Georgia State tops Appalachian State 39-23 for first win in 13‑game series
The Panthers beat the Mountaineers 39‑23 on Saturday, earning their first victory in the series and improving to 5‑4 overall and 2‑3 in Sun Belt play.
Key points
- Georgia State won 39‑23, their first win over Appalachian State in 13 games.
- Quarterback Ayden Pereira threw three touchdown passes, 10‑of‑17 completions.
- Linebacker Coby Owens returned a 23‑yard interception for a touchdown.
- Running back Lanear McCrary Jr. rushed for 112 yards.
- Kicker Samer Layous hit four field goals, including a career‑long 52‑yard attempt.
Georgia State defeated Appalachian State 39-23 on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Boone, N.C.
The victory marked the Panthers' first win over the Mountaineers in the 13-game series.
Georgia State improved to 5-4 overall and 2-3 in Sun Belt play, while Appalachian State fell to 5-4 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
Quarterback Ayden Pereira threw three touchdown passes, completing 10 of 17 attempts.
Junior linebacker Coby Owens recorded the game’s first pick‑6, a 23‑yard interception return that gave Georgia State the lead.
Panthers running back Lanear McCrary Jr. rushed for 112 yards.
Kicker Samer Layous made four field goals, including a career‑long 52‑yard attempt.
Appalachian State quarterback Malachi Singleton threw for 241 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice.
Mountaineers receiver Chris Lofton logged 117 receiving yards, a touchdown, and a 56‑yard touchdown pass on a double pass play.
Your questions, answered
What was the final score of the Georgia State vs. Appalachian State game?
Georgia State defeated Appalachian State 39-23.
Who returned an interception for a touchdown in the game?
Junior linebacker Coby Owens returned a 23‑yard interception for a touchdown.
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