Panthers can’t hold halftime lead in loss to Dukes

Georgia State falls to James Madison 14-7 in a Sun Belt Conference battle.

Georgia State fell to 1-4 on the season, losing its Sun Belt opener to James Madison, 14-7. The Panthers remain winless against FBS competition this season. (Stan Awtrey/AJC)

By AJC Sports

2 hours ago

At halftime, all signs were pointing to Georgia State picking up its first win of the season against the FBS opponent.

But despite a solid passing day from the offense, the Panthers dropped a close one to James Madison, 14-7, in a Sun Belt Conference matchup at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium.

Georgia State grabbed the early lead and led 7-0 at the half. But Alonza Barnett III and Wayne Knight each had a touchdown run to lead James Madison to the comeback win.

Barnett’s 1-yard TD run tied the game 7-7 midway through the third quarter. Knight scored on a 9-yard run to make it 14-7 with 9:50 to play. Georgia State couldn’t get past its own 34 on its three fourth-quarter possessions.

Georgia State players aren’t ready to give up on goals after sluggish start

James Madison (4-1, 2-0 Sun Belt Conference), which entered averaging 249 yards rushing, ran for 211 while holding Georgia State to 37. Jordan Fuller led the Dukes with 94 yards on 18 carries. Knight ran 13 times for 85 yards. Barnett completed 11 of 22 passes for 74 yards.

TJ Finley was 19-of-28 passing for 198 yards for Georgia State (1-4, 0-1). Finley threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Camden Overton-Howard in the first quarter.

The teams combined for 26 penalties for 214 yards.

James Madison leads the series 5-0.

Material from The Associated Press was used in this article.

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