Panthers look to get back on track at South Carolina State

After a poor showing against Murray state, the Panthers will travel to South Carolina State University. The Bulldogs are coming off of their homecoming game, and will look to dismantle the Panther defense in their pursuit of a fourth straight Mid- Eastern Athletic Conference title. With redshirt junior quarterback Derrick Wiley leading the way, the Panthers will be up against another prolific offense. In a 69-0 victory over Delaware State on Sept. 24, Wiley threw for 250 yards and four touchdowns through the air. The 6'1 200 pound Wiley completed 12 of his 20 attempted passes. Along with torching Delaware State through the air Wiley rushed for 2 touchdowns on the ground. With his monster offensive show out, Wiley tied 2 school single game records.

These included the four passing touchdowns, and total touchdowns posted in a game with six. Luckily for the Panthers, they won't have to face Wiley, who is out with a torn knee meniscus. Due to this injury Wiley could potentially miss the remainder of the season. Richard Cue will be starting at quarterback in place of the injured Wiley. In his first start last weekend, Cue completed 15 of his 22 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns.

Although Wiley will be out due to injury, they still have freshman running back Jalen Simmons empowering the Bulldogs offense. In the 69 – 0 route of Delaware State Simmons set up two touchdowns for his team. Simmons rushed for 92 yards on 11 carries, averaging a stellar 8.36 yards per carry.

If Georgia State is going to compete, the Panthers will have to slow down the Bulldog offense. If the defense allows the quarterback to make third down plays and let Simmons run the ball effectively, the Panthers will have a hard time getting off the field. With a balanced attack on offense the Bulldogs have the potential of draining the clock and draining the defense. Not only do the Bulldogs have a force on offense, but on the defensive side of the ball as well. Senior defensive lineman Patrick Washington will be pressuring the Panthers offensive line and attempt to get to the quarterback. Washington also put up big numbers against Delaware State. Washington had seven tackles for a total loss of 22 yards in the victory. The Panthers offense will have to be aware of Washington at all times. An area where the Bulldogs have struggled is on special teams. Preseason All-MEAC placekicker Blake Erickson has missed his last five field goal attempts, including a potential game-tying kick in the fourth quarter,and is 3-9 on the season.  The Panthers cannot have too many three and outs, because this will put the Bulldogs right back on offense with a short field and tire the defense out. The game will be taking place in Orangeburg, South Carolina on Oct. 15 at 1:30 pm.