A Last-Minute Thriller: Arkansas State Edges Central Arkansas
A night that will be etched in the memories of fans at Centennial Bank Stadium saw Arkansas State stage a thrilling comeback to defeat Central Arkansas 34-31. The Red Wolves needed a miraculous finish to regain the lead, and they got it courtesy of Jaylen Raynor’s touchdown pass to Corey Rucker with only three seconds left on the clock.
Central Arkansas had been mounting a strong surge, reversing a 27-10 deficit in the final minutes. The Bears took the lead with 55 seconds remaining when Darius Hale scored on a 4-yard run. However, Arkansas State quarterback Raynor spearheaded a crucial last-ditch drive, connecting with Ja’Quez Cross for 20 yards to set up a first-and-goal opportunity. Then, in a heart-stopping climax, Raynor found Rucker in the corner of the end zone to seal the win.
Rucker Shines in Dramatic Victory
Corey Rucker’s performance will be remembered for a long time, as he secured nine receptions totaling 179 yards, including the game-winning touchdown. His contributions in the final drive alone were crucial, racking up 55 yards via three catches. Despite the initial uncertainty around the winning touchdown, the review confirmed that Rucker kept one foot in bounds while holding the ball securely.
Raynor’s stats were equally impressive, as he completed 24 passes out of 47 attempts for 317 yards and threw one touchdown pass. Additionally, he rushed the ball 15 times for a total of 49 yards, scoring once on a quarterback sneak. His persistence and leadership in the last few seconds of the game inspired the Red Wolves to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Central Arkansas Pushes Hard
Despite the loss, Central Arkansas showcased exceptional determination and spirit. ShunDerrick Powell played a multifaceted role, rushing for 182 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, while also making a key pass for 29 yards. The Bears’ strong surge in the fourth quarter almost paid off, but Arkansas State managed to snatch the win with Rucker’s timely grab.
