ODU
CCU
GAST
APP
ULM
ARST
MRSH
GASO
LT
TROY
USA
UL
JMU
USM
CONN
TOL
BUCK
AMCC
FSU
GT
JXST
CLT
App State enters Saturday’s matchup having never lost to the Panthers of Georgia State. Within the 12 games played all time, App State’s average margin of victory is a staggering 23.67 points per game. Only two of those games have featured one-score differences.
Panthers Season So Far
The early part of the season looked about as strong as it could for a Panthers team that had only won four games total over the last two seasons. Two early wins over NC A&T and Kennesaw State had Georgia State undefeated heading into the matchup with the Big 12’s UCF down in Orlando. The Panthers held a 24-20 halftime edge but only two Samer Layous field goals in the second half saw the Knights outpace the Panthers on the scoreboard, scoring 24 points of their own, enroute to a 44-30 UCF win. But the Panthers would right the ship, scoring wins in their next two games over NIU and ODU. A massive conference showdown with JMU followed. They would be outpaced by the Dukes and lose 49-22. The first stinging loss of the season. Up next was a game with Arkansas State. The Red Wolves would knock star quarterback Cameran Brown out of the game early. Enter Ayden Pereira. The senior from New Hampshire had yet to lead a team within FBS football. He previously spent time at both Maine and Merrimack. He would go 12-of-19 for 163 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions on the day, while also adding 31 yards on the ground. It wouldn’t be enough though, as the Panthers would fall 38-32. Pereira would start against Coastal Carolina the following week. This time around he took better care of the ball and did not throw an interception on the day. The team would struggle to move the ball though, and this led to another loss, 31-20.
Cameran Brown has officially been ruled out for Saturday’s game. Pereira will once again lead the Panthers on the field, unless they surprise everyone and give one of their two freshman the ball. Not likely, as the two have thrown a total of just five passes combined for the season. The Panthers average scoring dropped from 36.5 points per game to just 26 as the team dealt with the loss of Brown at quarterback. Georgia State will likely lean on Qwantavius Wiggins (65 carries for 446 yards and 3 touchdowns) and Lanear McCrary Jr. (84 carries for 403 yards and 4 touchdowns) to keep App’s defense honest and help open up the passing game for Pereira and Rodshaun Dorsey (28 receptions for 459 yards and eight touchdowns).
App State’s Struggles
App State hasn’t been without their own issues, especially offensively. The Mountaineers have split time between Malachi Singleton and Henry Hasselbeck this season. Although both have provided bright spots and been solid performers, the running game has yet to really establish itself. Jaquari Lewis is the team’s leading rusher but has failed to top 100 yards on at any point of the season. He’s totaled eight touchdowns on the year but four of them came in the game against Coastal Carolina. In fact, the only player to eclipse 100 yards rushing on the season is backup quarterback Henry Hasselbeck (125 yards vs CCU). Lewis averages less than 54 yards per game at this point of the season. App will need to find some success in the run game, as the Panthers average almost three sacks per game. Linebackers Jaydon Hood and Xavier Esqillion will be in the backfield quickly if the Mountaineers can’t establish solid blocking up front. As far as the run game goes, head coach Dowell Loggains had this to say, ‘I’m not dissatisfied with the way any individuals are playing, I don’t think we’re playing good enough as a group.’
What does make the Mountaineers tick is a passing game that’s evolved since last season. The wide receiver room has been a pleasant surprise with the addition of Sam Pickett III, Nate Branch, and Chris Lofton. They’ve combined for just six touchdowns but have a total of 1,234 yards (yes, I threw that stat in there because it’s 1..2..3..4). Tight end Darrin Fugitt has also been a weapon in the passing attack but is unlikely to play Saturday according to the injury report. Even with the loss of Fugitt, that passing attack should be a way for the Mountaineers to find success. In Tuesday’s media availability, Panthers head coach Dell McGee said, ‘They are very pass heavy and that’s been kind of our Achilles heel, so we know we are going to be challenged in that area.’
Georgia State Panthers at App State Mountaineers
Kidd Brewer Stadium – Boone, North Carolina
Kickoff: Saturday, November 7, at 2:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. CT)
TV: ESPN+
Radio: 97.3 FM Flagship (App State) / 88.5 WRAS-FM (Georgia State)
Game Information: Georgia State at App State
Tickets: App State Tickets (SOLD OUT)