Arkansas State (6-6, 4-3 SBC) showcased resilience and determination, rallying from a late six-point deficit to secure a 30-29 victory over App State (5-7, 2-6 SBC) at Kidd Brewer Stadium. With this win, A-State clinched bowl eligibility for the third consecutive season, joining an elite group of 17 active Group of Six programs to reach that milestone. This marks the 13th time the Red Wolves have been bowl eligible as an FBS member.
A-State’s win also sets them apart as the only team with a winning record (2-1) at Boone among teams with multiple victories there since 2003, joining Georgia Southern and Coastal Carolina. The Red Wolves have now won three straight road games for the first time since 2015.
Quarterback Jaylen Raynor led the offensive charge, completing 32 of 47 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns, increasing his career total to 49 touchdown passes—the fourth most in program history. Chauncy Cobb hauled in a team-high 117 receiving yards, while Corey Rucker and Tyler Fortenberry combined for three touchdown receptions. Rucker’s two touchdowns tied the program’s career record of 26.
Kenyon Clay paced the rushing attack with 52 yards, including the game-winning touchdown with just 42 seconds left. Overall, A-State tallied 448 yards of total offense on 81 plays.
On defense, Aaron Alexander was a standout with a career-high 16 tackles, the most by an A-State defender since 2019, while Demarcus Hendricks added two tackles for loss.
The game was tightly contested throughout. After a 3-3 opening quarter, App State used a turnover to build a 13-3 lead. A-State answered late in the first half with back-to-back touchdown passes from Raynor, and the teams entered halftime tied 16-16.
A-State matched App State’s early third-quarter touchdown, tying the game 23-23. In the fourth, App State capitalized on turnovers to take a 29-23 lead, but the Red Wolves mounted a decisive last-minute drive. Raynor connected with his receivers to move the ball to the one-yard line, and Clay punched in the tying touchdown. Clune Van Andel’s extra point put A-State ahead. App State’s last-second field goal attempt missed, sealing the thrilling win for the Red Wolves.
Arkansas State will learn its bowl destination and opponent on December 7.
