Georgia State football struggled in 2022. The Panthers raised a lot of eyebrows in the events leading up to those losses, and with good reason. The loss against Charlotte stands out in the minds of many of its fans.
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The pass defense says sorry. To be fair, the Sun Belt East was a toughie in 2022. While Georgia State tries to remain optimistic, the 2023 season is a little scary to look at. The league is stout, and the schedule could make even the toughest Panther cringe.
GEORGIA STATE 2023 PREVIEW
THE CONF.: Sun Belt Conference (SBC)
2022 RECORD: 4-8 overall
CONF. FINISH:3-5, 6th in the East Division
HEAD COACH: Shawn Elliott, 8th year overall 35-43
FIVE ALL-STAR CANDIDATES: Darren Grainger, Sr./QB (18 TD, 7 INT); Jordan Veneziale, Sr./LB (55 solo tackles, 2 sacks); Javon Denis, Sr./DE (18 solo tackles, 4 sacks); Jacari Carter, Jr./WR (31 REC, 455 YDS, 5 TD); Shamar McCollum, Sr./LB (19 SOLO, 4.5 sacks)
THE NEWCOMER: Kevin Swint, Sr./LB (Clemson transfer, (10 tackles and a fumble recovery in 175 defensive snaps over 13 games in 2022)
LB Kevin Swint, transfer from Clemson to Georgia State (PHOTO CREDIT: Ivan Konon/Georgia State Athletics)
THE BREAKDOWN
The schedule is not the worst thing in the entire world, but it most certainly isn't the greatest. James Madison and Coastal Carolina are a couple of the ones games will make the Panthers sweat. However, Georgia State's 2022 losses were by so few points that it hints at more winning possibilities. A few changes would have made all the difference in the world for the Panthers last season. The first few games on the schedule shouldn't be too difficult and may provide some momentum.
In 2022, the Panthers began the season with four straight losses. With the possibility of more wins early in the 2023 season, a boost in morale is likely. This could alter their performance for some of the upcoming games that are more difficult. Georgia State could begin on a higher note in 2023 by winning games against FCS Rhode Island, UConn, and Charlotte.
Another improvement area is the defense. Transfer LB Kevin Swint from Clemson and LB Shamar McCollum from Wake Forest came at the right time and will possibly make a positive impact on the defensive line. This will be true as long as Chad Staggs knows how to properly use them. It doesn't hurt that Staggs is very familiar with the Sun Belt East. Also, Georgia State lost CB Quavian White and S Antavious Lane. S TyGee Leach and CB Gavin Pringle will hopefully be the replacement that the Panthers need.
The offensive line is in much better shape than the defense, but there is still room for improvement. QB Darren Grainger returns, which is a positive. WR Jamari Thrash is gone, but that loss can be recouped. There are still six returning receivers. There's also transfer RB Freddie Brock that should be rather fast if the plays allow it. The offensive line is pretty fresh, but that doesn't necessarily pose as a negative.
THE KEY GAME AND WHY
The game against Appalachian State (Nov. 11) will be the key game. It's possible that Georgia State will be in limbo at this point, and it could make a difference. Appalachian State's record last year of 6-6 (overall) isn't a huge step above Georgia State's, but some of the games that the Mountaineers did win were impressive.
THE TOUGHEST GAME AND WHY
The toughest conference game will be against James Madison (Nov. 4). The Dukes had an overall record of 8-3 last season and are expected to be one of the top teams in the Sun Belt in 2023. It's fair to say Georgia State isn't looking forward to this matchup.
The toughest non-conference game will be at LSU (Nov. 18). LSU went 10-4 overall last season and obviously the game being at LSU doesn't do Georgia State any favors.
THE CHANCES OF GEORGIA STATE MAKING CONF. TITLE GAME
It's not very high. It would mean a few teams seriously screwed up somewhere.
Georgia State's QB Darren Grainger (3) (PHOTO CREDIT: Dale Zanine/Georgia State Athletics)
THE PREDICTION
Georgia State should go 5-7 overall. The Panthers likely learned from their close losses in 2022 and will show that their stamina has improved. If the new transfers mesh well with the returning players, the defensive line does some bonding activities, and they don't throw it away in the last play, Georgia State could have a better record than last season (4-8 record).
