ATLANTA -- "We are continuing to get better, improving every day," Georgia State head coach Shawn Elliott said after Thursday's practice, two weeks ahead of the Panthers' season opener. "Right now, retention of assignments is critical for us in all three phases, and we're right on schedule, where we need to be."
The Panthers will hold their second preseason scrimmage Saturday.
"You gain so much out of a scrimmage," Elliott said. "It's a game-like situation, with coaches off the field. First you Look at the communication and how they're lining up in their assignments, then you look at effort and execution. There are a lot of things we've got to clean up, of course, but that's how it is for everyone at this time."
The Panthers open the 2018 season by hosting Atlanta-area foe and 2017 FCS quarterfinalist Kennesaw State on Thursday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. at Georgia State Stadium. The game will air on ESPN+.
When asked about the quarterback battle, Elliott declined to single out any of his four signal callers who have been competing to replace two-year starter Conner Manning, but he did say the field has narrowed.
"We're really rotating two guys now, trying to see which one will create a little more separation," he said. "We're rotating both with our first and second teams, but we'll know before long who that guy is."
The Panthers are incorporating a talented class of incoming freshmen.
"These days freshmen step on campus June 1, and they're getting acclimated over the summer. Once we start practice on Aug. 1, they're right in line. They've gotten over their homesickness and they're ready to play.
"They're doing a good job. Some of these freshmen are making an impact right away on our special teams and also in various positions on offense and defense."
One positive for Elliott and the Panthers heading into 2018 is stability on the coaching staff. With coordinators Travis Trickett (offense) and Nate Fuqua (defense) returning, the schemes and terminology are consistent. Elliott had to replace only one assistant as cornerbacks coach Sam Shade earned an opportunity with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. With one vacancy and the addition of a 10th assistant coaching position, Elliott added Tim Bowens as running backs coach and Blake Gideon as cornerbacks coach.
"I'm really pleased with our staff," Elliott said. "I can't say enough good things about how they work and how they get things done. I'm thrilled to death they're here, and hopefully they're going to be here for a long time."
Season tickets for Panthers' the six-game home schedule at GSU Stadium begin as low as $100. Single-game tickets range from $20 to $25 per game, while group ticket packages are available for groups of 10 more ranging from $10 to $15 per game.
Fans can purchase tickets online at GeorgiaStateSports.com/TIX or by calling the ticket office at 404-413-4020 (M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.).
