By : Sabri Haidar
(Photo/ Alvin Kuria - The Mojo Network)
Georgia State made sure there was no drama Saturday night at Center Parc Stadium. The Panthers struck first and never trailed, rolling to a 37-21 victory over Murray State to secure their first win of the year.
“Wins are hard to come by, and we’re gonna celebrate them when we do have them,” head coach Dell McGee said postgame. “We still have some things that we need to work on in all three phases, but I’m really proud of our guys’ effort.”
Offensive Standouts
The Panthers’ offense found its rhythm early. Running back Branson Robinson set the tone on the ground with 65 yards at 8.1 yards per carry, while Rashad Amos chipped in 56 yards and a touchdown. Through the air, tight end Ted Hurst was nearly unstoppable, hauling in 10 catches for 172 yards and two scores to give the passing game a consistent spark.
Quarterback Cameran Brown was efficient and steady, completing 10 of 12 passes for 115 yards. The Panthers finished with 454 total yards, including 288 through the air, and scored touchdowns on five of six red-zone trips.
Defensive Highlights
Defensively, Georgia State set the tone with a safety from redshirt sophomore Jaylen Jones in the second quarter — his first career safety and the program’s second this season, marking the first time in school history the Panthers have recorded multiple in a single year.
Josiah Robinson led the charge with nine tackles, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery forced by Marlin Dean. D-Icey Hopkins and Alex Mullings each added sacks to cap a solid defensive outing that held Murray State to just 282 total yards.
How It Happened
Georgia State jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. After taking a 23-7 advantage into halftime, the Panthers pushed the margin to 30-7 in the third. Murray State cut into the deficit late, but Georgia State’s cushion proved more than enough.
The Panthers also excelled situationally, converting 45 percent on third down, 100 percent on fourth down (2-for-2), and winning time of possession by nearly two minutes.
What’s Next
With their first win secured, Georgia State (1-2) will try to build momentum on the road. The Panthers travel to Nashville next Saturday to face Vanderbilt in the second leg of their home-and-home series. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.