TROY, Ala. - Cornelious Brown IV threw for two touchdowns, ran for another and Georgia State won 36-34 after Troy missed on a 2-point pass in the final minute on Saturday.
Brown passed 36 yards to Roger Carter for a touchdown then ran in from the 2 to cap a 20-0 third quarter for a 33-21 Panthers (2-2, 1-2) lead. His running TD came three plays after Jacob Strachan forced and recovered a fumble by Free.
Free threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes, the second with 37 seconds remaining to trail 36-34, but then overthrew his receiver on the conversion attempt.
The Trojans (3-2, 1-1 Sun Belt) led 21-13 at halftime after Reddy Steward's 35-yard pick-6 and Shakel Brown's 21-yard fumble return. Starting quarterback Gunnar Watson left with under minute remaining in the first quarter while throwing a tying 10-yard TD pass to Khalil McClain.
Brown was 20-of-30 passing for 169 yards and two touchdowns, both to Carter, plus an interception. Destin Coates had 25 carries for 115 yards.
Free was 24 of 38 for 329 yards, two touchdowns and two picks. Reggie Todd had eight catches for 130 yards and a score.
There were seven turnovers in the game.