By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Georgia State beats rival Georgia Southern 30-24.

1. What a finish from Georgia State. Down 24-13 early in the fourth quarter, the Panthers responded with the game’s final 17 points. A touchdown run from Destin Coates pulled Georgia State close, but it was the final moments of the afternoon where the Panthers won the game. A 10-play drive that ended in a Cornelious Brown IV score and ensuing two-point conversion pass to Sam Pinckney gave Georgia State a three-point lead with under three minutes remaining. The Panthers then sacked Georgia Southern’s Justin Tomlin on the very next play from scrimmage, forcing and recovering a fumble. After an added a field goal, Georgia State intercepted Tomlin to perserve the victory. It was a fourth quarter to remember for the Panthers.

2. That rivaly week win is a big one for Georgia State, one that puts them in position to make a bowl game. The Panthers finish the regular season having won three of four games overall, including two in a row, losing only to Appalachian State by four points. Three of Georgia State’s four losses came by a touchdown or less. The victory over Georgia Southern, including the fashion in which it came, gives the Panthers great momentum moving forward.

3. The Georgia State passing game was quite productive. Cornelious Brown threw for 372 yards, with both Sam Pinckney and Cornelius McCoy topping the 100-yard mark. Brown was great and finished the game 8-of-9 passing, also rushing for a touchdown and converting a two-point conversion, responding in a big way after throwing an interception late in the third quarter. A downfield attack, with Brown averaging 9.5 yards per pass, helped the Panthers rally back for the win.

4. Linebacker Blake Carroll was everywhere. He recorded a game-high 14 total tackles, recovering two forced fumbles, including the key turnover late in the fourth quarter. He led a defensive effort that held Georgia Southern to just 13 total first downs.

5. Too many mistakes and missed opportunities late for the Eagles. Georgia Southern had two turnovers and a missed field goal on its final three drives and could not stop Georgia State as it tried to hold the lead.