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When: Saturday, October 1st, 12:00 pm.
Where: Kidd Brewer Stadium (Boone, NC)
Where to watch: ESPN3, AMSN, Peachtree TV
Live Audio: georgiastatesports.com
Betting Line: -18.5 App State via Oddshark
Series record: 2-0 App State
The Panthers face possibly the best the Sun Belt has to offer this weekend. App State is a gritty team lead by their talented signal caller Taylor Lamb. Georgia State was impressive in their outing versus Wisconsin, coming within one score of upsetting the Badgers.
For the Panthers to compete with App State they will need to do a better job of sustaining drives. Georgia State has only converted 37.5% of the time on third down. The longer the Panthers can keep the football, the better, as that will keep their defense fresh as well. Conner Manning has to start fast. I say that because if history is any indicator, Georgia State won’t get much from their running game. If Manning can get going early on, Georgia State has the weapons on the edge to compete with the Mountaineers.
Defensively, the Panthers must carry over the momentum they gained against Wisconsin. Georgia State was much improved against the run in that outing, which is a GREAT sign. This team only goes as far as its defense does. If our defense plays well, Georgia State will have a chance to upset App State.
Score Prediction: 31-21 App State
MVP: Taylor Lamb, QB App State
X-Factor: Georgia State’s defensive front seven