Schedule Highlights:

* Nationally-televised, prime time home game against defending Sun Belt champion Arkansas State.

* Home game vs. in-state rival Georgia Southern Nov. 19 at the Georgia Dome.

* Non-conference road games at Air Force and Wisconsin.

ATLANTA -- A nationally-televised, prime time home game against defending Sun Belt Conference champion Arkansas State and a home date with in-state rival Georgia Southern highlight Georgia State's 2016 football schedule, announced Thursday by the league office.

The Panthers of head coach Trent Miles look to “Take the Next Step” after winning their final four regular-season games of 2015 to earn their first bowl berth in the AutoNation Cure Bowl. GSU returns 16 starters, including seven All-Sun Belt honorees, and Miles was named Sun Belt Coach of the Year.

GSU and Arkansas State are scheduled to meet on Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Georgia Dome on ESPNU in the Panthers’ fourth appearance on the network. The day is subject to change, pending the release of the Atlanta Falcons’ schedule.

The matchup against Georgia Southern at the Georgia Dome is the final home game of the season on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Georgia State opens the 2016 season at home against Ball State in a game on Friday, Sept. 2, also subject to change due to the NFL schedule. Non-conference road trips to Air Force and Wisconsin follow.

After an open date on Sept. 24, the Panthers begin Sun Belt play Oct. 1 at Appalachian State. GSU hosts Sun Belt games against Texas State (Oct. 8) and ULM (Nov. 12) as well as a non-conference game vs. UT Martin (Oct. 22). In addition to Appalachian State, the conference road games are at Troy (Oct. 15), South Alabama (Oct. 29) and Idaho (Dec. 3). The Panthers’ second open date falls on Thanksgiving weekend.

The 12-game slate features five games against 2015 bowl teams.

“We’re very happy with the schedule, especially the opportunity to play Arkansas State on national television,” Miles said. “But really, it doesn’t matter. Anybody, anytime, anywhere – that’s how we have to approach it.”

All times are to be announced.

Season ticket renewals are due by May 1. To renew or purchase season tickets, call 404-413-4020 or visit GeorgiaStateSports.com.