Charlotte 49ers had a tough time with Georgia State on Saturday. Here’s what happened
Georgia State, led by surprise starter Darren Grainger, scored its first win of the season with a rain-drenched 20-9 victory over the Charlotte 49ers.
After being outscored 102-27 in its first two games, the Panthers found life behind Grainger’s arm and a strong defensive showing. Grainger, a transfer from Furman, struggled early but settled in during the second quarter on his way to 139 yards and two touchdowns.
Nursing a four-point lead late, the Panthers put together a drive that head coach Shawn Elliott dreams about. Georgia State used seven minutes of clock on a 13-play, 90-yard touchdown drive to put the 49ers away. All 90 yards came on the ground, and Jamyest Williams capped it off with a score from 13 yards out.
After throwing two interceptions against Gardner-Webb, Chris Reynolds’ struggles continued against a veteran Panthers defense. Reynolds completed 13-of-28 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown.
While the Panthers didn’t record an interception in the contest, at least three of Reynolds’ passes nearly resulted in turnovers. Elliott’s defense returned all 11 starters, including seven seniors.
After carrying for just 58 yards through two games, Georgia State tailback Destin Coates broke free for 64 yards up the seam on what looked to be a walk-in touchdown, but he was tracked down and stripped on a textbook effort play from defensive back Jon Alexander. It was Coates’ last snap of the game.
The 49ers struck first as Reynolds found wideout Elijah Spencer on a slant route and the freshman did the rest, streaking 36 yards for his first collegiate touchdown. Spencer’s touchdown capped off an 11-play drive where the 49ers converted two fourth-down attempts.
Georgia State responded immediately as Grainger led a two-play, 68-yard drive with deep completions on both sides of the field. The first to Ja’Cyais Credle for 33 yards and the second to Jamari Thrash for a 35-yard touchdown, Thrash’s first touchdown of the season.
On the Panthers’ first possession of the second half, mistakes on back-to-back plays cost Georgia State. On third-and-1, the Panthers were called for a false start on what was a sure first down. The next play, an errant snap rolled all the way back into the Panthers’ end zone where Grainger scooped up the ball and heaved it out of bounds, drawing an intentional grounding call that resulted in a safety, putting the 49ers up 9-7.
Grainger’s second score came on yet another go-route, this time a 28-yard strike to Credle.
Jon Alexander gave the 49ers life as he forced his second turnover on the night with an interception of Grainger early in the fourth quarter. The Panthers’ offense ran vertical routes on nearly every passing attempt, and the transfer from Kansas State made a key play on the ball to give Reynolds and the offense another shot.
Alexander’s efforts weren’t enough, as the Georgia State defense shut down the 49ers offense for three quarters. In the second half, Charlotte punted five times, turned the ball over on downs twice and fumbled once.
After consecutive home victories, the 49ers (2-1) will return home for a Friday night matchup with Middle Tennessee (1-2) next week.
First down
Through two games the 49ers had allowed 516 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. Georgia State continued the trend, rushing for 282 yards and a score with a season-high 421 yards of total offense.
Offsides
Coming into Week 3, the 49ers had converted 9 of 10 red-zone attempts into points. Midway through the third quarter, trailing by four, Charlotte had entered the red zone for the first time all game. Calvin Camp was hit at the line of scrimmage by Blake Carroll, losing control of the ball and the Panthers recovered, halting a seven-play drive. It was the first and only red-zone trip for the 49ers.
Touchdown
After overthrowing his first three passes, the 49ers’ defense left its corners on an island with no safety help, and Grainger made them pay. He connected on passes of 28, 33 and 35 yards. Defensive backs Geovante Howard and Trey Creamer were both beat for touchdowns in man-to-man coverage.
ICYMI
Quarterback Cornelius “Quad” Brown IV started 12 consecutive games for the Panthers dating back to last season but was benched ahead of kickoff in favor of Furman transfer Grainger. Prior to Saturday’s game, Grainger had attempted just four passes this season.
Key numbers
9: points for the 49ers after averaging 34.5 through the first two games.
4: conversions on 15 third-down attempts for Charlotte.
23: yards per completion for the Panthers.
