Georgia State defense carries team to victory on homecoming

Georgia State cornerback Jerome Smith (16) celebrates with teammate Antreal Allen (21) after intercepting a pass in the first quarter of their game against Ball State at the Georgia Dome, Friday, September, 2016, in Atlanta, Ga. Smith had two interceptions in the first quarter. PHOTO / JASON GETZ

Georgia State cornerback Jerome Smith (16) celebrates with teammate Antreal Allen (21) after intercepting a pass in the first quarter of their game against Ball State at the Georgia Dome, Friday, September, 2016, in Atlanta, Ga. Smith had two interceptions in the first quarter. PHOTO / JASON GETZ

Khadrice Rollins

krollins@ajc.com

For the first time since 2011, Georgia State was able to celebrate homecoming with a win.

The Panthers (2-5, 1-2 Sun Belt) took care of business against UT Martin (4-4, 3-1 OVC) thanks to an incredible defensive performance while quarterback Conner Manning was stuck on the bench with an injury. The Skyhawks came into the contest averaging 40.6 points per game, but their offense failed to take flight Saturday in the 31-6 loss in the Georgia Dome.

GSU forced four turnovers on the day, returned two of them for scores and allowed the fewest points in a game in program history. Cornerback B.J. Clay was thrust into the starting lineup for an injured Jerome Smith and made the most of his time, getting two interceptions and bringing one back 38 yards to the end zone.