If you just looked at the final record of the 2025 Sun Belt season, you'd probably yawn. Georgia State finished 1-11. South Alabama wasn't exactly lighting the world on fire at 4-8. But man, when these two teams met on October 23, 2025, at Center Parc Stadium in Atlanta, none of those numbers mattered. It was absolute, high-octane madness that basically proved why Tuesday and Thursday night Sun Belt football is the best thing on television.
Honestly, the Georgia State vs South Alabama football history is one of the weirdest 50-50 splits in the conference. Before that October night, the series was tied 4-4. It’s the kind of matchup where you throw the logic out the window and just wait for the kickers to get nervous or a quarterback to go nuclear.
The Wild Scoreline Nobody Expected
Nobody expected 69 points. I'm serious. Georgia State had been struggling to find their rhythm all season under Dell McGee, and South Alabama’s defense had been a bit of a rollercoaster. Then the game started.
First quarter? A track meet. South Alabama's Bishop Davenport connected with Brendan Jenkins for an 18-yard score. GSU’s Cameran Brown answered immediately with a 70-yard bomb to Ted Hurst. Not even two minutes later, Davenport hit Jeremy Scott for a 74-yard touchdown. Before people could even get their popcorn, it was 14-7. By the end of the first quarter, it was 21-14.
That’s 35 points in 15 minutes.
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It sorta felt like neither defense actually showed up to the stadium, or maybe the offenses just collectively decided that punting was for cowards. Davenport was dealing. He finished with 280 yards and 3 total touchdowns, looking like the best player on the field for long stretches. But Cameran Brown, despite Georgia State’s rough year, was right there with him, tossing four touchdowns of his own.
Why the Ground Game Flipped the Script
While everyone was staring at the receivers, the game was actually won in the dirt. Kentrel Bullock is a name South Alabama fans are going to remember for a long time. The guy had 20 carries for 113 yards and two massive touchdowns, including the four-yard game-winner with under two minutes left.
Georgia State actually out-rushed the Jaguars 199 to 188. Jordon Simmons was a bright spot for the Panthers, ripping off 7.1 yards per carry. But South Alabama was more efficient when it mattered. They went 8-of-14 on third down. That’s how you keep a defense tired.
Key Performance Stats from the 2025 Clash
- Bishop Davenport (USA): 16/22, 280 yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD.
- Cameran Brown (GSU): 19/33, 241 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT.
- Ted Hurst (GSU): 5 catches, 110 yards, 2 TDs.
- Jeremy Scott (USA): 3 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD (74-yarder).
- Kentrel Bullock (USA): 20 carries, 113 yards, 2 TDs.
The craziest part? Georgia State actually led 31-28 in the fourth quarter. They scored 17 unanswered points coming out of halftime. For a minute there, it looked like the Panthers were going to pull off a massive upset and snap their losing streak. But a late Davis Little field goal tied it up, and Bullock’s second touchdown sealed the deal.
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The Head-to-Head Context
You've gotta look at the history to see why this 38-31 South Alabama win was so on-brand. These programs have been trading blows since 2010.
Back in 2010, South Alabama won a 39-34 thriller. A year later, Georgia State took it in double overtime. In 2020, GSU blew them out 31-14. Every time these teams meet, it feels like a coin flip. Even though the 2025 season was a rebuilding year for both—with GSU going winless in conference play—this game was their "Super Bowl."
South Alabama now leads the series 5-4. It’s a slim margin. It’s also a rivalry that doesn’t get enough national love. The intensity on the sidelines during that final drive in Atlanta was just as high as any SEC game.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
Looking ahead, Georgia State has a massive mountain to climb. Dell McGee is in the middle of a total overhaul. Losing a game where you throw 4 touchdowns and out-rush your opponent is soul-crushing. But the silver lining? Cameran Brown and Ted Hurst showed they can be an elite duo in the Sun Belt. Hurst finished the 2025 season with over 1,000 receiving yards despite the team’s record. That’s insane.
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South Alabama is in a different spot. They showed they can win the "tough" games, but they lacked consistency in 2025, finishing 3-5 in the West division. Bishop Davenport is the real deal, though. If they can build a defense that doesn't give up 70-yard passes on the first drive, they’re a bowl team in 2026.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
- Watch the Totals: When Georgia State vs South Alabama football is on the schedule, look at the "Over." These teams historically struggle to stop each other's big plays.
- The Home Field "Disadvantage": Interestingly, Georgia State is 4-2 at home against USA, but they couldn't hold the lead in 2025. Home field isn't a lock in this series.
- Monitor the Portal: Both teams are likely to be active in the transfer portal this offseason. Georgia State needs defensive depth, and South Alabama needs to solidify their secondary.
- Keep an eye on Ted Hurst: If he stays at GSU for his final year, he’s a preseason All-Sun Belt lock. He is the most dangerous player in this matchup.
If you want to see how the rosters shake out for the next meeting, keep an eye on the spring transfer window. The 2026 schedule already has some massive tests for Georgia State, including a trip to Clemson, so they’ll need to find answers fast.
The Jaguars, meanwhile, will be looking to move above .500 for the first time in a while. They have the pieces. They have the quarterback. Now they just need the discipline.
Next Steps:
To prepare for the 2026 season, you should check the official Sun Belt Conference site for the finalized schedule release in March. Tracking the "Early Enrollees" for both Georgia State and South Alabama will give you the best hint at who might start in the secondary next year.