Georgia State football had lost to opponents with better talent, more experience and more depth so far this season. Saturday the Panthers lost to a first-year program and was embarrassed on the road, losing 17-14 in OT to first-year program UTSA.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers jumped out to a 14-0 lead on the back of a powerful rushing attack led by running back Donald Russell and a 54-yard bomb to wide receiver Albert WIlson in what looked to be the makings of a rout. Aided by two personal foul penalties that extended consecutive drives, UTSA took the ball down, kicking a 30 yard field goal before the half.
The Panthers managed only 123 yards in the second half, and Christian Benevenuto missed three critical field goals on the day, including his last in overtime. QB Kelton Hill was 3/8 for only 17 yards in the second half, leaving the door wide open for the young UTSA program to inch back.
Coach Bill Curry echoed Panther fans frustration after the game:
"UTSA is a good team, but this is a very disappointing loss because we just kept making mistakes and shooting ourselves in the foot. We’ve got to be able to run the ball when we need to, even if the other team knows we’re going to run it, and we didn’t get that done."
Georgia State clinched another first with the road loss: its first losing season. The Panthers return home to face NAIA St. Francis at the Georgia Dome next Saturday at 2pm ET.