MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football coach Joey Jones said Tuesday that his team cannot dismiss Georgia State because of its 1-5 record, comparing the Panthers to a wounded dog that could bite at any time as the Jaguars prepare to play the Panthers at the Georgia Dome.
Jones and secondary coach Duwan Walker discussed the matchup on the Joey Jones Show with host Lee Shirvanian at Baumhower’s on Airport Boulevard.
Scouting Georgia State
Jones said game film does not reveal a clear reason for Georgia State’s struggles, noting that the Panthers have very good players and coaches. He said internal problems sometimes cause difficulties but that he did not know whether that was the case.
Georgia State has averaged about 16,000 fans for home games in the Georgia Dome, which seats more than 70,000. Jones said South Alabama recruits against Georgia State and recruits throughout the state of Georgia, and that many prospects are expected to attend to see which program wins. He called it a measuring-stick game between two young programs.
Walker said Georgia State plays three quarterbacks. One, Little, threw the ball well against South Alabama last season and has dealt with a sternum injury. Another is a strong runner, and the third is a mix of the two who can throw and run.
Playing Under a Roof
Jones said South Alabama had communication problems in the dome at UTSA. He said players overcome crowd noise by staying calm and moving on the ball rather than the snap count, which requires particular composure from the offensive line.
Jones said a dome’s ceiling and lights can cause players to lose sight of the ball. Before the UTSA game, the Jaguars used their walkthrough to kick punts for the returners and throw high, deep passes for the receivers and defensive backs. Jones said freshman running back J.J. Keels lost sight of a pass on a wheel route against UTSA.
Loper Steps Up in the Secondary
Walker said the defense followed its game plan in the homecoming game against Tennessee-Martin, keeping the offense off balance and allowing only one big play early. He said Gabe Loper has developed quickly while replacing Damon Smith, adding that the staff had been looking for ways to get Loper on the field, though not under these circumstances. Jones named Loper the defensive standout of the week, saying he exceeded the staff’s expectations.
Jones praised Walker for handling significant turnover in the secondary during his two and a half years at South Alabama. He said safety B.J. Scott has become a vocal leader who brings urgency and teaches younger players how to prepare and study film. Asked whether Scott might play offense, as he did at Vigor High School, Jones said he has considered it often but joked that the defensive coaches frown on the idea.
True freshman Ameriol Finley has a great attitude and athleticism, the coaches said, and is working at several positions, including cornerback, where he played recently.
On offense, Jones singled out tight ends Paul Bennett and Kevin Helms for outstanding blocking.
Notes
Melvin Meggs is questionable with a rolled ankle and will be evaluated during the week. He was the only player on the injury report.
Jones said punt returner Jereme Jones makes his own decisions on fair catches. He said the rule of thumb is for a returner to set his heels at the 10-yard line and let the ball go if he must backpedal or has any doubt.
On timeouts, Jones said he prefers to save them for the end of a half but will use one to avoid losing momentum on a drive, such as preventing a penalty that would turn third-and-1 into third-and-6.
Jones said South Alabama will have 85 scholarship players and about 130 total players next season.
Jones thanked fans for the homecoming atmosphere, noting the game drew the second-largest crowd in program history at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
Blue Out Against Henderson State
South Alabama will wear all-blue uniforms for the first time when it hosts Henderson State on Oct. 29 for a “blue out.” The athletic department will hold its third annual Trunk or Treat event for children, with prizes for the three best-decorated tailgating spots.
Update
Georgia State enters its homecoming game against South Alabama at 1-5. The Panthers opened with a 41-7 win over Clark Atlanta before losing to Old Dominion 40-17, Jacksonville State 37-21, Houston 56-0, Murray State 48-24 and South Carolina State 23-13. Kickoff at the Georgia Dome is set for 2 p.m. Central time Saturday.
Georgia State averages 19.3 points and 314.3 yards per game, with 183.5 yards passing and 130.8 rushing at 3.7 yards per carry, and allows 35.2 points per game. Panther quarterbacks have combined to complete 83 of 183 passes with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Bo Schlechter is 42 of 86 for 550 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions in five games; Drew Little is 37 of 83 with no touchdowns and six interceptions in four games; and Kelton Hill is 3 of 12 with a touchdown.
Travis Evans leads the rushers with 330 yards on 68 carries, followed by Donald Russell with 282 yards on 59 carries and Hill with 140 yards on 27 carries. Danny Williams has 20 catches for 309 yards and a touchdown, and Albert Wilson has 15 catches for 326 yards and two touchdowns in four games. Jordan Giles (nine catches, 119 yards) and E. Oguehi (seven catches, 100 yards) also have more than 100 receiving yards.
Georgia State has fumbled three times and lost one, while forcing 14 fumbles and recovering five. The Panthers convert 30% of their third downs (27 of 90) while opponents convert 49%, and they are 5 of 8 on fourth down. They have 12 sacks and have allowed nine. Georgia State has scored on 15 of 18 red zone trips, 11 of them touchdowns, while opponents have scored on 25 of 31, with 22 touchdowns. The Panthers have scored 30 points in the first quarter, 41 in the second, 38 in the third and seven in the fourth, and they have averaged 16,312 fans in three home games.
