ATLANTA -- Defensive end Hardrick Willis collected 1.5 of Georgia State's school-record seven sacks, along with four tackles and a quarterback hurry, to lead a strong defensive effort in the Panthers' 31-14 victory over South Alabama to earn GSU Student-Athlete of the Week honors on Monday.

Willis' 1.5 sacks give him 11.5 for his career to make him Georgia State's all-time leader as he surpassed the previous career record of 10.5 by Mackendy Cheridor.
 
With the defense missing two key starters due to injury (NG Dontae Wilson and S Antavious Lane), Willis led the way as the GSU held South Alabama to 324 yards of offense.
 
In the first half, Willis and the defense kept the Panthers in the game despite four turnovers by the GSU offense, limiting South Alabama just seven points despite the turnovers.
 
In the second half, after South Alabama took a 14-7 lead midway through the third quarter, the defense allowed just 37 yards the rest of the game. The Panthers forced two straight three-and-outs and then a fourth-down stop to allow the offense to take control with four straight scores.
 
With GSU holding a 21-14 lead late in the third quarter, Willis hurried the South Alabama quarterback on third down, forcing an incomplete pass and a three-and-out.
 
"I can't say enough about our defense and the pressure they put on the quarterback all day," head coach Shawn Elliott said. "Our defense stood strong and paved the way for us to get untracked offensively."

Georgia State is scheduled to conclude the regular season this Saturday hosting in-state rival Georgia Southern at Center Parc Stadium at Noon. The game can be seen on ESPN3 and heard live on WRAS-FM 88.5