Georgia State Falls to Georgia Southern in Home Opener
Atlanta was alive with excitement Saturday afternoon as Georgia State University hosted a much-anticipated football game against their rivals, Georgia Southern. Unfortunately for the Panthers, it didn’t end quite how they had hoped, as they fell short with a final score of 38-21. This defeat drops Georgia State to a 2-2 overall record this season and marks their first loss in the Sun Belt Conference, where they are now 0-1.
A Strong Showing from Veilleux
Despite the loss, Georgia State’s quarterback, Christian Veilleux, put on a commendable performance, passing for a hefty 356 yards. He completed 23 out of 45 attempts, throwing for two touchdowns, but he also had three interceptions that proved costly. As he faced a tough Georgia Southern defense, it was evident that he gave it his all, demonstrating both skill and determination on the field.
Outstanding Receiving Corps
The bright spot for the Panthers came from wide receiver Ted Hurst, who racked up 112 receiving yards along with one touchdown. His fantastic display provided Georgia State with some much-needed offensive firepower. The team did not stop there—Dorian Fleming also made a significant contribution with 58 yards on just two receptions, including a touchdown. Dj Riles wasn’t far behind, catching three passes for 51 yards. These players showcased their abilities and provided a glimpse of the potential in this Georgia State team.
Ground Game Struggles
On the ground, Freddie Brock led the rushing attack with a total of 36 yards, including one rushing touchdown. Sy’veon Wilkerson chipped in with five yards, averaging a solid 5 yards per carry. While the ground game wasn’t overpowering, it did serve its purpose in moments throughout the game. However, it was clear that Georgia State’s offense struggled to find its rhythm consistently.
Defense The Silver Lining
The defense had its moments, with Henry Bryant leading the way, sporting impressive stats including one sack, one forced fumble, and one recovered fumble. Kevin Swint made noise as well, recording four tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. As the game unfolded, the defense fought hard to keep Georgia Southern at bay, showing grit and determination despite the scoreboard.
Game Highlights and Stats
Georgia Southern took an early lead, going up 7-0, but the Panthers quickly responded, tying the game at 7-7 late in the first quarter. The Eagles surged ahead with a series of touchdowns, pushing the score to 24-7 before the Panthers could narrow it down to 24-14. A strong third quarter for Georgia State saw them inch closer at 24-21, but unfortunately, they couldn’t complete the comeback as Georgia Southern added two more touchdowns to seal the victory.
In terms of overall performance, Georgia Southern outgained Georgia State with a total of 498 yards compared to 385 yards for the Panthers. While Georgia State struggled on third-down conversions, making just 3 of 11, Georgia Southern was far more efficient, achieving 9 of 17.
Looking ahead, Georgia State will have a chance to regroup when they take on Old Dominion on October 12th. One can only hope that the Panthers will learn from this game and come back stronger for their next meeting!
Until then, fans will be focused on the progress their team makes in this exciting college football season.
