Photo by: MJ
In a captivating Saturday night clash, Georgia State's football team secured a hard-earned 20-17 victory against Louisiana-Lafayette. The game reached a pivotal juncture with just 6:56 remaining, as Zeon Chriss led Louisiana-Lafayette on an impressive 11-play, 73-yard drive to the Georgia State 7. However, the drive concluded in a dramatic twist, as Gavin Pringle's end zone interception sealed the win for Georgia State with a mere 30 seconds left on the clock.
The Panthers' offensive prowess was evident as they established a commanding 20-0 lead before halftime, capitalizing on three consecutive scoring drives. Quarterback Darren Grainger showcased precision, completing 17 of 22 passes for 211 yards. With a record of 6-1 (3-1 Sun Belt Conference), Georgia State delivered a well-rounded and effective offensive performance.
Louisiana-Lafayette, holding a record of 4-3 (1-2), staged a resilient comeback effort. Jacob Kibodi's 3-yard touchdown run narrowed the gap to 20-7 at halftime. Kenneth Almendares added a 23-yard field goal, and Zeon Chriss connected with Terrance Carter for a 2-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, concluding the game with a score of 20-17.
Chriss exhibited versatility, completing 14 of 28 passes for 106 yards and adding 119 yards rushing on 17 carries. Despite the Ragin' Cajuns' determined efforts, Georgia State's steadfast defense and strategic plays secured their well-deserved victory in this enthralling football showdown. It's worth noting that, even after the loss, the Ragin' Cajuns demonstrated sportsmanship by standing strong for their team and showing unwavering support and love, fostering a spirit of camaraderie in the face of competition.