Conference: Sun Belt
Coach Stats
Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
In 2019, McKnight helped coach the topoffensive unit in GSU history, including school records for points, scoringaverage, total offense, total offense per game and first downs. His group ofreceivers remained productive despite season-ending injuries to two of itsthree starters.Penny Hart, who played for McKnight in 2017 and 2018,finished his career as one of the most prolific receivers in Sun BeltConference history and is now with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. In 2017, Hart led the Sun Belt with a school-record 74receptions for 1,121 yards and eight touchdowns.McKnight previously coached at Samford, where helped theprogram to four straight winning seasons, highlighted by a Southern Conferencechampionship and NCAA FCS playoff berth in 2013.He served as Samford’s run game coordinator/tight ends coach in2015, when the Bulldogs ranked No. 7 in FCS in total offense (479.7 ypg) andNo. 3 in passing offense while leading the SoCon in scoring with 34.6 pointsper game.
Coach's Past Performance
McKnight’s top receiver is sophomore Sam Pinckney, who wasrecently added to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. Pinckney leads GSU with 44receptions for 753 yards (17.1 yards per catch) and six TDs. One of hisspectacular catches was featured on the “You Got Mossed Segment” on ESPN.Returning All-Sun Belt Conference receiver Cornelius McCoy missedthree games due to injury but has 26 receptions for 359 yards and three TD.Playing three seasons under McKnight, he ranks fourth in GSU history in receptions(131) and receiving yards (1,611) and eighth in TDs. He at least one catch inevery game he has played.Starting slot receiver Terrance Dixon is a former walk-on whoMcKnight has developed into a productive starter with 19 receptions for 256yards, along with 88 rushing yards on nine attempts.(200 word limit)
Team Record and Standings
“Georgia State won three of its last four games to finish the
regular season at 5-4 overall, 4-4 Sun Belt.
Three of the losses were by a combined 14 points, all coming
down to the final possession.
The team is in line to earn its second straight bowl berth
and third in the last four seasons (which coincides with McKnight’s tenure at GSU).
Playing just its 11th season of football and seventh at the
FBS level, Georgia State is in line to earn its fourth bowl berth in the last
six years.”
Team/Unit Stats
Georgia State won three of its last four games to finish theregular season at 5-4 overall, 4-4 Sun Belt.Three of the losses were by a combined 14 points, all comingdown to the final possession.The team is in line to earn its second straight bowl berthand third in the last four seasons (which coincides with McKnight’s tenure at GSU).Playing just its 11th season of football and seventh at theFBS level, Georgia State is in line to earn its fourth bowl berth in the lastsix years.
Individual Player Stats
Georgia State’s receivers are highly productive in an offensethat is balanced rather than dominated by the pass. GSU averages 190 yardsrushing per game to go along with 227 yards passing. The receiving corps help freshman quarterback CorneliousBrown IV lead the Sun Belt Conference in total offense and rank second inpassing.The GSU receivers are all strong blockers who contribute tothe team’s potent running attack.
