The Georgia State Panthers had an impressive win in Knoxville yesterday in their season opener against the Tennessee Volunteers. The Panthers shocked the Vols by a final score of 38 – 30.
Tennessee came into the game as a heavy favorite with Vegas giving them a 26.5 point spread. The upset was a collaborative effort led by Georgia State senior quarterback Dan Ellington, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for another. Panthers running back Tra Barnett finished with 95 yards on 21 carries and a touchdown. Tennessee had two costly turnovers in the fourth quarter and couldn’t get the job done at home.
This win is huge for Georgia State, and their first victory against a power-5 team since launching the program in 2010. The Panthers were one of the least likely upsets of the opening week, as they were coming off a 2-10 season in 2018. “We knew it was going to happen. We prepared all week. Coaches told us all week if we do what we are coached to do, we play fast, have fun, play our game, this would be the outcome.” said Georgia State linebacker Ed Curney.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat this. I’m really upset right now. I’m [ticked] and all those types of things. Why shouldn’t we be?” said Tennesse quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, who actually had a good game throwing for 311 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception.
This win is by far the greatest win in the programs short history. Fans started leaving the stadium at halftime when Tennessee was up only three points. Adding insult to injury, Georgia State collected $950,000 just for coming to Nashville. Not a bad Satuday for the Georgia State Panthers if you ask me, and a bad look for a conflicted Tennessee squad.
