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Georgia State suffers first home loss of the season to App State

The Panthers welcomed a ranked opponent for the first time in program history, but they also suffered their first loss at home.

ATLANTA — The Georgia State Panthers hosted No. 25 Appalachian State Saturday night - the first time in program history they've faced a ranked opponent at home. 

But the result wasn't pleasant. 

The Mountaineers cruised to a 56-27 win and handed the Panthers (6-4, 3-3) their first loss at home this season.

Senior quarterback Dan Ellington suffered a torn ACL last week in the Panthers' loss to Louisiana Monroe, but he surprisingly started the game against the Mountaineers.

Ellington was hampered by the leg injury and was pulled early in the fourth quarter. He finished the game 12-of-27 for 88 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. 

His inability to effectively run the read option and scramble out of the pocket hindered the Panthers' offense. Georgia State had 324 offensive yards. The running game was effective during the first half as running backs Destin Coates (97 yards and a touchdown) and Tra Barnett (90 yards), carried the load. 

The Panthers' defense continued their struggles, giving up a blistering 557 yards. App State quarterback Zac Thomas threw for 256 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.

Freshman quarterback Cornelious Brown was Ellington's replacement, but the Panthers were already down 42-21. 

The Panthers' last home game of the season is next Saturday against South Alabama at 2 p.m. 

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