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College Football Schedule Week 9: Under the Radar Games to Watch

By Andrew Miller

MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Davis Brin #5 of the Georgia Southern Eagles drops back to pass during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Davis Brin #5 of the Georgia Southern Eagles drops back to pass during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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Georgia Southern Eagles head coach Clay Helton looks on during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers
MADISON, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Georgia Southern Eagles head coach Clay Helton looks on during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

Georgia State at Georgia Southern

Thursday, 6:30 PM CT on ESPN2

How about some Thursday night rivalry action in the Fun Belt? Georgia State has been one of the surprise teams this season. They’re 6-1 and firmly in contention to reach the Sun Belt championship game. In fact, with James Madison so wrongfully ineligible to play for a league title or bowl, the Panthers are currently tied for the division league.

Georgia State leans on their ground game. RB Marcus Carroll is second in the Sun Belt in rushing with 852 yards and 11 TDs. QB Darren Grainger is a dual-threat who’s added 368 yards and five TDs on the ground. But he’s also highly efficient as a passer. He’s completing 69.5% of his passes at 8.7 YPA with only two INTs on the year.

The Panther defense has taken a nice step forward from where last season. They still allow a good bit of yardage, but they’re holding teams to under 23 PPG. That’s a TD better than in 2022. Their pass defense will be tested though against Georgia Southern’s Air Raid attack. The Eagles passing game hasn’t been quite as sharp lately, and it was actually their run game that led the way in their win over ULM. But QB Davis Brin and his group of WRs are still always a challenge.

Georgia State leads the “Modern Day Hate” 6-3 in the all-time series. It’s a young rivalry that’s gotten heated very quickly. Southern needs a win to keep their chances at a Sun Belt title realistically alive. This should be a fun one.

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