ATLANTA (AP) — In an impressive display of offensive prowess, Georgia State University began their 2026 season with a commanding 59-10 victory over North Carolina A&T on Friday night. Quarterback Cameran Brown led the charge, throwing two touchdown passes as the Panthers showcased a revamped roster that included 37 transfers and 24 new freshmen following a challenging 1-11 season last year.
Brown, now in his second season with Georgia State, previously played at Texas Tech and West Georgia. He had an efficient performance, completing 15 of 20 passes for 190 yards. The Panthers amassed a total of 563 yards of offense, with 279 yards coming through the air and 284 yards on the ground. Leading the rushing attack was Lanear McCrary Jr., who gained 75 yards on nine carries, while Savion Hart contributed a notable 41-yard touchdown run.
The game started with a hiccup for the Panthers as they punted on their opening possession. However, they quickly found their rhythm, scoring touchdowns on their next six drives. A pivotal moment came when DJ Riles returned a punt 26 yards, setting up the first touchdown, a 30-yard pass from Brown to Dennis Murray Jr. Brown capped off a dominant first half with a short touchdown pass to Jamari Miller, leaving Georgia State with a comfortable 35-7 lead at halftime.
The scoring for Georgia State continued into the third quarter, although it was interrupted by a field goal from Samer Layous, who kicked a 26-yarder after a blocked punt by Tre Mittman gave the Panthers great field position at the NC A&T 8-yard line.
On the other side, North Carolina A&T struggled to find their footing throughout the game. Quarterback Kevin White managed to pass for 122 yards, with 61 of those yards connecting with Anthony Rucker for the Aggies' only touchdown. The Aggies, now 0-2 on the season, were limited to just 209 total yards and only managed to secure 10 first downs.
Looking ahead, North Carolina A&T will seek to bounce back as they face North Carolina Central on September 12. Meanwhile, Georgia State will look to build on this momentum against Kennesaw State on the same day. The Panthers' strong performance in their season opener not only sets a positive tone for the rest of the season but also highlights the effectiveness of their offseason recruitment strategy.
Leave a Comment