Jonesboro, AR (Sports Network) - Ryan Aplin threw for 334 yards and two
touchdowns and also rushed for a score to lead Arkansas State to a 45-23 win
over Louisiana-Monroe on Thursday.
David Oku carried the ball 22 times for 131 yards and three touchdowns and
J.D. McKissic hauled in 12 passes for 102 yards for the Red Wolves (7-3, 5-1
Sun Belt), who have won five straight and take over sole possession of first
place in the conference.
Taylor Stockemer caught two passes for 86 yards and a touchdown and Julian
Jones also caught a touchdown pass on 81 yards receiving in the win.
Cody Wells completed 37-of-53 passes for 357 yards, two touchdowns and an
interception. Brent Leonard caught 14 passes for 134 yard and Je'Ron Hamm had
nine catches for 102 yards for the Warhawks (6-4, 4-2), who have dropped two
straight on the heels of a five-game winning streak.
The Warhawks scored on their first touch when Wells found Monterrell
Washington for a 27-yard touchdown pass.
The Red Wolves countered with a 35-yard Jones touchdown reception to tie the
game at 7-7.
Arkansas State forced a three-and-out on the ensuing possession, and Aplin
broke a 38-yard touchdown rush to cap a 10-play, 87-yard march.
The teams traded field goals in the second quarter, and the Red Wolves took a
17-10 spread into the locker room.
The Warhawks scored on the opening possession of the second half when Wells
connected with Rashon Ceaser for a 37-yard touchdown, but Arkansas State would
score three straight touchdowns to take a 38-17 lead.
First, Aplin hooked up with Stockemer for a 70-yard catch-and-run. Wells' pass
on 4th-and-12 at the Arkansas State 36 fell incomplete, and seven plays later
Oku bulled his way in from one yard out.
The Red Wolves then forced a Louisiana-Monroe punt before Aplin orchestrated
an 8-play, 82 yard drive capped off with a 6-yard Oku touchdown.
Washington's 1-yard touchdown run pulled the Warhawks within 38-23 after
Justin Manton's extra point attempt was blocked.
Arkansas State answered right back with a touchdown as Oku ran it in once
again, this time from four yards out, to account for the final margin.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network