What Is 2017 Georgia State Panthers football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Georgia State Panthers football team represented Georgia State University in the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS season, finishing with a 3-9 overall record under head coach Shawn Elliott. They competed in the Sun Belt Conference and played home games at the Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta.

Key Facts

The 2017 Georgia State Panthers finished with a 3-9 overall record
They were 2-6 in Sun Belt Conference play during the 2017 season
Head coach Shawn Elliott led the team in his second full season
The Panthers played home games at Georgia State Stadium in Atlanta
Quarterback Conner Manning started most games before injury

Overview

The 2017 Georgia State Panthers football team represented Georgia State University during the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Sun Belt Conference, the team struggled to find consistency on both offense and defense, finishing with a 3-9 overall record and 2-6 in conference play.

Under head coach Shawn Elliott, who was in his second full season, the Panthers aimed to build on their 2016 success but faced challenges due to injuries and inexperience. Home games were played at Georgia State Stadium, a downtown Atlanta venue formerly known as Turner Field, which the university renovated for football use.

Conner Manning started as the primary quarterback but missed time due to injury, limiting offensive rhythm and continuity throughout the season.
The team’s best performance came in a 35-20 win over Akron, marking one of only three victories and showcasing improved offensive execution.
Defensively, the Panthers allowed an average of 34.3 points per game, among the highest in the Sun Belt Conference, indicating struggles in key situations.
They opened the season with a tough loss to North Carolina, a Power Five team, highlighting the difficulty of their non-conference schedule.
Despite the losing record, the season contributed to long-term program development under Shawn Elliott’s leadership and growing fan engagement in Atlanta.

How It Works

The structure and operations of a college football season like Georgia State’s 2017 campaign follow established NCAA and conference guidelines. From scheduling to player eligibility, each element shapes the team’s performance and season outcome.

Season Structure: The 2017 FBS season included 12 regular-season games; Georgia State played 3 wins and 9 losses with no bowl appearance.
Conference Play: As a Sun Belt member, Georgia State faced teams like Appalachian State and Troy, with conference results determining postseason eligibility.
Home Stadium:Georgia State Stadium, converted from Turner Field in 2017, provided a unique urban setting but limited capacity at approximately 25,000.
Coaching Leadership:Shawn Elliott served as head coach, overseeing recruiting, game strategy, and player development throughout the challenging season.
Recruiting Impact: The 2017 roster relied heavily on prior recruiting classes, with limited immediate impact from new signees due to development timelines.
Injury Management: Key absences, especially at quarterback, disrupted offensive consistency and hindered the team’s ability to build momentum.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2017 Georgia State Panthers to other Sun Belt teams reveals their standing within the conference:

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Points Scored	Points Allowed
Appalachian State	10-3	7-1	415	234
Troy	10-3	7-1	392	268
Arkansas State	8-5	5-3	370	312
Georgia State	3-9	2-6	276	412
Georgia Southern	2-10	1-7	225	432

The table shows Georgia State ranked near the bottom in both win-loss record and defensive performance. While they outperformed Georgia Southern, they trailed significantly behind division leaders like Appalachian State and Troy, who both reached bowl games. The Panthers’ offense scored only 276 total points, averaging 23.0 per game, while their defense was overmatched, surrendering 412 points. This gap in performance underscores the developmental stage of the program during the 2017 season.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a transitional year for Georgia State football, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities of building a competitive FBS program in a major city. Despite the losing record, it provided critical experience for young players and coaching staff.

The move to Georgia State Stadium marked a major step in program identity, establishing a permanent home in downtown Atlanta.
Exposure to Power Five opponents like North Carolina helped with national visibility and recruiting appeal.
Player development during the season laid groundwork for future improvements, especially on the defensive side.
The team’s struggles emphasized the need for depth, particularly at quarterback and in the defensive backfield.
Continued investment in facilities and coaching signaled long-term commitment to elevating the program’s competitiveness.
Engaging Atlanta’s diverse population remained a strategic goal, with football serving as a unifying campus and community activity.

While the 2017 campaign did not yield postseason play, it contributed to incremental progress. Future seasons would build on these lessons, aiming for greater stability and success in the Sun Belt Conference.