JONESBORO, Ark. — A strong passing game propelled Arkansas State University to a 38-32 homecoming victory over Georgia State on Saturday night at Centennial Bank Stadium. The win leveled the Red Wolves’ season record at 4-4 and improved their Sun Belt Conference standing to 2-2.
Key performances by wide receivers Jaylen Bonelli and Nana Burris helped secure the close win. Both players set career highs in receiving yards and caught one touchdown apiece. Bonelli recorded 150 yards on seven catches, while Burris tallied 114 yards on six. Quarterback Trey Owens completed 21 of 31 pass attempts for 309 yards and scored four touchdowns—two through the air and two on quarterback sneaks.
Arkansas State’s defense made its presence felt, snagging two interceptions and holding Georgia State to 37 total yards in the first quarter. It marked the fourth game this season in which the team’s defense recorded multiple interceptions. Brandon Greil and Makai Shahid each intercepted passes, with Shahid’s pick in the final minute halting a late comeback attempt by Georgia State.
The game began with a strong defensive stop by Arkansas State, forcing a three-and-out on Georgia State’s opening possession. Bonelli’s 22-yard punt return gave the Red Wolves favorable field position, and on the ensuing drive, Bonelli scored his third touchdown of the year on a 14-yard catch to put Arkansas State ahead. The defense shut out the Panthers in the first quarter, marking the fifth time this season the Red Wolves have held an opponent scoreless in the opening frame.
Georgia State tied the game at 7-7 with a touchdown in the second quarter, but Arkansas State responded with a seven-play, 73-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard quarterback sneak by Owens, regaining the lead at 14-7. Georgia State tied the score again before halftime at 14-14.
The second half opened with a pivotal interception by Greil, which set up a 54-yard touchdown pass from Owens to Bonelli on the next play. Although Georgia State responded with a 77-yard touchdown run by Qwantavius Rush, Arkansas State pulled ahead again with Owens’ second quarterback sneak of the game, followed by a two-yard scoring run by Carter early in the fourth quarter.
A 26-yard field goal by Clune Van Andel extended the Red Wolves’ lead to 38-21, but Georgia State mounted a late rally. The Panthers covered 75 yards in just four plays to score a touchdown and successfully converted a two-point attempt. After forcing an Arkansas State punt, Georgia State added a field goal to cut the deficit to six points.
With less than two minutes remaining, the Panthers gained possession at their own 13-yard line and quickly moved into Arkansas State territory. However, Shahid’s first career interception with 21 seconds left sealed the victory for the Red Wolves.
After a bye week, Arkansas State will return to Centennial Bank Stadium on November 7 to host the University of Louisiana Monroe. The game is set to kick off at 2 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+. Fans can also catch the radio broadcast through the EAB Red Wolves Sports Network.