Panthers’ defense rebounds inwin

The Georgia State defense, whichwasbarbecuedfor59points in its previous game, rode to the rescue Saturday by creating four turnovers, two of them momentum-changers, that enabled the Panthers to score an important 36-34 road victory over Troy.

An interception by Antavious Lane and a fumble and recovery by Michael Strachan, one of two in the game, set up two of Georgia State’s three third-quarter scores that turned the game around. An interception by Cameron Sims with 5:32 put the Panthers in great position.

But the outcomewasn’t sealed until a two-point conversion attempt by Troy’s Jacob Free was overthrown. The Trojans got a final chance when Georgia State’s Destin Coates fumbled with 1:20 remaining. Troy covered the 47 yards in seven plays and Todd threw to Reggie Todd for an 11-yard score with 37 seconds left.

Troy recovered the onside kick, but did so before the ball traveled the required 10 yards. The Panthers then ran out the clock.

It was the second consecutive season in which Georgia State (2-2, 1-2 Sun Belt) has beaten the Trojans (3-2, 1-1) and its first victory in Troy.

ThePantherswere playing without top pass rusherHardrickWillis, top corner Quavian Brown and receiver Cornelius McCoy.

Coatessurpassed100yardsforthe third time. He rushed 25 times for 115yards. QuarterbackQuadBrown completed 20 of 30 passes for 169 yardsandtwotouchdowns, adding 13 yards on 10 carries. Tight end Roger Carter caught seven passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

Free came off the bench to complete 24 of 38 passes for 329 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. But Georgia State limited Troy to 40 yards rushing.

(At) No. 25 Coastal Carolina 28, Georgia Southern 14: Backup quarterback Fred Payton threw three touchdownpasses, and No. 25 Coastal Carolina won its first game as a ranked teamwith a victoryovervisitingGeorgiaSouthern.

The Chanticleers (5-0, 3- 0 Sun Belt) played without starting passer Grayson McCall, who had an upper body injury.

Coastal outgained Georgia Southern 382-218 and held the Eagles to 2 of 12 on third down with two interceptions by cornerback D’Jordan Strong, six tackles for loss and four sacks, including twobylinebackerEnockMakonzo.

AturnoverondownsbyGeorgia Southern (3-2, 2-2) and late interception by Strong sealed the win.

Coastal Carolina heads toGeorgia State this Saturday.