Wassink’s epic performance propels Western Michigan over Georgia State

By Kelly Boring

ATLANTA, GA – The 12^th man was irrelevant in Georgia State Stadium on Saturday as the Georgia State Panthers (1-3) fell to the Michigan State Broncos (2-2) 34-15.

Both teams were great defensively to begin the game. Georgia State held Western Michigan to just three points in the first quarter. But in the second frame, things started to go the Broncos’ way.

Western Michigan quarterback Jon Wassink threw two touchdowns in the second period and gave the Broncos a 20-9 lead going into halftime.

“[It] really threw a dagger in us,” said Georgia State head coach Shawn Elliott on Western Michigan’s touchdown right before intermission.

It felt like Georgia State found their rhythm and went on a run of their own after a slow first half. However, Western Michigan continued the onslaught.

In their opening drive of the second half, Wassink connected with wide receiver Jayden Reed for a 40-yard touchdown, giving Western Michigan a 27-9 lead. Yet, the Broncos were not done.

The Panthers’ inability to stop the Broncos run game resulted in yet another Broncos’ touchdown. Running back Jamauri Bogan ran the ball for a 71-yard touchdown and put Western Michigan up 34-9.

Even though the game had already been decided at that point, Georgia State quarterback Dan Ellington fought for his team. He continued to play hard as he scored a rushing touchdown in the third quarter for the Panthers.

Georgia State failed to get above .500 and gave up 528 total offensive yards in the loss. Although this wasn’t a conference game, this still served as a tough loss for the Panthers.

Georgia State’s Elliott said the lack of pass rush by his team caused him great concern as the Panthers head back into conference play next week. Despite the loss though,  Elliot stated “the opportunity to play for a conference title” brings him excitement.

As the Panthers look ahead, Elliott made it a point that his team’s “lack of fight” needs to improve.

“I’ve got to teach them how to fight,” said Elliott after the loss.

Georgia State will get that chance to show their fight against the University of Louisiana Monroe at Georgia State Stadium next week with kick-off at 2 pm EST on ESPN+.