Georgia State beats Appalachian State 39-23 for first series win
Georgia State defeated Appalachian State 39-23, earning its first victory in the 13‑game series and improving to 5‑4 overall in Sun Belt play.
Key points
- Georgia State won 39-23, its first series win over Appalachian State.
- Quarterback Ayden Pereira threw three TD passes; Coby Owens had two interceptions, one returned for a TD.
- Running back Lanear McCrary Jr. rushed for 112 yards; kicker Samer Layous hit four field goals, including a 52‑yard try.
- Appalachian State quarterback Malachi Singleton threw for 241 yards and two TDs but was intercepted twice.
Georgia State defeats Appalachian State 39-23
On Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, the Georgia State Panthers defeated the Appalachian State Mountaineers 39–23.
The win gave Georgia State its first victory in the 13‑game series against Appalachian State.
Panthers quarterback Ayden Pereira completed 10 of 17 passes and threw three touchdown passes to DJ Riles, Grant Hollier and Rodshaun Dorsey.
Linebacker Coby Owens recorded the first two interceptions of his career, returning the first for a 23‑yard touchdown that put Georgia State ahead 20–13 in the second quarter.
Running back Lanear McCrary Jr. rushed for 112 yards, and kicker Samer Layous contributed four field goals, including a career‑long 52‑yard attempt.
For Appalachian State, quarterback Malachi Singleton threw for 241 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice.
Mountaineer receiver Chris Lofton amassed 117 receiving yards, scored a touchdown, and threw a 56‑yard touchdown pass to Jamel Howse on a double‑pass play.
After the game, Georgia State improved to 5‑4 overall and 2‑3 in Sun Belt competition, while Appalachian State fell to 5‑4 overall and 2‑3 in the conference.
Your questions, answered
Who threw the touchdown passes for Georgia State in the win over Appalachian State?
Quarterback Ayden Pereira threw three touchdown passes to DJ Riles, Grant Hollier and Rodshaun Dorsey.
What was the significance of the victory for Georgia State?
It was Georgia State's first win in the 13‑game series against Appalachian State and moved the Panthers to 5‑4 overall.
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