Jaylin Carter’s explosive performance fueled Memphis to a 42-24 victory over Arkansas State on Saturday at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. Carter, who rushed for 183 yards on 19 carries and caught a pass for 18 yards, scored three of his four touchdowns after halftime to give the Tigers momentum that Arkansas State could not overcome.
Carter averaged 9.6 yards per carry and delivered a pivotal 74-yard touchdown run that widened Memphis' lead in the third quarter. His efforts helped the Tigers amass 335 rushing yards as they improved to 2-0 on the season. Manny Covey also contributed 103 rushing yards to the Tigers’ ground game.
Arkansas State quarterback Trey Owens had a strong showing despite the loss, completing 21 of 30 attempts for 325 passing yards and a touchdown. The Red Wolves’ offense was highlighted by Hunter Summers, who totaled 98 receiving yards on five catches, and Kenyon Clay, who rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side, A-State's Brandon Greil and Dontrae Henderson each recorded an interception.
The game opened with a defensive stalemate until Memphis kicker Clune Van Andel converted a 48-yard field goal late in the first quarter, marking his 16th field goal from beyond 40 yards in his collegiate career. Arkansas State took the lead early in the second quarter when Timothy Carter scored his first FBS rushing touchdown after an efficient eight-play, 75-yard drive.
The teams traded scores in a tightly contested first half. Owens connected with Clay for a 75-yard touchdown pass to briefly give the Red Wolves a three-point lead, but a nine-yard quarterback keeper by Memphis’ Marcus Stokes put the Tigers ahead 21-17 just before halftime.
Carter extended the Tigers’ lead early in the third quarter with a 13-yard rushing touchdown. Though Arkansas State narrowed the margin to four points after Owens found Chauncy Cobb for an 18-yard touchdown pass, Carter's 75-yard dash just 47 seconds later reestablished Memphis' control at 35-24 going into the final quarter.
Despite several pushes into Memphis territory in the fourth quarter, Arkansas State could not close the gap. Carter added his fourth touchdown of the day to seal the game, scoring on a 13-yard run with 3:36 left to play.
Arkansas State (0-2) now turns its focus to the home opener against West Georgia on Sept. 12. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will air on ESPN+. Fans can also tune in via the EAB Red Wolves Sports Network, including 107.9 KFIN in Jonesboro.