In a wild Block 2 clash in the NDL’s Week 4, Coach CeeGee’s Georgia State Panthers battled UTEP and coach Akpatrick42 in a game that came down to the wire, ultimately falling 29-22 in a rollercoaster of a matchup. The Sun Belt showdown had fans on the edge of their seats as both teams traded blows in a game full of big plays and momentum swings.
The Panthers struck first late in the first quarter when QB Christian Veilleux connected with freshman speedster Austin McGee for a 36-yard touchdown, putting Georgia State up 7-0. But UTEP answered back with a pick-six by Oscar Moore to knot it at 7-7.
The Miners seized control in the second quarter, pounding the ground with Corey Wren’s 2-yard score and adding an 8-yard TD pass from Skyler Locklear to Kam Thomas, taking a commanding 21-7 lead into halftime.
Georgia State’s ground game struggled, managing just 66 yards on 21 carries, with DJ Murray Jr. and Freddie Brock unable to find daylight. “We couldn’t get the run game going, and that put us in a hole,” Coach CeeGee reflected.
Veilleux kept the Panthers alive through the air, finishing 22-of-32 for 336 yards and two TDs, with McGee (5 catches, 140 yards, 1 TD) proving a dynamic weapon. However, four interceptions haunted the Panthers, forcing them to play catch-up.
A 27-yard field goal by Liam Rickman in the third quarter trimmed UTEP’s lead to 21-10, setting the stage for a frantic fourth.
With 5:40 left, Veilleux found TE Dorian Fleming for a 22-yard TD, but a failed two-point try left the score at 21-16. Moments later on the ensuing UTEP possession, GAST safety Jeremiah Johnson forced a fumble, and Justin Abraham scooped it for a go-ahead touchdown, putting Georgia State up 22-21. Another missed conversion loomed large.
UTEP responded with a clutch 4th quarter drive, as Locklear hit Trey Goodman for a 4-yard TD and converted a two-point try to take a 29-22 lead with 1:54 remaining.
The Panthers’ final drive fizzled, sealing their fate. “It was a gut-punch, but we showed heart,” Coach CeeGee said. “We’ve got to clean up the turnovers and get back to our game plan.”
"This loss stings" Coach CeeGee said, but with Block 2 open for two weeks, the Panthers have time to regroup. Veilleux’s arm and McGee’s playmaking offer hope, and if Georgia State can shore up the run game and limit mistakes, they’ll be a tough out in the Sun Belt.
Next up, Coach CeeGee and the Panthers look to bounce back.
Atlanta, GA – The UTEP Raiders emerged victorious in a tightly contested battle against Georgia State, winning 29-22 and playing spoiler in Coach CeeGee’s debut as head coach of the Panthers. The Raiders' resilience and defensive prowess were on full display as they forced four crucial interceptions, making decisive plays at pivotal moments.
The game was a testament to the importance of turnovers, as UTEP's defense stepped up when it mattered most. Despite only managing to convert on one of their seven third-down attempts, the Raiders were able to secure the win by capitalizing on Georgia State's mistakes. This was a strategic battle, and UTEP’s defense succeeded in making it a one-dimensional game by effectively shutting down the Panthers' running attack.
Senior safety Oscar Moore had a standout performance, recording two interceptions and returning one for a touchdown. His play was instrumental in turning the tide in favor of the Raiders and providing a much-needed spark for the UTEP defense.
Offensively, the Raiders did just enough to clinch the victory, but head coach AK expressed a desire for more explosive plays moving forward. “We need to find playmakers on offense,” he noted. “While we got the win, I’ve seen a lack of big plays in recent weeks, and it’s something we’re going to work on.”
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