Changes may be coming for defense

Panthers allowing 40.7 points, 496 yards per game.

Georgia State defensive coordinator Anthony Midget said there could be changes to personnel and schemes in the secondary in an attempt to strengthen the unit’s play.

He wouldn’t specify what he might do, though an injury to Demazio Skelton (undisclosed) may force changes. Midget’s defense is giving up 40.7 points and 496 yards per game.

He said players have been in position to make plays in each game, but aren’t doing so.

“We just aren’t getting it done,” he said. “We keep hammering to the guys that eventually we will get those plays made.”

He cited a 43-yard run during Saturday’s loss to Texas-San Antonio. Four Panthers missed tackles on the run.

On a touchdown pass in the same game, a Georgia State defensive back was in position to break up the play, but missed the ball. The same thing happened twice in the season-opening loss to South Carolina State.

“We stress fundamentals each day in practice,” he said. “We have to take what we are doing in practice to the game field. It needs to show up. Right now, unfortunately, it’s not.”

Changes on the defensive line already have occurred because of injury.

Theo Agnew, who moved to defensive tackle against the Roadrunners, likely will play there for the rest of the season. He started the first two games at defensive end, but moved inside because starter David Huey is out for the season with an arm injury.

Agnew played defensive tackle at Massachusetts before transferring to Georgia State in the offseason. C. J. Stephens started in Agnew’s spot at defensive end, with Melvin King backing up either side. Cole Moon also may see more time at end.

Robert Ferguson, Allen McKay and Jarrell Robinson will get more snaps at linebacker so that Mark Hogan and Joseph Peterson don’t have to play 70-plus snaps per game.

The defense also will continue to be simplified. Coach Bill Curry said they can’t have an adjustment for every adjustment the offense makes. It’s slowing the players down too much.