hjnews
JONESBORO, Ark. — In a Thursday night thriller that produced the most combined points of any FBS game this season, South Alabama outscored Arkansas State 56-49. Keenan Phillips was the catalyst, rushing for 157 yards and three touchdowns while also returning a kickoff 100 yards for another score.
The victory lifted South Alabama to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in Sun Belt Conference play, already matching its win total from the previous season when the team finished 4-8. Quarterback Jared Hollins contributed two short rushing touchdowns in a span of 21 seconds late in the first half, pushing the Jaguars ahead 34-21 with 1:30 remaining before halftime. Arkansas State responded quickly, covering 53 yards in four plays to find the end zone, setting a season-high for combined first-half points in an FBS game at 62.
Arkansas State quarterback Trey Owens, making his sixth career start, powered in for a 1-yard touchdown run with just under seven minutes left in the game to cut the deficit to seven points. However, South Alabama sealed the outcome by consuming the remaining clock on a 13-play drive. Hollins finished 6-of-10 passing for 76 yards and a touchdown, while PJ Martin added 95 rushing yards and a score as the Jaguars amassed 296 yards on 50 carries.
Owens put up impressive numbers for Arkansas State (2-4, 0-2), completing 32 of 43 passes for 418 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran for a touchdown but was intercepted twice. Hunter Summers was his favorite target, hauling in nine receptions for 145 yards and two scores, and Timothy Carter contributed two short touchdown runs.
The win snapped a two-game losing streak for South Alabama in the all-time series, which now stands at 15 meetings. Looking ahead, the Jaguars will visit Marshall on October 20, while Arkansas State travels to Southern Miss on October 17.
Key Analysis
The offensive explosion showcased both teams' big-play ability, but South Alabama's balanced rushing attack and timely defense proved decisive. Phillips' versatility on special teams and offense provided a spark, while Owens' prolific passing day wasn't enough to overcome turnovers. The Jaguars' ability to control the clock late demonstrated poise under pressure, a promising sign as they aim to climb the Sun Belt standings.
Originally reported by hjnews.