By: Josie Marin
( Photo/ Josie Marin - The Mojo Network )
Georgia State’s season has hit a bump in the road with a 38–16 loss at home to Memphis on Saturday night, not exactly how Panthers fans wanted to kick things off. But let’s be real: one game doesn’t define a season.
Quarterback T.J. Finley put up 201 yards on 21-of-29 passing, showing poise under pressure despite a late pick-six, which put the finishing touch on Memphis’s dominance. Cameran Brown, who stepped in while Finley was briefly sidelined after a shoulder injury, impressed in the first half—rushing for a 22-yard touchdown and later connecting with Javon Robinson for a 44-yard score. But despite the flashes, turnovers and inconsistent offensive balance hindered a full response.
Coach McGee’s Take
Head coach Dell McGee didn’t shy away from accountability. “There’s going to be eight plays in this game, if you could reverse the situation, this game is different,” he stressed, emphasizing how execution on small moments can be decisive.
Why It’s Still Too Early to Panic
Yes, the Panthers were shut out in the second half, but they showed things worth building on: Brown’s versatility, Finley’s accuracy, and flashes of playmaking up front. Meanwhile, Memphis proved why they’re a tough test, racking up 401 total yards (205 on the ground), holding a 12-game winning streak against Sun Belt teams, and extending a 42-game streak of scoring 20+ points.
How It Unfolded
- After Memphis opened with a swift Sutton Smith 16-yard touchdown, Marlin Dean’s safety and Cameran Brown’s 22-yard run swung the momentum to Georgia State, leading 9–7 to end the first quarter.
- Brown then hooked up with Robinson on a long 44-yard touchdown pass, giving the Panthers a brief 16–14 lead.
- But a buzzer-beating 55-yard field goal by Memphis’s Gianni Spetic sent the Tigers ahead 17–16 at halftime.
- The second half unraveled for Georgia State as Memphis’s offense rolled with long touchdown drives by Brendon Lewis (run) and Makari Bodiford (short plunge), and sealed the night with DeMarco Ward’s 31-yard pick-six.
The Road Ahead
Georgia State has a chance for redemption soon the Panthers host Murray State at home next Saturday, September 13, at 7:00 p.m. ET. It’s a crucial early-season reset, a chance to capitalize on what clicked, and tighten up that execution that coach McGee emphasized.