Although 21.5 point underdogs, the Arkansas State Red Wolves fought until the end with 17th-ranked Michigan. Defense was the name of the game, with the Red Wolves grabbing 3 interceptions and the Wolverines forcing 5 three-and-outs.

After a Michigan touchdown put the Wolverines up 7-0, an interception provided an opportunity for an A-State field goal. A-State was able to force 2 early turnovers on interceptions, but was only able to put 3 points on the scoreboard by halftime.

The Red Wolves struggled to capitalize on many of the stops they were getting against the Wolverines. Offensively they were able to move the ball but could not convert in the red zone.   

Michigan was able to find success in the run game, and combined with effective defense the Wolverines went into the half up 21-3.

Both defenses got multiple stops in the third. Early in the quarter, Michigan benched starting QB Davis Warren in favor of QB Alex Orji, due to Warren’s high turnover rate. While Orji played a cleaner game, the Wolverines still struggled to score.

In the fourth quarter, the Red Wolves outscored Michigan 15-7. QB Timmy McClain replaced QB Jaylen Raynor and led the Red Wolves on a 64 yard touchdown drive. 

The Red Wolves defense were able to force a punt on their next drive. 

A-State fought to the finish, ending the game with a touchdown and two point conversion in the final 8 seconds of the game. 

Jaylen Raynor completed 19 of his 33 pass attempts for 140 yards, with an interception and a fumble. Timmy McClain went 7 for 11 passing with 82 yards and 2 touchdowns. 

Wide receiver Reginald Harden Jr. led the team with 3 receptions for 52 yards, scoring both receiving touchdowns for the Red Wolves.

Kicker Clune van Andel made a 27-yard field goal, and missed a 51 and a 58-yarder. Punter Ryan Heicher punted 6 times this game, averaging 46.8 yards per punt. Heicher pinned the Wolverines inside their 20-yard line twice.

On the defensive side of the ball, safety Trevian Thomas led the team with 9 tackles and an interception. 

Linebacker Charles Willekes pulled in an interception for the Red Wolves, as well as recording 5 tackles and assisting on a tackle for loss. Dontay Joyner also recorded an interception, as well as 8 tackles.

This loss brings A-State to a record of 2-1. The Red Wolves are currently tied for third place in the Sun Belt West division. 

Michigan leaves the game with a record of 2-1, and multiple concerns about their starting quarterback situation as they are set to play the 11th-ranked USC Trojans next week. 

 A-State will travel to Iowa to play the 20th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones on September 21st. The Red Wolves will enter Jack Trice Stadium as 22 point underdogs.  

Categories: Sports