STATESBORO, Ga. (AP) — JC French IV ignited Georgia Southern’s offense with two of his three touchdown passes in a thrilling 21-point surge in the fourth quarter, leading to a 41-24 victory over Georgia State on Saturday night.

Georgia Southern (3-4, 1-2 Sun Belt Conference) found themselves trailing 24-20 when Weston Bryan finished off a 75-yard drive with a decisive 1-yard touchdown run at the start of the final quarter. French then connected with Camden Brown for a 16-yard touchdown, followed by a 5-yard pass to Dalen Cobb, allowing the Eagles to break away for the win.

French showcased his skills by completing 17 of 22 passes for 210 yards. He also made impressive strides on the ground, rushing 12 times for 85 yards and adding a rushing touchdown to his performance.

On the other side, Cameron Brown stood out for Georgia State (1-6, 0-3), amassing 280 yards and a touchdown through the air with a 29-for-38 passing record. He also made significant contributions on the ground with 120 yards and a rushing touchdown over 15 carries. Brown’s 15-yard rushing touchdown capped a 13-play, 88-yard drive, giving Georgia State an early 7-3 advantage by the end of the first quarter.

Camden Brown grabbed a 20-yard touchdown pass from French, putting the Eagles ahead 10-7 early in the second quarter. However, Liam Rickman’s 31-yard field goal for Georgia State evened the score at 10-10.

Cameron Brown had a 5-yard touchdown toss to Ted Hurst to put Georgia Southern up 17-10, but the Eagles used the final 46 seconds to get a 46-yard field goal from Bryant to cut it to 17-13 at halftime.

French had a 4-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter for a 20-17 advantage.

Rashad Amos answered with a 3-yard touchdown run and the Panthers led 24-20 after three quarters.