Arkansas State Falls at ULM, 28-16
Arkansas State (1-4, 0-1 Sun Belt) jumped out to an early lead on the road Saturday, but could not hold off ULM (3-1, 1-0) in a 28-16 loss at Malone Stadium.
The Red Wolves struck first when defensive back Brandon Greil intercepted Warhawks quarterback Aidan Armenta on the opening drive and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown at the 13:34 mark of the first quarter. Later in the period, kicker Clune Van Andel drilled a 51-yard field goal to push the A-State advantage to 10-0.
ULM answered with a 12-play, 92-yard drive midway through the second quarter to cut the deficit to three. After a Red Wolves turnover on downs, Armenta connected on a 37-yard touchdown pass to give the Warhawks a 14-10 halftime lead.
The margin widened in the third quarter after a Red Wolves fumble set up ULM at the A-State 45. An 18-yard rushing score made it 21-10 with 9:57 left in the frame. Van Andel kept Arkansas State within reach, connecting on field goals of 43 and 30 yards to trim the deficit to 21-16 early in the fourth.
However, ULM responded with a touchdown on the ensuing drive to put the game out of reach, and the Red Wolves were unable to mount a comeback.
Stat Leaders
Jaylen Raynor, QB – 29-of-46 passing, 288 yards
Chauncey Cobb – 8 receptions, 126 yards
Corey Rucker – 9 receptions, 120 yards
Defensive Leaders – AG McGhee, Brandon Barnes, and Aaron Alexander (6 tackles each); Brandon Greil (pick-six)
Arkansas State returns home to Jonesboro next Saturday, Oct. 4, for a Sun Belt matchup against Texas State. Kickoff at Centennial Bank Stadium is scheduled for 3 p.m., with live coverage on ESPNU.