ATLANTA – Georgia State safety Bobby Baker had a pair of interceptions and three fumble recoveries in his first game for the Panthers, but GSU (0-1) dropped its season opener to Charlotte 23-20 Friday afternoon at the Georgia Dome.
Baker, a junior college transfer from Pierce (Calif.) College, is the first player in school history to grab more than two turnovers in a game. His three fumble recoveries are a school record, while his two interceptions tie the GSU mark held by two other players.
The Georgia State defense held Charlotte to just one offensive touchdown, forced five turnovers and had four sacks, but the Panthers struggled on offense and hurt themselves with three turnovers.
“The defense in the second half was outstanding, we gave up three points,” head coach Trent Miles said. “But you can’t turn the ball over three times in the first quarter and expect to win. Offensively, we need to do a better job as a coaching staff in helping these kids get points on the board.
“Charlotte did a great job and give them credit, but as a coaching staff we need to do a better job with the offense,” Miles said. “We need to do a better job in putting out players in a position to succeed.”
Charlotte (1-0) used a balanced attack as quarterback Matt Johnson threw for 244 yards and a touchdown and running back Kalif Phillips carried the ball 18 times for 85 yards. Blake Brewer added three field goals for the 49ers.
The GSU offense had two fumbles and an interception in the first quarter, including a play on the Panthers’ first drive that swung momentum to Charlotte.