Darren Grainger

Football

Hometown Hero Named Sun Belt Player of the Week After Signature Win

ATLANTA -- Georgia State quarterback Darren Grainger is the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Panthers to their first-ever win over a ranked team with a 42-40 victory at No. 22/21 Coastal Carolina.
 
Playing in his hometown, the Conway, S.C., native completed 18 of 24 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns and added 29 yards rushing before a large contingent of family and friends.
 
Grainger threw the go-ahead touchdown pass with five minutes left. On fourth-and-goal at the 2-yard line, he hit Terrance Dixon for the score to give the Panthers a 35-34 lead.
 
He also threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Aubry Payne while directing four 75-yard touchdown drives to help the Panthers snap Coastal Carolina's 12-game home winning streak.
 
"What a gutsy performance by Darren, playing right there in his backyard," head coach Shawn Elliott said. "He ran the ball effectively, he delivered the ball nicely in the throw game, and he made good decisions. I'm very proud of what he accomplished, and that's something he'll never forget."
 
Grainger and the Panthers, who have won four of their last five games, return home for the final two regular-season games, beginning Saturday vs. Arkansas State in a 2 p.m. game at Center Parc Stadium. For tickets, visit GeorgiaStateSports.com/Tix or call 404-413-4020.

 
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Players Mentioned

Terrance Dixon

#0 Terrance Dixon

WR
5' 7"
Redshirt Senior
Aubry Payne

#88 Aubry Payne

TE
6' 4"
Redshirt Senior
Darren Grainger

#3 Darren Grainger

QB
6' 4"
Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

Terrance Dixon

#0 Terrance Dixon

5' 7"
Redshirt Senior
WR
Aubry Payne

#88 Aubry Payne

6' 4"
Redshirt Senior
TE
Darren Grainger

#3 Darren Grainger

6' 4"
Redshirt Junior
QB