SAN MARCOS, Texas — In preparation for this weekend's Sun Belt Conference matchup at Georgia State, below are three talking points to preview the Panthers: 

THE SIGNAL CALLER

Last time out, Georgia State quarterback Darren Grainger tied the Panther program record by accounting for five touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) in GSU's 55-21 win over ULM. Since taking over as the Panthers' starting quarter against Charlotte earlier this season, Grainger, who is in his first season at Georgia State after transferring from Furman, has thrown for nine touchdown passes in four starts. In his first career start, he passed for 139 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 64 yards on 16 carries. 

IN THE CLASSROOM

Georgia State cornerback Jaylon Jones was named a semifinalist for the 2021 William V. Campbell Trophy, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. The trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Jones is a three-year starter at cornerback and has earned 4.0 GPA the last two semesters en route to earning his bachelor's degree last spring and is currently pursuing a master's. 

OH, WHAT A RUSH

The Georgia State offense has achieved two of the program's top eight rushing performances this season with both coming in the Panthers' victories this season. Against ULM, Georgia State rushed for 326 yards while going to 298 against Charlotte. The 326 rushing yards were the fifth-most in a single season by a Georgia State offense, while the 298 were eighth most.