ATLANTA -- Junior inside linebacker Jordan Veneziale is this week's GSU Student-Athlete of the Week after leading Georgia State's strong defensive effort at No. 23 Auburn on Saturday.
 
Veneziale finished the game against the Tigers with eight tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble and recovery.

The GSU defense allowed just one offensive touchdown to the Tigers, who kicked four field goals and scored on defense and special teams.

Auburn entered the game averaging 283.7 rushing yards per game, but Veneziale and the Panthers held the Tigers to 166 yards on the ground.

With Georgia State holding a 24-19 lead in the fourth quarter, Veneziale forced Auburn running back Tank Bigsby to fumble and recovered the ball at the GSU 25-yard line. He also sacked AU quarterback T.J. Finley in the fourth quarter to help force a three-and-out.

Over the last two games, the Georgia State defense has allowed just two offensive touchdowns against Auburn and Charlotte.

Veneziale, the Dallas, Ga., native (North Paulding High School) is the Panthers' leading tackler on the season with 34, and he ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference at 8.5 tackles per game.

Next up for Veneziale and the Panthers is a home game this Saturday at 2 p.m., at Center Parc Stadium hosting Sun Belt Conference foe Appalachian State.