Who says teams from the South can’t play in cold weather? While it may not have been freezing or snowing, Georgia State put on a show Saturday afternoon in their 45-22 win over Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. After a first quarter that saw both teams combine for 35 points, the Panthers outscored the Aggies 24-0 run to put the game away. The win capped a nice bounce back for the Panthers, who finished 4-8 in 2022. Head Coach Sean Eliot has been a hallmark of consistency for the Panthers since coming over from South Carolina in 2016. Elliot has finished the season with a winning record in five of his seven seasons in Atlanta, including a 4-2 bowl record. Here are your three stars for the Panthers.
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Key Performers
Georgia State’s Darren Grainger
The Panthers’ senior quarterback, Darren Grainger, had an impressive performance in his final game. He showcased his skills both in passing and rushing, ending the day with as many completions as touchdowns. Grainger threw 19 out of 22 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns. He also displayed his ability to run, carrying the ball 11 times for 111 yards and scoring two more touchdowns. Grainger’s strategic use of his legs kept the Panthers’ drives alive and the chains moving. One standout moment was his 37-yard touchdown pass to Cardarrius Thompson in the third quarter. Thompson also had a stellar game, making five catches for 117 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
Darren Grainger #dime ➡️ Cadarrius Thompson for the 37 yard TD! pic.twitter.com/tRN42qipA2
— Video from: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) December 23, 2023
Georgia State’s Freddie Brock
Panther’s Running Back Freddie Brock was just as impressive on the ground on Saturday. The senior averaged 11.5 yards a carry and finished with 276 yards rushing and one touchdown. Elliot was complimentary of Brock after the game. “He had to wait his turn, but when he got his opportunity, he did a hell of a job.” Brock transferred to Georgia State from Maine in the offseason. Saturday was his first start after Marcus Carroll, the Panther’s regular season leading rusher, entered the transfer portal after the season. The senior had just six carries and 31 yards rushing into the game. Brock leaves the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl holding the single-game rushing record at Georgia State. He will have one year of eligibility remaining.
Georgia State’s Chad Staggs
The last star does not go to a Panther player, but to new Georgia State Defensive Coordinator Chad Staggs. Staggs came over from Coastal Carolina, where he had coached for four years. Staggs has been a strong defensive coordinator at the G5 and D2 levels, and many at Georgia State looked forward to his coming to Atlanta in 2023. While the 2023 season may have been up and down for Staggs, his defensive unit showed up on Saturday. The Panthers held the Aggies scoreless for 2.5 quarters after giving up 14 first-quarter points. The key to the game was stopping on the 3rd and 4th downs. Utah State was 5-14 on third downs and o-3 on fourth down opportunities.
The win gives momentum to Georgia State as they head into the offseason. Utah State finishes the season at 6-7. Thanks to both teams for another spud-tacular Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
