Off Season Check In: Georgia State

The kind folks at Panther Talk recently asked me a few questions about the Roadrunners' off season as part of their off season check-in series. Editor-in-chief Ben Moore was kind enough to return the favor by answering a couple of my questions about Georgia State. Be sure to check back to Panther Talk this season to learn more about UTSA's Week Three opponent.

This year Georgia State had their first player drafted to the NFL in Christo Bilukidi. Did this come as a surprise to Panther fans? Could you sum up what Bilukidi's signing means to the program at large?

Picture via San Antonio Express News

It was huge.  I had heard rumblings deep in the week that Christo could be a late round selection but I truly thought it was just optimism.  At 6'5, 290lbs he certainly has the physicality to play on the next level and moved positions at Georgia State.  For him to be drafted by the Raiders added another layer of credibility to the program.  We had a chance to interview him on Saturday (Link is HERE) and he was told by his agent that he should expect a call on Saturday.  With only 22 games played, it solidifies the coaching staff's pitch that playing at Georgia State can not only get you to the next level but in front of enough scouts to be drafted.  Tremendous accomplishment for a great kid in Christo and a huge feather in the cap of a new program.

Georgia State was recently invited to the Sunbelt, marking the program's ascension to the FBS ranks. How have fans reacted to the news and which Sunbelt member are they most excited to play?

The fan base is thrilled to be FBS.  Many fans knew the bottled up potential that this program had and the attractiveness of the Atlanta media market.  The move to the Sun Belt continues a trend that we speak constantly: No start up in the modern era (last 20 years) has stayed at the FCS ranks for more than 5 years.  We believed the same could happen to Georgia State and it just came down to being ready.  Thankfully, we were.

As far as opponents, the fans that we talk to are excited about renewing old rivalries (Georgia State was an original member of the Sun Belt dating back to the late 70s) with South Alabama and Troy.  The biggest thing that our fans are excited about it shorter road trips to Middle Tennessee, Arkansas State and Western Kentucky as well.

UTSA employed the talents of IMG to sell tickets during the inaugural season which saw the Roadrunners break NCAA attendance records for a start-up program. Are Georgia State fans anticipating an uptick in attendance after leasing ticket sales out to IMG?

There is no question.  Georgia State utilized a sales center staffed with part time students in the first two years.  Part of this deal that impresses Panther faithful will give a different level of professionalism and incentives.  The IMG staff has a proven formula and we're definitely looking forward to increase overall of ticket sales which will add to the game day experience in the Georgia Dome.

How have Panther fans reacted to the arrest and dismissal of Bo Schlechter from the football team? How are you guys anticipating the quarterback position shaking out in the wake of this news?

Picture via San Antonio Express News

Bo Schlechter was slotted for 3rd or 4th string at QB and had lost his punting duties to walk on Matt Hubbard.  On the surface, losing a player like this would not cause much of a ripple.  The bigger issue is that Bo was the third different QB to be disciplined in the last 12 months.  This is beyond alarming for a position that counts on leadership and accountability.  Entering Spring, many Panther fans expected Kelton Hill to grab the reigns of the QB job as he started the last 5 games in 2011 and did a pretty good job directing the offense throwing for 962 yards and 10 TDs while rushing for 581 yards and 3 TDs on the ground.  The issue was the completion percentage of 50% and SC State fans saw it live and in person when Hill struggled.  This Spring, enter RS Freshman Ben McClane.  The former Brookwood HS signal caller led the Broncos to a state title in Georgia's largest classification.  While he does not have the physical talent that Hill has, he has been tremendously poised for someone entering his first Spring as starter.  McLane is stronger physically and has displayed very good accuracy in camp running the hurry up offense that Panthers' offensive coordinator John Bond wants to employ this season.  The Panthers will also add an FBS transfer in Ronnie Bell coming from Ohio who was 29-1 as a starter at Sandy Creek HS leading his team to back to back state titles.  The coaching staff also signed two recruits who are dual threats but both are expected to take redshirts this Fall.

What would you say are the strongest and weakest positions on the Georgia State squad in 2012?

I believe the skill positions are very strong (RB, WR, CB, S) and experienced.  My main concern exiting spring is the defensive line.  I believe there is some talent at defensive tackle and nose guard but it will be very inexperienced as all three Freshman signees could play early.  The defensive end position is thin to the point of vulnerable, in my opinion.  Coach Curry dismissed projected starter at weakside defensive end due to a violation of team rules as it relates to academics.  Former Nevada signee John Kelly is projected to start at strong side defensive end and converted linebacker Qwontez Mallory is the projected starter at weakside defensive end.