Arkansas State’s Jaylen Raynor delivered three touchdown passes, and Ja’Quez Cross rushed for 127 yards while contributing two touchdowns, leading the Red Wolves to a 44-28 victory over Southern Miss, spoiling the Golden Eagles’ homecoming.
Arkansas State wasted no time in scoring. Raynor got his first touchdown pass of the night as he found Adam Jones for the score. After the Golden Eagles went three and out, the Red Wolves took a 14-0 lead off a 73-yard run by Malike Hornsby.
Fans began to voice their frustration following the score with chants of “Fire Will Hall” echoing from the student section. Some fans even wore brown paper bags over their heads.
The Golden Eagles responded to the hoopla by converting third down conversions on their second drive of the night, marking the first time since their home opener against Southeastern, USM then found the end zone, thanks to Kenyon Clay’s fifth touchdown of the season.
Arkansas State answered immediately as Raynor connected with Cross for his second touchdown pass of the night, marking a third consecutive drive of the Red Wolves scoring. The Golden Eagles were finally able to slow down the Red Wolves. Ethan Crawford, who made his second start of the season, then capped off the drive by putting USM within a score.
The scoring continued to be back and forth between the two teams until Raynor connected with Corey Rucker to make it a two score game once again. But the Golden Eagles responded, thanks to Jalen Washington, who picked up his first career touchdown.
The second half was all Arkansas State as Cross scored to make it a 35-21 game. After a failed jet sweep by Ethan Crawford, the Red Wolves got an interception but fumbled, turning the ball back over to the Golden Eagles. The Golden Eagles finished the game, allowing Arkansas State a record 464 total yards, marking the fifth straight game that USM has allowed 400 or more yards.
Southern Miss is on the road next week to take on James Madison. The game is slated for 2:30 p.m.
