Photo by: Krishnan Collins | Editor-in-Chief: Asa Carter kicks the ball forward in A-State’s 82-8 win over Clemson.

JONESBORO- The No. 3 Arkansas State rugby team demolished the Clemson Tigers in a comfortable 82-8 win Feb. 22

The Red Wolves (2-1) entered the game against Clemson coming off a win against Life University as the Running Eagles were the No. 1 in the nation at the time of the game Feb. 15.

After an opening season loss to Lindenwood, a two-game home win streak should be a boost as the Red Wolves close out the regular season on a three game road trip.

“I think it helps us,” A-State head coach Blake White said. “The most important thing is we’re 2-0 in conference. We’ve got a couple of tough weeks ahead of us.”

Despite the easy nature of the win for the Red Wolves, especially after playing two of the best teams in the nation prior to the match with Clemson, White said it was not really a break for his squad.

“I wouldn’t really say it’s a break,” White said. “I don’t think it really does anything good or bad. Really, if anything, it could hurt us because in a game like this all you really do is risk injuries.”

There were a few lineup changes in the game as some usual starters, like Dale Hartmann T.J. Van Rensburg, did not start for the Red Wolves.

“It could have been just playing through soreness,” White said. “But we decided to rest them and give some other guys a shot to put their hand up.”

The Red Wolves dominated the game from the start. Asa Carter got the home team on the board five minutes in and after a no-good conversion, the Red Wolves led 5-0 early.

With nine minutes to play in the first half, the Red Wolves extended their lead to 29-5 as James Luecke bursted through the right side of the Clemson defense for a try.

After time expired in the first half, Jason Scheepers extended the Red Wolves lead with a try and sent A-State into half time ahead 39-5.

Just three minutes into the second half, Carter bundled through some Clemson players for a very physical try and Aidan Deyzel tacked on the conversion for a 46-5 A-State lead.

With less than a minute left on the clock, Luecke scored another try and after a failed conversion the Red Wolves won the game 82-8.

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