We're excited about finally getting back into the 'Dome after a few weeks, and we know you guys are too. In an attempt whet our anticipation, we reached out for a Q&A exchange with the finest Georgia State site on the web, Panthertalk.com. You can find our half of the interview here and the rest below. The guys run an awesome community on PantherTalk, so be sure to hit up their message board to read what Panther fans have to say about UTSA.
---
Although Georgia State has a 2-5 record, they certainly still have a good amount of talent on their team. Who are two players Roadrunner fans should keep their eyes on Saturday?
The two players I'd watch on Saturday are WR Albert Wilson and LB Jake Muasau. Wilson has top level speed and set the program's receiving record last Saturday vs. South Alabama with 175 yards through the air. He is a threat to score any time he touches the ball and is averaging 25 yards per catch on the year. Muasau is a very physical linebacker who always seems to be around the ball. He is easy to spot with his long hair. I expect him to be very active in defending the mobile QB that you guys run out.
What specific areas would you identify as strengths and weaknesses for the Panthers?
It has been a path of discovery the last few weeks but I believe our team has finally found its identity by finding what it does well: run the football. A veteran offensive line (combined 110 starts) and a former SEC running back in Donald Russell who has scored 8 touchdowns in 7 games. I believe the Panthers weakness begins with its ability to cover kicks. We have a very good Freshman Kicker in Christian Benvenuto but our kickoff coverage has given opponents very good field position. I expect to see some new faces on kick coverage vs. UTSA to remedy this.
Georgia State quarterback Bo Schlechter was a wide receiver for Billy Curry last season and often manages punting duties. Can you tell us a little bit about this unique player?
Bo has been a do everything guy for us. He was recruited as a QB out of Glades Day HS in Wellington, FL but fell to 4th on the depth chart in 2010 Fall practice. Bo won the punting battle and put up near All American stats averaging 44.5 yards per punt. Due to some issues at WR, he then volunteered to play the position and caught 8 passes on the year. Due to attrition and multiple suspensions, he found himself as the lone eligible QB to begin Fall practice. He had a good debut vs. Division 2 Clark Atlanta but showed his limitations in the next 3 games. He has since lost the punting job to Freshman Matt Hubbard and it's unknown what role Bo will take on next.
How has interest in the Georgia State program fared in year two of the program's history?
We have seen a tremendous surge of traffic on our site and I believe interest is increasing in Year 2. We've seen a decline in attendance and there a multitude of factors that we compete with including Georgia Tech playing blocks away and the University of Georgia only 80 miles northeast. We are still building our fan base and re-connecting with alumni who went years without football and attached their affinity to other schools. Our fan base is very passionate and I expect to see a nice group make the trip to the Alamodome on Saturday.
The quarterback position has been turbulent for Georgia State this season. Where does the QB slot sit coming into this week's game?
Turbulent is a good word for the QB position this season. Bo started the first 4 games with very mixed results. He had flashes of ability followed by stretches of inaccuracy. Drew Little started against FBS Houston and Murray State but has an injured sternum that will keep him out of this game. Kelton Hill got his first career start vs. South Alabama and will again start this Saturday. He is very athletic and flashed much better accuracy last week. I expect that Hill will hold the job until he proves that he cannot be trusted to lead this team.
What can you tell us about Georgia State that UTSA fans may not be aware of? Any big rivalries?
Big thanks again to Ben for helping us out and we're looking forward to doing it again next year!
Georgia State may be the biggest school that most have not heard of. With more than 33,000 students and 179,000 alumni located in the heart of Atlanta, we have a nationally ranked law school and tremendous business school. Georgia State brags more Fortune 500 CEOs than any other Georgia school combined. We've been playing Division 1 sports since 1963-64 and have seen limited success in basketball going to the NCAA Tournament twice (1991 and 2001). Our fans have claimed rivalries with former conference mates South Alabama (Sun Belt) and Georgia Southern (playing in every sport except football thus far). Because of changes in conferences, we've had trouble establishing true rivalries.
Big thanks again to Ben for helping us out and we're looking forward to doing it again next year!
