Group of Five Power Rankings 2019: Mountain West rising in Week 3
By Zach Bigalke
Georgia State secured one of the biggest statements in Week 1, knocking off Tennessee at Neyland Stadium 38-30 in a game few could have envisioned playing out in such fashion. The Panthers followed up that contest by surviving a scare against FCS Furman for a 48-42 victory to move to 2-0 on the season.
Georgia State quarterback Dan Ellington finished the day 29-of-37 for 362 yards and five touchdowns against the Paladins, adding another 86 rushing yards on 15 carries to provide the bulk of the offense. Five different receivers caught touchdown passes from Ellington, led by Cornelius McCoy’s 10 receptions for 143 yards an a score.
The Panthers have some cause for concern after giving up more than 500 yards of offense to the Paladins. At the same time, they pulled out a victory over a Furman team that actually climbed two spots in the FCS Top 25 after their showing in Atlanta.
Next week, Georgia State heads on the road for a key Group of Five elimination game against Western Michigan in Kalamazoo. The Panthers also have a home date against Army in mid-October. They also have the advantage of playing both their key rivals for the Sun Belt East, Appalachian State and Troy, at home this year.