Jonesboro, AK (Sports Network) - Ryan Aplin threw for 203 yards and three
scores to lead the Arkansas State Red Wolves to a 36-29 win in Sun Belt
Conference play against the South Alabama Jaguars at Liberty Bank Stadium.
Aplin completed 17-of-22 pass attempts on the day and David Oku racked up 84
yards and a score for Arkansas State (4-3, 2-1 Sun Belt). The Red Wolves have
now won back-to-back games for the first time this season.
On the other side Ross Metheny completed 24-of-38 passes for 241 yards and
three touchdowns but was intercepted once of for South Alabama (1-5, 1-2).
Terrence Timmons had a team-high 43 yards rushing as the Jaguars lost
their fourth straight.
South Alabama drove the ball 75 yards on its first possession and scored a
touchdown on a four-yard pass from Metheny to Kendall Houston.
Michel Chapuseaux added a 26-yard field goal on the Jaguars' next possession
to extend the lead.
Arkansas State finally got on the board with a two-yard touchdown run from
Aplin midway through the first quarter. The Red Wolves would then take the
lead four minutes later on a two-yard rushing touchdown from Oku.
Chapuseaux nailed a 39-yard field goal in the second quarter to pull the
Jaguars to within a single point.
Arkansas State struck first in the second half with a 10-yard touchdown pass
from Aplin to J.D. McKissic.
South Alabama responded with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Metheny to Jereme
Jones but the ensuing two-point conversion attempt failed leaving the score at
21-19.
Aplin connected with Josh Jarboe on a 15-yard touchdown pass as Arkansas State
answered right back on its next drive.
Chapuseaux's third field goal of the day (42 yards) cut the lead to 28-22
early in the fourth quarter.
Aplin threw his third touchdown pass of the game three minutes later
connecting with Taylor Stockemer from nine yards out. Oku then pounded the
ball in from two yards out on the two-point conversion attempt to give the
Red Wolves a 36-22 edge.
Metheny would throw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Greg Hollinger with 17 seconds
remaining. The Jaguars were unable to recover the ensuing onside kick giving
Arkansas State the 36-29 victory.
South Alabama lost despite a 373-316 edge in total yards.
GAME NOTES:
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