31-7 win, the Commodores will put their 3-0 record on the line against the same team that handed them their first loss in 2024.
The Vanderbilt rushing attack was on full display against the Gamecocks, rushing for 150 yards as a unit and accounting for two touchdowns. Junior running back Sedrick Alexander shouldered the majority of the load with 13 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Senior quarterback Diego Pavia, who is in his sixth season of college football, had a great day against South Carolina through the air. Pavia went 18-for-25 with 177 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The Commodore’s passing attack ranks 66th in the nation which is three spots behind Georgia State.
The Commodore defense will look to continue its dominating season, tied for 20th in rushing defense and 27th in passing yards allowed.
Linebacker Nick Rinaldi is the headliner this week. The senior recorded seven tackle (four solo), one sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss against the Gamecocks.
Fourth-year head coach Clark Lea had very positive things to say about the way his defense performed against the Gamecocks.
“I was proud of the way we attacked the ball,” Lea stated in his postgame press conference. “Just that work we spent on attacking the ball showed up and we got pressure on the quarterback at times, we were disruptive.”
Lea also expressed confidence in quarterback David Pavia and his ability to win games for the Commodores.
Georgia State at Vanderbilt
Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 20th at 7:30p.m. ET
TV: ESPNU
Radio: WRAS-FM 88.5 (Local)
Click here for information on tickets. Georgia State fans can also contact the ticket office at (404)-413-4020 or email the ticket office at tickets@gsu.edu
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