Arkansas State Are Bowl Eligible For The First Time Since 2019

ASU beats Texas State 77-31 in their final home game of the season

© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

The Arkansas State Red Wolves' improvement this season has been an understated storyline in the Sun Belt Conference this year. While ASU aren't competing for a conference title, they entered Saturday with the chance the secure bowl eligibility for the first time in four years and the first time in Butch Jones' tenure as head coach. 

ASU reach six wins this season after winning five games total in the last two seasons under Jones.

The Red Wolves were 3.5-point underdogs entering Saturday's contest against Texas State, but managed to blow that spread out of the water. ASU won the game by a final score of 77-31.

The Red Wolves also scored 70 points or more for the first time since 2015. They were six points shy of the program record of 83 set back in 2009.

Despite Texas State having higher totals in many major statistical categories (including offensive yardage and time of possession) the Red Wolves' defense managed to force four turnovers, including two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, and a fumble recovery that was returned for a touchdown. 

Arkansas State's rushing attack scored seven touchdowns and totaled 291 yards on the ground. Ja'Quez Cross scored three TDs while Zak Wallace and Cedric Hawkins each scored two. 

With the victory, ASU improves to 6-5 with one regular season game remaining. They'll travel to Marshall for that game on November 25 before they learn their bowl fate.