Staff Report
The Texas State Bobcats (6-5, 4-3) became bowl eligible Thursday after defeating the Arkansas State Red Wolves 45-27 on Senior Day.
Texas State’s victory snaps a two-game Sun Belt Conference losing streak. The Bobcats complete the 2014 regular season Saturday against the Georgia State Panthers in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
It marks the second year in a row Texas State has reached six wins and bowl eligibility. Texas State finished 6-6 overall in 2013; the Bobcats were not selected for a bowl game.
Texas State’s offense powered its way to 562 total yards, with 370 on the ground.
Bobcat senior running back Robert Lowe had a career night, rushing for a game high 236 yards and a four touchdowns. Texas State sophomore quarterback Tyler Jones went 14 of 22 for 192 yards and a pair of passing touchdowns.
But Texas State’s defense gave up 498 yards of total offense. Red Wolves quarterback Fredi Knighten went 31 of 57 for 366 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Texas State’s offense gained an early touchdown advantage late in the first quarter. A two-yard touchdown pass from Jones to wide receiver Demun Mercer gave the Bobcats a 7-0 lead.
Arkansas State responded roughly three minutes later. A 47-yard pass from quarterback Fredi Knighten to Blake Mack tied the score with 12:06 left before halftime.
Texas State’s offense roared right back, scoring 21 unanswered points over an eight minute span. Jones highlighted the scoring surge by connecting with wide receiver C.J. Best for a 70-yard strike.
Despite a late touchdown from the Red Wolves, Texas State maintained a 28-14 halftime lead.
Three combined field goals, two from the Red Wolves, made up the scoring in the third quarter. Texas State’s lead was cut to 31-20.
But the Bobcat offense continued to stay one step ahead of the Red Wolves. Lowe’s rushing effort made the difference as Texas State outscored Arkansas State 14-7 in the final frame.
A pair of touchdowns from Lowe, one a 50-yard rush over the right tackle, allowed the Bobcats to put the game out of reach.
Red Wolves running back Michael Gordon led Arkansas State with 77 yards rushing. Best led all receivers with 103 yards on five receptions and a score.
