Appalachian State football continued its mastery over Georgia State, winning for the 12th straight time since the series began in 2014. The Mountaineers silenced the Atlanta crowd early on Saturday, building a 31-0 lead on the way to a 41-20 win at Center Parc Stadium.
The victory improved App State to 4-2 overall and evened its Sun Belt record at 1-1, while Georgia State fell to 1-5.
Quarterback JJ Kohl was sharp for the second straight week, throwing for 309 yards and four touchdowns in just three quarters of action. The Iowa State transfer spread the ball to 10 different receivers, including tight end Izayah Cummings, who caught six passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
App State’s offense was balanced all night, with Rashod Dubinion and Jaquari Lewis combining for more than 100 yards on the ground. Lewis added a 14-yard scoring run that stretched the lead to 24-0 early in the third quarter.
The defense did its part, holding the Panthers scoreless for the first 40 minutes and limiting them to just 78 rushing yards. Linebacker Colton Phares intercepted a pass to set up another quick touchdown, while Thomas Davis, Aiden Benton and Caleb Sandstrom each notched sacks. On special teams, Dominic De Freitas hit a pair of field goals, including a 46-yarder — his fourth make of at least 45 yards this season.
Georgia State didn’t reach the end zone until late in the third quarter, long after App State had full control. For head coach Dowell Loggains, it was the kind of complete, disciplined performance he’s been seeking — the Mountaineers played turnover-free football and showed flashes of the explosive, efficient team that’s made Boone a Sun Belt power for a decade.
App State returns home next Saturday to face rival Coastal Carolina at Kidd Brewer Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m.
READ MORE: See App State’s expanded game notes and explore box score at AppStateSports.com
