On Saturday, September 4th, Georgia State and Army will face off for just the second time in their history. Both programs are coming off solid seasons, Georgia State going 6-4 and Army going 9-3. The Black Knights and the Panthers will be looking to start off the season with a quality win to add to their resume. 

Army has 13 starters returning from last year, a team that had one of the best defenses in the country. The Black Knights held opponents to 14.8 points per game, 2nd in the FBS, and an FBS-best 275.3 yards per game. To compliment their tough defense, Army had one of the best rushing attacks in the country, ranking 4th in the FBS. With head coach, Jeff Monken’s success, leading the program to four bowl games in the past five seasons, there’s no reason to expect the Black Knights to stray away from their hard-nose play style any time soon.

Georgia State is expected to build off last year. With nine seniors, four of which being All-Sun Belt Conference honorees, all of their starting offensive linemen, and others returning. 

Sophomore quarterback, Cornelius Brown, will be leading the way offensively. Brown showed flashes of impressive playmaking ability in his freshman season. A year of experience and becoming more comfortable with the offense will accentuate this aspect of his game. With most of the skill position players returning, Brown will only need to fine-tune the mistakes from last season. 

The Panther’s defense will be headlined by senior cornerback, Quavian White, and sophomore safety, Antavious Lane. White earned second team All-Sun Belt Conference honors last season and is second all-time in interceptions for Georgia State. His veteran presence and impressive play will be anchoring the Panthers’ defense. Former West Palm Beach native, Antavious Lane, had a breakout season as a redshirt freshman. He earned second team All-Sun Belt Conference honors and led the Sun Belt in interceptions, with 0.5 per game. After becoming only the fourth Georgia State freshman to earn All-Sun Belt honors, he is expected to make big strides in his game this season. 

These two veteran teams, with both coaching staffs and most key players returning, should make for an interesting matchup. The game will be a great test for both teams and an opportunity to find their strengths and determine adjustments before the season ramps up.

Photo: Sean Russell/FAAZ Sports