GEORGIA STATE (2-0, 0-0 SBC) at UCF (1-1, 0-0 Big 12)

Saturday, Sept. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | Orlando, Fla.

TV: ESPN+

RADIO: Georgia State Radio Network in Atlanta on WRAS-FM 88.5, in Gainesville on WGTJ-FM 97.5, GSU Athletics mobile app, www.LowCountryRadio.com

ATLANTA– After starting 2-0 on the season, the Panthers take their first out-of-state trip to Orlando, Fla. to face the University of Central Florida on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Acrisure Bounce House.

The Panthers are 2-0 on the season after defeating North Carolina A&T (Sept. 4) and Kennesaw State (Sept. 12) so far this season.

Georgia State opened the season with a 59-10 win over North Carolina A&T on Sept. 5, setting the program record for most points scored in a game, largest margin of victory and second fewest points allowed in program history.

The Panthers enter year three under the direction of head coach Dell McGee.

Georgia State returns 50 student athletes from the 2025 roster and added 67 newcomers, including 37 transfers and 24 freshmen.

SERIES HISTORY

Georgia State and UCF are meeting for the first time in program history.

LAST TIME OUT

Georgia State used a big 230-yard performance on the ground, including 101 yards from Lanear McCrary Jr., and three rushing touchdowns to pick up a 31-17 win against Kennesaw State Saturday night.

The Panther win marked the first time since Nov. 2024 that Kennesaw State lost at home.

Cameran Brown led Georgia State’s passing attack with 253 yards through the air. The signal caller also added 62 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

McCrary Jr. paced the Panthers rushing attack by accumulating 101 yards and one touchdown over the course of the game, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

Kyle Washington hauled in two catches for 59 yards.

Deuce Lee showed out for the Georgia State defense, totaling five tackles and one interception. Xavier Esqillion added three tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one sack.

MOVING THE CHAINS

Georgia State averages 523 total yards per-game, including 257.0 yards per-game on the ground. Their rushing offense and total offense lead the Sun Belt and rank top 20 in the nation.

Junior Dennis Murray Jr. leads Georgia State’s offense with 141 total yards and three touchdowns, including 78 rushing yards and 63 receiving yards. Murray notched a career-high two touchdowns in the Panthers’ season-opener against NCA&T (Sept. 4).

Transfer Lanear McCrary Jr. leads the Panthers on the ground, averaging 88.0 yards and a touchdown per-game.

Transfer Rodshaun Dorsey leads the Panthers’ receivers with 88-yards on seven receptions.

The Panthers have converted on 52.0 percent of 3rd downs, and was successful on 66.7 percent of 4th down conversions.

On the line, the Panthers have not allowed a sack, and have only given up four tackles for loss. Georgia State’s O-line leads the nation in sacks allowed. They also lead the Sun Belt and rank seventh in the nation for fewest TFL allowed.

LOCKDOWN D

The Panthers defense has racked up 102 tackles and 11 tackles for loss of 42 yards. They have held their opponents to 270.5 total yards per-game.

Georgia State’s defense has only allowed 6-of-23 (26.09%) third down conversions, and has not allowed a fourth down conversion yet this season.

On the line, Xavier Esqillion leads the Panthers with 3.5 TFL, closely followed by Jabriel Rhodes-Nelson with three. They co-lead the panthers with two sacks a piece.

In the backfield, Georgia State has racked up seven pass breakups and an interception. Sophomore Tyson McCrary leads the defensive backs with four breakups through the air.

UP NEXT

Georgia State returns to Center Parc Credit Union Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 26 to face Northern Illinois for Family Weekend.