Preview Rhode Island at Georgia State

Photo Credit - West Point - The U.S. Military Academy via Flickr

CAA member, Rhode Island Rams, travel to Atlanta to open the season against Sun Belt’s Georgia State.

Broadcast Information

• Kickoff 7 PM Eastern time on ESPN+

• Matt Stewart and Sam Crenshaw on the call

• WRAS-FM 88.5

What’s at Stake?

Georgia State looks to open the season with a victory for the first time since 2019 when they beat Tennessee 38-30 in Knoxville. Rhode Island has won three straight season openers against FCS competition but last defeated an FBS team in 2021 (UMASS).

Key Players

QB Darren Grainger – Georgia State

MLB Justin Abraham – Georgia State

QB Kasim Hill – Rhode Island

LT Nick Correia – Rhode Island

Key Match-ups

Watch as 7th-year QB Kasim Hill goes up against the new look 4-2-5 defense of the Panthers.

Darren Grainger will look to get both the rushing and passing attack going against an FCS defense that allowed over 26 ppg last season.

Prediction

Georgia State ended last season on a three-game skid. Even with the slide at the end, they averaged over 30 ppg in those three outings. Expect the offense to be rolling from the start in this one. Rhode Island does have a talented roster and a top-25 FCS team, but they will struggle to keep up with the offensive power that the Panthers possess. The experience of the Rhode Island offense could help keep them in the game early, especially if the Panthers don’t have the new defensive scheme ironed out just yet. Expect a close first quarter, but Georgia State pulls away after that.