4. College Football News Preview 2020: Georgia State Panthers Defense 3 Things To Know
– Only two of the top tacklers are gone, and now the experience has to translate into production for the nation’s 112th-ranked defense that didn’t generate enough of a pass rush and got rocked against the run.
Two of the all-stars – at least honorable mention All-Sun Belt performers – are on the line, with 275-pound tackle Dontae Wilson anchoring things on the nose with 49 tackles,, and 6-3, 244-pound Hardrick Wills the team’s leading pass rusher with 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss as the best end in the 3-4.
– All four starting linebackers return, with 6-1, 230-pound senior Trajan Stephens-McQueen on the inside again after leading the way with 110 stops. There isn’t a lot of bulk – most of the linebackers are safety-sized – but they can all move.
– The defensive backs gave up too many big plays, getting hit for 8.5 yards per throw with just nine interceptions while giving up 27 touchdown passes.
All four starters are back – at least from late in the season – around senior Cedric Stone at one safety spot and with junior Quavian White back after tying for the team lead with two picks. Making a good situation even better, Virginia transfer Chris Moore might be a factor right away at one safety spot.