The Flames won’t open summer camp for several weeks, so it’s a perfect time to start looking ahead to the teams Liberty will face during the upcoming season as they attempt to return to the FCS playoffs for the 2nd consecutive year.

We’ve already previewed the Flames’ first few opponents, and now we turn our attention to the 5th game, Georgia State. Liberty travels to Atlanta on October 3rd.

Georgia State

2014 record: 1-11, 0-8 in Sun Belt.

Coach: Trent Miles, in his 3rd season.

Starters returning: Nine on offense, ten on defense, four on special teams.

Offensive system: Spread.

Defensive system: 3-4.

Three significant stats last year:

  1. Georgia State finished dead last in FBS in scoring defense, surrendering 43.3 points per game.
  2. The Panthers were outgained in rushing yards 303.4 to 96.3 yards per game.
  3. GSU committed 30 turnovers while forcing just 8.

Key starters returning:

  • Nick Arbuckle finished the 2014 season with 3,283 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.
  • WR Donovan Harden led the team in receiving with 60 catches for 885  yards and 7 touchdowns.
  • Joseph Peterson is one of the top defensive players in the Sun Belt. The linebacker has totaled 265 tackles in his first 3 seasons.

How does Georgia State match up

The Panthers have been one of, if not the, worst FBS programs since they moved to the subdivision a few years ago. They have yet to win a Sun Belt Conference game. But this doesn’t mean Liberty will be able to just walk into the Georgia Dome and walk out with a win. Georgia State should be improved and will have the October 3rd matchup against Liberty marked as a must win.