Head Coach: Shawn Elliott, 7th year: 34-38, 8th year overall: 35-43
Georgia State Panthers Preview 2023
The Georgia State Panthers are coming off a 7-5 season in 2022, their best record since joining the Sun Belt Conference in 2013. The Panthers finished third in the Sun Belt East Division and made their second bowl appearance in school history, losing to Western Kentucky in the Camellia Bowl.
The Panthers return a number of key players from last year's team, including quarterback Quay Walker, running back Jahmir Smith, and wide receiver Randall Johnson. Walker threw for 2,838 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022, while Smith rushed for 1,044 yards and 10 touchdowns. Johnson caught 64 passes for 853 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Panthers also return a strong defense, led by linebacker Tre'von Reed and defensive back Jeremiah Haydel. Reed led the team with 100 tackles in 2022, while Haydel had four interceptions.
The Panthers have a tough schedule in 2023, with games against LSU, Appalachian State, and Coastal Carolina. However, they also have a number of winnable games, including home games against Rhode Island, UConn, and Troy.
I predict that the Panthers will win eight games in 2023. They have the talent to be a top team in the Sun Belt, but they will need to stay healthy and avoid any major upsets.
Key Players
- Quay Walker, QB
- Jahmir Smith, RB
- Randall Johnson, WR
- Tre'von Reed, LB
- Jeremiah Haydel, DB
Team Statistics
- 2022 Record: 7-5
- 2022 Sun Belt East Division Finish: 3rd
- 2022 Sun Belt Conference Finish: 5th
- 2022 Scoring Offense: 33.0 points per game
- 2022 Scoring Defense: 25.8 points per game
- 2022 Total Offense: 425.2 yards per game
- 2022 Total Defense: 375.4 yards per game
Prediction
I predict that the Panthers will win eight games in 2023. They have the talent to be a top team in the Sun Belt, but they will need to stay healthy and avoid any major upsets.