By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Georgia State controls the line of scrimmage in a win over Charlotte.

After an 0-2 start, Georgia State responded to some early inconsistencies with an impressive performance in a 20-9 win over previously-unbeaten Charlotte. The Panthers took down a 49ers program that won its first-ever game against a Power Five opponent in a week one triumph over Duke, then beat a Gardner-Webb team that played Georgia Southern within five points by four touchdowns. Georgia State, on Saturday, responded to a second quarter touchdown from Charlotte with a 21-2 rally to finish the game.

Fresh off a victory, the Panthers now have some momentum heading into consecutive games at Auburn and against Appalachian State.

Georgia State dominated at the line of scrimmage versus the 49ers, rushing for 298 yards. Destin Coates, Tucker Gregg, Jamyest Williams and Darren Grainger all contributed to the production. The offensive line set the tone for the Panthers’ first win of the season. Starting at quarterback, Grainger completed just six passes, though two of them went for touchdowns. His 28-yard strike to Ja’Cyais Credle in the third quarter gave Georgia State the lead. A late fourth quarter touchdown run from Williams was the exclamation point on an important victory.

Defensively, the Panthers were much improved. Georgia State held Charlotte to just three yards per rush and 5.6 yards per pass. The Panthers, with Blake Carroll, Jordan Veneziale, Chris Bacon and Jontrey Hunter among those making plays, had seven total tackles for loss. After their second quarter touchdown, the 49ers had just one drive of over 30 yards and it ended in a fumble. Protecting a slim lead for much of the period, Georgia State allowed just 49 fourth quarter yards.

The Panthers needed a strong performance and got one.

Few teams have had or will have a more challenging open to the season than Georgia State: Army, North Carolina, Charlotte, Auburn and Appalachian State. Then there is the late season road game at nationally-ranked Coastal Carolina. Win number one could prove to be a springboard into Sun Belt play. Expectations, for the Panthers, remain high. Even after a slow start, the signs of progress are there.

Georgia State a talented and experienced team. A win over a good Charlotte side comes with optimism moving forward.