HOMECOMING ANXIETY

       On Saturday the Panthers will seek revenge against the Jaguars, as the Georgia Dome should be full of fans for homecoming. Last year the Jaguars defeated the Panthers 39 – 34 in a competitive game, and losing out in the final five minutes.

While the crowd will be a factor, this will not be a walk in the park for the home team. The Jaguars entered the season with an undefeated record of 17 – 0. Although they did not play any high caliber FBS teams such as Alabama, their record is still impressive.

        It's so impressive that South Alabama will be making its case to enter the FBS next year in the fall of 2012. One reason the Jaguars are winning games is because of their defense. They are holding opponents to a 38 percent conversion rate on third downs. Linebacker Bryson James said, "We all communicate – that is the biggest thing, and our defense is full of speed from the linemen to the safeties." James has recorded 12 tackles in the first four games of the season, and serves as a presence on the defensive side of the ball.

       The biggest threat on offense may be former linebacker turned running back Demetre Baker. So far this season he has rushed for six touchdowns - the most on the Jaguar's team. Kicker Jordan Means has put up impressive numbers.

So far this season, he has made five of six field goal attempts and 11 of his 12 extra point kicks. Between Bo Schlechter and Kelton Hill, the Panthers only completed six passes and threw for three interceptions.

    Despite their woes through the air, the Panthers finally seemed to find their running game, as they rushed for 244 yards and set a new school high. If Donald Russell and Kelton Hill can repeat their stellar ground work on Saturday, Georgia State has a chance to turn around their five game losing streak.

     For the Panthers, Drew Little returning under center is a must. Without him, Georgia State's passing attack has been less than anemic, as evidenced in their latest loss to South Carolina State. This game will prove to be a test for both teams. Success has

been slow to come for the struggling Panthers, but the team is hoping they can turn the season around with a win on homecoming like last year when they defeated Morehead State.

The Panthers suit up for homecoming on October 22nd at 3 p.m. at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.