Trailing 17-7 three plays into the second quarter, Ball State would battle back within one score twice, starting with a 34-yard field goal from Jacob Lewis with 9:20 remaining in the opening half.
Bryce Cosby followed with a huge seven-yard tackle for loss on the next Panthers possession, helping hold GSU to a field goal after it had third-and-two from the BSU three.
On the ensuing drive, the Cardinals took the ball 53 yards over 13 plays, capping first half scoring with a 43-yard field goal from Lewis to trail 20-13 after the first 30 minutes.
When play resumed, Georgia State exploded for 28 points in the third quarter to secure a program-record eighth win of the season.
In his final collegiate game, Plitt threw for 293 total yards and a touchdown, while also running for a one-yard score late in the fourth quarter. Plitt finishes his career ranked third in program history with 9,051 passing yards and 68 passing touchdowns.
Jackson's bowl production marked his third career game over 100 yards, with his previous career-best being 121 versus Miami (Oct. 23). In addition, the 146 receiving yards are the third most in a bowl game this season.
Carson Steele led the Ball State ground attack with 15 carries and 62 total yards. He also added 40 yards on three receptions for 102 all-purpose yards, marking the fifth time this season he has registered over 100 total yards.
On the defensive end, Clayton Coll led the Cardinals with 13 tackles, and was one of five BSU players to get credit with a tackle for loss. Playing in his home state for the first time in his career, Mobile native Malcolm Lee had nine tackles, including seven solo stops.
Georgia State quarterback Darren Grainger finished the game with 203 yards and three touchdowns through the air, while leading all rushers with 122 yards on the ground. He also scored GSU's lone rushing touchdown.