Georgia State used a potent running game and stout defense to earn its first victory of the season, 20-9 over previously unbeaten Charlotte, on a rainy night at Center Parc Stadium.

> The GSU defense held Charlotte to 276 total yards, the seventh lowest figure in program history and the lowest since holding ULM to 262 yards in 2018.

> That is the fifth time the Panthers have allowed fewer than 300 yards under defensive coordinator Nate Fuqua.

> Senior inside linebacker Blake Carroll led the defensive effort with nine tackles, including eight solo stops, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. 

> Carroll made perhaps the biggest defensive play of the game with his forced fumble at the GSU 13-yard line late in the third quarter. After the Panthers took a 13-9 lead, Charlotte drove deep into GSU territory, but Carroll knocked the ball loose and teammate Chris Bacon recovered to preserve the lead.

> GSU's 298 yards rushing are the most by the Panthers since setting the school record with 414 yards at ULM in 2019. Four players rushed for 60-plus yards: Destin Coates (83), Tucker Gregg (76), Jamyest Williams (73) and Darren Grainger (64).

> 298 yards is the seventh best overall performance in program history. All but one of the top seven rushing games have come in the three seasons under offensive coordinator Brad Glenn.

> Tucker Gregg had three fourth-down conversions in the second half vs. Charlotte. He has five in the last two games.

> Super senior left guard Shamarious Gilmore started his 50th straight game for the Panthers, breaking the school record for games played and games started.

> In his first start for the Panthers, Darren Grainger passed for 139 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 64 yards on 16 carries.

Head coach Shawn Elliott: "We felt like we needed to do something. It's just like any other position. If the left guard was struggling in pass protection or whatever it may be, we would have to make a change and try and get something going. Quad is a good quarterback, he is going to continue to be a good quarterback, and he's going to continue to fight for this job, just like Darren. Just like everyone else in that locker room, they have to be ready to roll. There is an important role for both those guys."

Next Up: Panthers at No. 22 Auburn, Saturday, 4 p.m. ET at Jordan-Hare Stadium
Next Home Game: Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Appalachian State at Center Parc Stadium