Arkansas State erased much of a 21-point deficit Saturday night, but the comeback fell short in a 28-21 loss to Kennesaw State at Fifth Third Stadium.
The Red Wolves (1-3) outgained the Owls (2-2) through the air, finishing with 318 total yards, but Kennesaw countered with 497 yards of offense – 308 passing and 189 rushing.
Quarterback Jaylen Raynor completed 25 of 41 passes for 226 yards, throwing two touchdowns and rushing for another. Hunter Summers caught a career-high eight passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, while Kenyon Clay added six receptions and a score.
On defense, Javante Mackey posted a career-high 14 tackles and Aaron Alexander tallied 12.
Kennesaw State jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, highlighted by a 54-yard touchdown pass from Amari Odom to Garland Benyard and two rushing scores. Arkansas State answered before halftime when Raynor connected with Summers for a 28-yard touchdown with two seconds left in the second quarter.
The Red Wolves capitalized on an Owls fumble to open the second half, with Raynor scoring on a short run to cut the deficit to 21-14. Kennesaw answered with another touchdown before Raynor found Clay for a six-yard score midway through the fourth quarter.
Arkansas State’s final drive ended on downs with just over a minute left, sealing the win for the Owls.
The Red Wolves open Sun Belt Conference play Saturday at ULM. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Malone Stadium, with coverage on ESPN+ and the EAB Red Wolves Sports Network.
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