GAMEDAY: Tops vs. Panthers

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Rise and shine Hilltopper fans, it’s another GAMEDAY!
Today, the Tops will travel down to Atlanta and take on the lowly lowly Georgia State Panthers, who sit in the cellar of the Sun Belt, and who haven’t won a game since October 13th of last season against Rhode Island. And yes, based on that game and the rest of their schedule, you should know that this is the Panthers first season in FBS ball.
While things look bad for Georgia State, things currently aren’t so hot for WKU. State is in last place in the conference, yes, but second to last with only one conference win is the Hilltoppers. WKU is coming off back-to-back games in which they had a double digit lead, and lost in the 2nd half. Mr. Chad Bishop reported earlier today that Sean Conway, who’s missed most of the season, and Joel German, a developing favorite target of Brandon Doughty, will likely not play today. And oh yeah, the team’s leading tackler in Andrew Jackson is still in Kentucky for missing a mandatory team meeting. Bobby P. ain’t playing around anymore, yall.
While the Tops have been blowing leads to lose games (every loss has been a blown lead, but the UT lead was just 3-0), Georgia State have been on the cusp of spoiler. Over their last 5 games, 3 have been one possession contests – an OT loss to an undefeated (at the time) Jacksonville St, and one possession games to Troy and South Al (both teams that WKU have already dropped contests to this year).
Things seem to be “worst case scenario” for both teams, yes, BUT, both teams also feature the Sun Belt’s top individual attacks. The Tops, of course, carry Antonio Andrews, who leads the SBC in all-purpose yards, averaging 237.8 per game. In a somewhat distant second place, Albert Wilson of the Panthers averages around 186 per 4 quarters.
If someone were to ask me how I thought today will play out, contrary to popular belief, I think it’ll be a close contest, I don’t see WKU getting out of their sloppy play, and ultimately, I see State getting their first win on the season, first conference win, and first win as an FBS school.
I hope I’m wrong, because how awful would that be. This team came into the season with so much promise, and on the verge of going under .500 and losing to Georgia State (which is a fine school, my dad has an advanced degree from there. But…losing to Georgia State?)…look’s like we are all wrong about Bobby P. He’ll be around at least one more year.
For those NOT in Atlanta and want to watch the game (as, of course, you follow WTRT on twitter), you can watch the game on ESPN3.com. Just a little FYI for all you lovely people.
Stand up and cheer. And Go Tops!