Georgia State football was desperate for a complete game effort after losing five straight contests. Homecoming at the Georgia Dome proved to be just what the doctor ordered as the Panthers snatched the biggest victory in its program's short history beating future Sun Belt member South Alabama 27-20 in double overtime.
Running back Donald Russell summed it up quite nicely after the game:
I'm just happy to get the win. It hasn't sunk in yet. We've had a hard time finishing. But we showed today that we can finish and come out with the victory.
The bruising Russell had a tremendous day rushing the ball 20 times for 136 yards and the go ahead touchdown in double overtime. QB Kelton Hill started his first career game and was razor sharp completing his first six passes for 161 yards and two throwing touchdowns in the first half. Hill finished 12/15 with 209 yards and two touchdowns.
The Panthers defense forced five turnovers on the day including linebacker Mark Hogan's game ending interception. Hogan explained the final play in the post game press conference:
On the last play, my ear pad had fallen out, my vision was blurry. I just knew to keep playing and something good would happen. I saw a lot of blue jerseys in the area, so I knew it might be tipped up in the air.
Georgia State heads back on the road next Saturday facing UT-San Antonio in the Alamodome at 1:30pm ET.