Georgia State University Football finding the secrets to success

The Georgia State University Panthers pushed through the cold and wet in a battle against Army West Point Saturday, at Pete Petit Stadium in Atlanta.

The Panthers are on the prowl after defeating the Black Knights 28-21. This marks the third win in a row for the Panthers after two back-to-back record setting performances from the program.

That feeling when you're 3-0 at home.#OurCity pic.twitter.com/0JbwwZ4Bip

— GSU Football (@GeorgiaStateFB) October 20, 2019

“I was really worried about not having the ball enough,” said Head Coach Shawn Elliot, “We came out with a run and the we upped the tempo.”

GSU found their groove early in the game with a 24-yard pass from Senior quarterback Dan Ellington to Red Shirt Freshman WR, Sam Pickney, in the first quarter. The Panthers remained aggressive offensively rushing for 147 yards and passing for 232 yards.

“I was so concerned about how wet the ball was going to be, but to go out there and have one penalty,” said Head Coach Shawn Elliott “I thought we managed it really well. I love to see clean ball games, it’s a testament of who your players are.”

At the start of the 2nd quarter, senior quarterback Dan Ellington attempted a 2-yard rush to the goal line to add to his 1000+ career rushing yards, but a forced fumble from the Black Knights Senior LB Cole Christiansen, kept that from happening.

“That fumble wasn’t even because of the weather,” said Elliot. “He just got quick on it and dropped it.”

West Point continued to be a thorn for the Panthers through the second quarter and tied the score 14 to 14 with a touch down from Junior FB Sandon McCoy, before halftime. When they returned to the field, the Black Knights found Sophomore WR Jalen Moy for a 16-yard touchdown run, giving the Black Knights their first and last lead of the game.

Although the Panthers struggled to hold West Point back from rushing 278 yards, the defense held the Black knights to only 65 passing yards and forced one fumble, recovered by Red shirt Sr Safety Remy Lazarus.

“We were told all week respect but don’t fear,” said Lazarus. “We knew it was going to be a dog fight and that type of game, but we came out and did our jobs.”

Ellington more than made up for the fumble and finished the game with 3 touchdowns and 232 passing yards.

“Picking up first downs is the key to winning,” said Ellington. “It was big time by our offense, locking in and focusing. We just tried to give them opportunities, and I trust my receivers on a 50/50 battle.”

Ellington made sure to use plenty of his offensive options, including Senior RB Tra Barnett, who rushed over 100 yards, his third straight, and scored his 13th touchdown, tying GSU’s record.

The game was over after GSU’s Sophomore CB Quavian White intercepted a pass intended for West Point WR Camden Harrison.

“We’re sitting here at 5-2 and I have no idea what the future holds for us,” said Elliot. “But, I can tell you one thing, that’s one gutsy group of men.”

The Panthers will face off against Troy University on October 26, at Pete Petit Stadium at 7 p.m.

GSU 28, Army 21

Up next: Troy#OurCity | #WITNESS2020 pic.twitter.com/yplqdt8pZc

— GSU Football (@GeorgiaStateFB) October 20, 2019