By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

For the Panthers, it was both a milestone win and more of the same.

Georgia State made history on Saturday, dramatically defeating number 22 Coastal Carolina 42-40 for the program’s first-ever win over a nationally-ranked team. The Panthers scored two late fourth quarter touchdowns to take the lead against, and then hold off, with a deciding two-point conversion attempt stop, the favored Chanticleers. Georgia State had a showcase performance in Conway.

For the Panthers, it was both a milestone win and more of the same.

With the lead on the line with just over one minute remaining, Georgia State stuffed a potential game-tying Coastal Carolina rushing attempt after the touchdown, holding strong a mere stretch from paydirt. Simply put, with multiple defenders coming together for the tackle, it was a stand for the ages. The Panthers promptly got the stop and then, with Tucker Gregg then running for a first down on an ensuing 2nd-and-4, got the win.

After falling behind on a touchdown from the Chanticleers with 9:15 remaining, Georgia State had a response for the record books.

The resilient Panthers, when Coastal Carolina took the lead, answered right back with a showcase 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive, a march highlighted by a perfect 4th-down touchdown pass from Darren Grainger to Terrance Dixon. Defensively, Jaquez Pennimon then forced a fumble on a 3rd-down sack of Bryce Carpenter, which was recovered by Jontrey Hunter. Georgia State scored on a Gregg touchdown run two plays later, extending the lead to eight.

It was an afternoon to remember for Grainger, a Conway-native. He completed 18-of-24 passes for two touchdowns, including the clutch game-tying, then go-ahead with an extra point, 4th-down score with less than five minutes to play. On that critical Panthers’ touchdown drive, Grainger was 5-of-5 for 52 yards, adding an eight-yard run. His homecoming helped Georgia State make history. These memories, for Grainger, will be in the media guide for years to come.

Georgia State has now won four of five games overall. Though Coastal Carolina is a signature triumph, Saturday was as much a continuation as celebration. The Panthers are one of the hottest teams in college football. Georgia State has considerable momentum.

Over their past five games, the Panthers have lost only at nationally-ranked Sun Belt West division champion Louisiana, by four points, in a contest where they held the lead late in the fourth quarter. Wins over Louisiana-Monroe, Texas State, Georgia Southern and Coastal Carolina now have Georgia State, at one point 1-4, one win within bowl eligibility. The Panthers could get to 7-5 for the regular season with wins over Arkansas State and Troy to finish the year.

Fresh off one of the biggest wins in program history, Georgia State is ready for more.