Arkansas State jumped out to an early lead and held off a late Missouri State rally to earn a 34-28 victory in the Xbox Bowl on Thursday night at The Ford Center at The Star.
The win marked the sixth bowl victory in program history for the Red Wolves (7-6) and gave Arkansas State bowl wins in back-to-back seasons for the first time.
Senior wide receiver Corey Rucker earned Xbox Bowl Offensive MVP honors after catching six passes for 166 yards and a touchdown. Rucker also became the program’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions, recording his 27th to surpass Omar Bayless. He finished his career with 4,121 receiving yards, ranking 21st among Division I FBS receivers.
Senior linebacker Kyle Taylor was named Defensive MVP, leading Arkansas State with 10 tackles, including four solo stops.
Quarterback Jaylen Raynor threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns on 17-of-31 passing. Kenyon Clay paced the Red Wolves on the ground with 53 yards on 11 carries, while Devin Spencer scored the team’s lone rushing touchdown.
Arkansas State’s defense was disruptive throughout the night, totaling 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks, while also recovering a fumble and a muffed punt.
Missouri State (7-6) mounted a late push but was unable to erase the Red Wolves’ first-half surge.
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