Panthers routed in last nonconference game

Georgia State lost to visiting Western Michigan on Saturday in its final nonconference game of the season.

The Panthers lost 34-15 and have a 1-3 record headed toward their Sun Belt Conference opener Saturday against Louisiana-Monroe at Georgia State Stadium.

Here are five things to know from the Panthers’ loss:

1. Ellington accounts for three turnovers in first half

Georgia State quarterback Dan Ellington strug- gled in the first half to protect the ball, fumbling twice and throwing one intercep- tion. On first-and-10 deep in Western Michigan territory, Ellington fumbled, marking the Panthers’ first turnover of the game.

“A lot of miscommunication up front from the offensive-line standpoint,” Geor- gia State coach Shawn Elliott said. “That led to a lot of pres- sures, a lot of sacks, and a lot of fumbles.”

Ellington fumbled again late in the second corner, setting up Western Michigan for another field goal. Elling- ton’s interception ended the first half.

2. Georgia State offense continues to struggle on third down

In the first three games, the Panthers struggled con- verting on third-down plays — converting only 6 of 12 against Kennesaw State, 4 of 13 against N.C. State, and 5 of 15 against Memphis.

In Saturday’s game against Western Michigan, the Pan- thers were 3-of-9 on third downs.

3. Panthers struggle to move the ball on the ground

After a turnover on its first drive, Georgia State’s offense struggled to move the ball on the ground. The Panthers rushed for only 39 yards in the first half.

“We didn’t execute like we should have,” Ellington said. “Up front, running backwise, we didn’t execute well.”

The Panthers continued to struggle on the ground in the second half, rushing for only 58 yards total on the day. However, the offense was able to move the ball through the air. Ellington passed for 285 yards in 29 attempts.

4. Defense unable to stop Western Michigan offense

Georgia State’s defense failed to stop Western Michigan’s running game. The Panthers allowed the Broncos to gather 294 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

“I told the team last night, ‘you have to have the ability to focus,’” Elliott said. “There’s got to be a lot of focus in our sight, not just seeing the field. We have to learn to see from a point of attack.”

The defense was unable to put pressure on Western Michigan quarterback Jon Wassink as he threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns.

5. Panthers finish 1-3 in nonconference play

Georgia State finished its first four games 1-3. The Panthers were outscored 154-68 in its first four games.

“It is conference season now,” Elliott said. “They award you at the end for this.”