CLEMSON, S.C. -- Georgia State fell at Clemson 28-0 Saturday at Memorial Stadium, but the Panthers played even with the Tigers, who are No. 22 in the College Football Playoff rankings, in the second half.
After Georgia State (1-10) fell behind at the half, the Panthers' defense held the Tigers (8-3) to no points and just 138 yards of offense in the second half.
Georgia State hurt itself with three first-half turnovers and a short punt that led directly to Clemson's four touchdowns. The Tigers' scoring drives covered 30, 26, 47 and 53 yards.
"Our kids fought, and I thought our defense played outstanding," head coach Trent Miles said. "I know it was 28-0 but they were put on a short field in the first half because of what I consider four turnovers - three interceptions and a poor punt. You put a team like Clemson on a short field and they are going to cash in, but our defense really fought today.
"Give Clemson credit," Miles continued. They have a great defense, and they are an excellent football program. You can't turn the ball over and fall behind against a defense like that."
Georgia State true freshman safety Chandon Sullivan grabbed his first interception in the first half, picking off Cole Stoudt over the middle at the GSU 6-yard line. safety Tarris Batiste had a game-high 12 tackles, with three tackles for loss, including a fourth-down sack, and cornerback Bruce Dukes added eight tackles with three tackles for loss and a pass breakup. Noseguard Jalen Lawrence also had a sack.
Georgia State also forced a turnover on special teams as Keith Rucker recovered a muffed punt.
"There are no moral victories," Miles said. "We're not happy with losing, we never will be, but there are things that we can build on from that game. And there are things we've got to correct, as far as taking care of the ball."
Playing against the No. 2-ranked defense in the nation, quarterback Nick Arbuckle managed 13 completions on 33 attempts for 115 yards but threw three interceptions. LynQuez Blair finished with five catches for 39 yards.
Tyson Dye led the Tigers with 124 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Stoudt was 19-for-29 for 132 yards and one touchdown to Mike Williams, who had seven catches for 87 yards. Clemson 357 yards of offense.
Georgia State concludes the season Nov. 29 by hosting Texas State at 2 p.m. at the Georgia Dome.
NOTING THE PANTHERS:
The Georgia State defense played without leading tackler Joseph Peterson, who missed his second game with an ankle injury.
With his 13 completions, Arbuckle raised his season total to 227, which ties the Georgia State record for career completions.
Blair has 14 receptions over the last two games.
Game captains were Arbuckle, Jarrell Robinson and Bill Teknipp.
The 28-point margin is Georgia State's closest score in six games against teams from the Power Five conferences.
