"We'll be much better next Friday then we are now," said Curry. "We're at the point now where we understand our assignments and our alignments and we now have time to polish our execution."

The Panthers are preparing to face another team of Panthers in Clark Atlanta, which visits the Georgia Dome on Friday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Curry noted that an already strong corps of running backs should be bolstered by the addition of Kentucky transfer Donald Russell.

"Donald Russell has stood out at tailback," said Curry. "He had a muscle pull, but we got him back early last week, and he's made a difference."

A native of West Palm Beach, Fla., Russell spent two seasons at Kentucky and was the Wildcats' third-leading rusher in 2010 with 293 yards, two touchdowns and 4.6 yards per carry, along with 14 catches for 134 yards.

"We've got a good group of tailbacks, and he's one of them," continued Curry. "He's fit right into our system. He's smart, and he really runs low and hard."

Sophomore Travis Evans (Williston, Fla.) will get the starting nod for the Panthers. During the inaugural season, he led GSU running backs with 382 yards, a 4.8-yard average and three touchdowns.

"Travis Evans is the starter but he's going to get spelled because other guys have earned it," said Curry.

"Donald Russell has certainly earned it. Malcolm Smith has had a tremendous training camp. Parris Lee has been injured off and on, but when he's healthy, he's a terrific threat. Gosh, Rendell Wilder is on the scout team but if we had to play him, he would not embarrass anybody."

And Curry didn't even mention last year's starter, Rosevelt Watson, who is expected to miss the first few weeks of the season with a knee injury.

Georgia State football season and individual game tickets are on sale now (866-GA-STATE or GeorgiaStateSports.com).

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