WR Malik Hornsby takes a jet sweep for a touchdown.

PHOTO COURTESY OF A-STATE ATHLETICS

After getting demolished by Texas State, the Red Wolves managed to bounce back with a blowout of their own against Southern Mississippi at their third conference matchup. 

A-State built early momentum from the offense scoring touchdowns on each of their first three possessions on Saturday. The Red Wolves found an early spark in the rushing game from their running backs. Ja’Quez Cross had 18 carries for 127 yards rushing and accounted for two touchdowns. Wide receiver Malik Hornsby had one carry on a jet sweep for a 73 yard touchdown. The Red Wolves had a total of 281 rushing yards on a total of 39 carries averaging 7.2 yards per carry. 

The Red Wolves air attack was on point as quarterback Jalen Raynor threw 20/31 passing for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns. Raynor had a clean game throwing no interceptions and he averaged 6 yards per pass. The quarterback was able to complete passes to 8 different receivers. 

While leading the team in rushing, Cross led the team with 5 receptions for 34 yards and a receiving touchdown. WR Courtney Jackson had 3 receptions for 55 yards, and WR Corey Ricker had 4 receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown. WR Adam Jones had 3 receptions for 31 yards, including a spectacular juggling touchdown catch.

The defense played well throughout the game, with pressure making the Southern Miss quarterback uncomfortable. The Red Wolves forced 3 three-and-outs on the Golden Eagles first three offensive possessions. 

Defensive end Jayden Jones and linebacker Charles Willekes both led the Wolves with 8 tackles.  Jones also had a huge interception and a forced fumble. He also had a career high 3 tackles for loss and two sacks. Jones’ phenomenal performance earned him the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Kicker Clune Van Andel kicked three second-half field goals of 25, 36, and 20 yards for A-State.

Southern Miss was able to find success in the running game relying on their strong rushing attack. Dual threat quarterback Ethan Crawford and Southern Miss running backs scored all of the Golden Eagles touchdowns. Crawford threw 15/23 passing for 187 yards and one interception. He also scrambled for 85 yards on 26 carries for two touchdowns.

The Red Wolves are currently placed 4th in the Sun Belt West, looking to climb the standings in the coming weeks.

A-State is now 2-1 in conference and looks to build off the momentum of this game moving forward. The Red Wolves come home for their next game against Troy 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at Centennial Bank Stadium.

Categories: Sports