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.
I think it's time to get Jax Brown OFF the bench and in some games. Dude is the best thrower on the team and knows how to score. The coaches need to stop hiding this dude. He was the #96 QB in the country last year.