ATLANTA — South Alabama, needing a win to keep its bowl eligibility hopes alive, faces Georgia State, one of the Sun Belt Conference’s newest members, on Saturday at the Georgia Dome. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. CST.
The Jaguars enter the game 4-6 overall and 2-3 in Sun Belt play. Georgia State is 0-11 and playing its season finale on Senior Day.
Familiar Opponent
Although Georgia State is new to the Sun Belt, the two programs began playing football one year apart. Georgia State’s program drew national attention in its early seasons under coach Bill Curry, who had worked as an ESPN broadcaster before returning to coaching.
Curry retired after the 2012 season, and Trent Miles was hired to replace him. Miles is in his first season leading the Panthers.
Panthers by the Numbers
Georgia State ranks last in the Sun Belt in nine statistical categories: scoring offense, rushing offense, rushing defense, kickoff coverage, sacks, sacks allowed, opponent third-down conversions, opponent penalties and time of possession. The Panthers rank seventh among the conference’s eight teams in 10 other categories.
Georgia State has been more competitive in recent weeks. The Panthers played Troy closely and built an early lead against Arkansas State before a missed two-point conversion proved to be the difference in that game.
Jaguars coach Joey Jones said Georgia State has improved since the start of the season and that film study shows a better team than the statistics suggest.
Albert Wilson Leads Georgia State
Georgia State receiver Albert Wilson leads the Sun Belt with 97.8 receiving yards per game and is tied for first with 5.9 receptions per game. He also ranks:
- Second in all-purpose yards per game (192.3)
- Fifth in punt return average (6.1)
- Fifth in kickoff return average (23.5)
Jaguars Coming Off Record Defensive Day
South Alabama’s defense recorded a school-record nine sacks against Louisiana-Monroe last Saturday. On offense, the Jaguars rely on the big-play ability of receiver Shavarez Smith.
South Alabama closes the regular season against Louisiana-Lafayette on Dec. 7.
How to Follow
The game will air on WNSP 105.5 FM and wnsp.com, with Lee Shirvanian calling play-by-play and Rick Cleveland providing color analysis. Video will be available on ESPN3.com.
