Red Wolves fall on final play as Louisiana escapes with 23-20 win

Arkansas State fell 23-20 on the final play of the game. (Arkansas State Photo)

Arkansas State had the football, a tie game and 5:38 remaining Saturday night with an opportunity to put its Sun Belt Conference opener away.

Instead, the Red Wolves ran three plays, gained 3 yards and gave the ball back to Louisiana.

They never saw it again.

Tony Sterner kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired, finishing a 13-play, 73-yard drive that lifted Louisiana to a 23-20 victory over Arkansas State at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium.