With Block 6 (Weeks 11 and 12) set to open on May 10, 2025, Coach CeeGee’s Georgia State Panthers (4-2, 2-1 Sun Belt) are poised to make a defining push in the NDL’s Sun Belt East race, sitting third behind Old Dominion (5-1) and Marshall (5-3).
Coming off a sloppy 26-24 win over UAB that left CeeGee fuming over execution, the Panthers face the James Madison Dukes (1-2, 0-0) at home in Week 11 and travel to the Arkansas State Red Wolves (2-3, 1-1) in Week 12.
With a favorable -1 spread against JMU and a commanding -14 spread against Arkansas State, Georgia State has a golden opportunity to solidify their championship contender status.
Week 11: James Madison Dukes at Georgia State Panthers (O/U 48.5)
The Dukes, coached by jasonuk, are 1-2 with a 45-14 rout of UMass but losses to Hawai’i (31-27) and #20 NC State (29-0). QB Alonza Barnett III (25/39, 390 yards, 4 TDs, 7 INTs) leads a run-heavy offense averaging 219.7 rushing yards per game, powered by RB George Pettaway (423 yards, 2 TDs, 3 20+ runs).
TE Taylor Thompson (8 catches, 188 yards, 1 TD) is a key target in a modest 116.5 YPG passing game. JMU’s defense allows 24.7 PPG, vulnerable to Georgia State’s aerial attack, but their 12:53 time of possession suggests a grind-it-out style. Second-quarter scoring (12.7 PPG) is their strength, so the Panthers must stay sharp early.
Despite a 4-2 record with wins over Temple (38-3), UAB (26-24), Georgia Southern (40-22), and Marshall (21-14), CeeGee’s squad is frustrated by inconsistent play. QB Christian Veilleux (100/148, 1,489 yards, 10 TDs, 15 INTs) is on thin ice after 15 picks in six games, with CeeGee hinting at a possible switch to backup Kyle Lowe if turnovers persist.
WR Austin McGee (22 catches, 550 yards, 6 TDs) is a game-breaker, while RB Freddie Brock (316 yards, 2 TDs) paces a 116.5 YPG rushing attack. The Panthers’ defense, with 20 interceptions (led by Kenyatta Watson II’s 5), thrives on forcing turnovers (22 total), but their 23.68% third-down defense (128th in NDL) needs tightening. Georgia State’s 15:56 time of possession and balanced 50.84% pass rate keep opponents guessing.
Key Matchup: Georgia State’s Secondary vs. JMU’s Run Game
The Panthers’ turnover-hungry secondary, with Tavian Brown (42 tackles) and Josiah Robinson (41 tackles, 2 INTs), must contain Pettaway’s explosive runs while baiting Barnett into mistakes. JMU’s defense will test Veilleux’s decision-making, but Georgia State’s play-action and jet sweeps, fueled by McGee, should exploit JMU’s 24.7 PPG allowed.
Expect a low-scoring affair, with the Panthers’ home-field edge and defensive playmaking securing a 27-20 win.
Week 12: Georgia State Panthers at Arkansas State Red Wolves (O/U 49)
Coached by footballkelly31, the Red Wolves (2-3, 1-1) have wins over UCLA (20-17) and Texas State (31-17) but losses to Maryland (50-20), North Texas (24-21), and South Alabama (35-13). QB Jaylen Raynor (71/113, 1,039 yards, 8 TDs, 8 INTs) drives a 207.8 YPG passing game, with WR Malik Hornsby (22 catches, 353 yards, 1 TD) as a deep threat.
RB Ja’Quez Cross (289 yards, 1 TD) and Zak Wallace (282 yards, 2 TDs) lead a 102.2 YPG rushing attack. Arkansas State’s defense, allowing 28.6 PPG, is a weak spot, especially against the pass (52nd in NDL). Their fourth-quarter scoring (9.6 PPG) makes them dangerous late, but a 13:25 time of possession leans on quick strikes.
Georgia State’s 368.2 total offense YPG, led by Veilleux and McGee, should feast on Arkansas State’s porous defense. The Panthers’ Arizona Pro Style offense, with screens, RPOs, and inside zones, can control the game’s tempo, while their defense (2nd in Sun Belt for turnovers forced) is primed to exploit Raynor’s eight picks.
However, CeeGee’s demand for better execution, especially after UAB’s near-upset, will be critical on the road. The Panthers’ 42.31% third-down conversion rate (85th in NDL) must improve to sustain drives.
Key Matchup: Georgia State’s Passing Attack vs. Arkansas State’s Secondary
McGee’s big-play ability and Veilleux’s arm (if he avoids turnovers) can shred Arkansas State’s 70-rated defense, which struggles against the pass. Georgia State’s front seven, led by Justin Abraham (4 TFLs), must neutralize Cross and Wallace to force Raynor into passing situations.
The Panthers’ 15.7 PPG in the first half should set the tone. Look for Georgia State to dominate, 34-17, leveraging their defensive takeaways and offensive balance.
Coach CeeGee’s Take:
“We’re 4-2, but we’re not playing like champions yet—too many mistakes. JMU’s tough with Pettaway, so we’ve got to lock in defensively and clean up our passing game. Arkansas State’s secondary is a chance to unleash Austin, but we need to execute for four quarters. Block 6 is our time to show the Sun Belt what we’re made of!”
Block 6 Outlook
With Old Dominion and Marshall setting the pace in the Sun Belt East, Georgia State’s Week 11 and 12 matchups are must-wins to keep their title hopes alive.
Splitting these games keeps them in the hunt; sweeping them could vault them into first. The Panthers’ balanced attack and turnover-forcing defense make them a threat.
NDL fans, brace for a thrilling Block 6 as Georgia State aims to claw to the top!
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