Answer:
College students in 1942 would have had several reasons to support Ellis Arnall:
Youthful and Progressive Image: As you mentioned, Arnall was young and different for Georgia politics at the time. His youthfulness and progressive ideas appealed to college students who were looking for a change from the old political establishment.
Support for Voting Rights: The fact that 18-year-olds could now vote would have energized college students to participate in the political process. Arnall's candidacy would have been seen as an opportunity to make their voices heard.
Opposition to Eugene Talmadge: Eugene Talmadge, the incumbent governor at the time, had made controversial political moves, including attempts to control and undermine Georgia's colleges and universities. His actions had led to the removal of accreditation for some of these institutions. College students, as stakeholders in their education, would have likely viewed Arnall as a candidate who could reverse Talmadge's damaging policies.
Desire for Educational Reform: College students may have supported Arnall because of his potential to bring about educational reform. They may have believed that he would work to restore accreditation and improve the quality of education in Georgia, which was important to their future prospects.
In summary, college students in 1942 likely supported Ellis Arnall because of his youthful and progressive image, the opportunity for young voters to participate in the election, their opposition to Eugene Talmadge's policies, and their desire for educational reform in Georgia. Arnall represented a chance for positive change in the state's political landscape and education system, which resonated with the aspirations and concerns of college students.