Georgia State Panthers Fall Short Against Arkansas State in Close Matchup
ATLANTA — In a heart-pounding showdown on Saturday evening, the Georgia State Panthers faced off against the Arkansas State Red Wolves, ultimately falling 27-20 at home. Though the Panthers didn’t come away with a victory, the game still brought some significant milestones and impressive performances to the forefront.
Ted Hurst Sets New Record
One standout moment came from Ted Hurst, who grabbed his ninth touchdown of the season, making him the new record-holder for the most touchdowns in a single season for the program. Hurst’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as he caught nine passes for an impressive 173 yards and one touchdown. His record-breaking touchdown was a historic highlight for the Panthers, adding a silver lining to an otherwise tough loss.
Christian Veilleux Leads the Offense
The Panthers’ passing game was led by Christian Veilleux, who threw for 245 yards while tallying one touchdown pass alongside an interception. He displayed his dual-threat capabilities by also rushing for 19 yards. Veilleux’s strong performance, although overshadowed by the final score, showcased his ability to lead the offense.
Ground Game Struggles
On the ground, Michel Dukes led the Panthers’ rushing attack, collecting 32 yards and averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per carry. He also contributed a touchdown through the air, showing his versatility as a running back. However, the rushing game struggled against a tough Arkansas State defense, which made it difficult for Georgia State to find a rhythm.
Defensive Highlights
On the defensive side, Josiah Robinson was a force to be reckoned with, notching 10 tackles, alongside 2.5 tackles for loss (TFL) and 1.5 sacks. His relentless pursuit of the ball kept the Arkansas State offensive line on their toes. Fellow defender Christian Lorenzo also had a noteworthy performance, recording three tackles including one sack and another TFL, showcasing the Panthers’ defensive prowess.
Game Flow and Key Moments
Georgia State was the first to draw blood, scoring a touchdown with just over seven minutes left in the first quarter, giving them a 7-0 lead. Arkansas State quickly responded, however, taking a 14-7 lead of their own shortly after. The teams traded scores, with Georgia State tying the game at 14-14 before Arkansas State pulled ahead once again.
By the fourth quarter, the scoreboard read 24-17 in favor of Arkansas State when Georgia State managed to kick a field goal to tighten the score. Unfortunately, the Red Wolves answered back to extend their lead to 27-17. The Panthers fought back with one last touchdown, closing the gap to 27-20. Ultimately, neither team found the end zone again, sealing the Panthers’ fate.
Looking Ahead
The Panthers now set their sights on their next challenge, preparing for a road game against Texas State on November 23. This meeting promises to be another exciting opportunity for Georgia State to showcase their resilience and talent, as the season winds down and they look to finish strong.
Fans can tune in to the game on WRAS-FM 88.5. Mark your calendars—it’s bound to be an exciting matchup as the Panthers strive for redemption!
