Georgia State claws to top Western Kentucky in the LendingTree Bowl

The Georgia State Panthers dominated the ground game in a 39-21 victory over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the LendingTree Bowl on Saturday night in Mobile, Alabama.

The Panthers finished as four-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, and conceded the opening touchdown of the game via a 14-play, 80-yard Hilltoppers drive. But they proceeded to score 27 straight before halftime to end all doubt.

The Panthers (6-4) as a team had 55 carries for 227 yards, including 117 by running back Destin Coates on 23 rushes with a touchdown. A depleted Western Kentucky at no point was able to get stops until the fourth quarter, allowing 5.6 yards per play for the game.

GSU quarterback Cornelious Brown IV was 15-29 for 226 yards, with three touchdowns and an interception through the air. He added 10 carries for 40 yards.

WKU (5-7) struggled on both sides of the ball, with just 4.8 yards per play on offense with three turnovers, and finished 4-of-10 on third downs. Quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome finished 17-33 for 180 yards and two turnovers.

Georgia State also won the 2017 Cure Bowl over Western Kentucky 27-17.