A matchup of strength against strength is set for Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium on Saturday, as the Georgia State University Panthers (3-5, 2-2 SBC) and their outstanding rushing offense head to take on the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (5-3, 3-1 SBC) and their superb ground defense.
The Golden Eagles are 2.5-point favorites, and the total is 48. Georgia State is coming off an impressive 31-17 win over Old Dominion at Center Parc Stadium last Saturday. Darren Grainger was 14 of 20 for 195 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 19 times for 104 yards and a touchdown.
Jamari Thrash caught three passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. Southern Miss won for the third straight game last Thursday, beating Louisiana 39-24 at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium. Zach Wilcke threw for 189 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Frank Gore Jr. carried 23 times for 87 yards. Jason Brownlee scored twice. He caught three receptions for 102 yards.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Panthers are averaging 28.4 points per game for the season, 69th in FBS, and they are facing a Golden Eagles defense that has surrendered 22.1 PPG (40th). Meanwhile, Southern Miss has scored 26.8 points a game this season, 81st in the nation, and Georgia State is allowing 32.4 PPG (115th).
The Panthers rank as one of the nation’s top teams in rushing yards per game (231.5, 10th), while they are 111th in passing yards (185.3). They will be matching strength against strength on the ground, as the Golden Eagles are 17th in the country in rushing yards allowed per game (106.9). Against the pass, Southern Miss is 96th (253.5).
Southern Miss is 101st in the nation in passing yards per game (206.3) and 96th in rushing (128.5). Georgia State’s defense has been most vulnerable on the ground, as the Panthers are 112th in the nation in rushing yards allowed per game (188.8). Against the pass, the Panthers are 72nd (233.6).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through eight games, Darren Grainger has thrown for 13 touchdowns (6 INT) and 185.2 yards per game to lead Georgia State in passing. In three away games this season, he has two TDs (2 INT) and an average of 113.7 yards passing. Tucker Gregg leads the team in rushing with an average of 75.6 yards a game over eight games.
He has eight touchdowns on the ground. Jamari Thrash is the Panthers’ leading receiver with 74.4 yards a game and three TDs. Zach Wilcke has nine passing touchdowns (9 INT) with 159.4 yards per game through seven games to lead Southern Miss. In three home games this season, he has thrown for four TDs (3 INT) and an average of 123.7 yards.
Frank Gore Jr. has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 81.9 yards a game through eight games. He has four touchdowns. Jason Brownlee has been a key target in the Golden Eagles’ aerial attack. He has six touchdowns and a 62.4 yard per game average through eight appearances.
HOME AND AWAY
Southern Miss is seeking a fourth straight win at home this season.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
Southern Miss (-135)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
