On Wednesday, September 2, 2009, Georgia State University's Panther football program began the official "Countdown to Touchdown" -- exactly one year before Georgia State's inaugural football game. The Countdown to Touchdown pep rally and news conference took place at 1:30 p.m. in the Georgia State Student Center Ballroom.

Georgia State President Mark Becker, Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick and head football coach Bill Curry were on hand, and the entire Georgia State football team was introduced for the first time. The team is currently practicing in preparation for their 2010 kickoff.

The event also featured a preview of the inaugural season's schedule, the unveiling of Georgia State's new athletics mascot and logo, the introduction of the new marching band director -- the School of Music's very own Chester Phillips -- and other exciting announcements related to the Panthers' first football season.

Click to to view a complete article and link to a photo gallery from the event.

Click to access a brief video clip of the event courtesy of Fox 5 Atlanta.