Frisco, TX – (Contributed) – The Arkansas State football team surged in the first half and fended off a late rally from Missouri State en route to a 34-28 victory in the Xbox Bowl on Thursday night inside The Ford Center at The Star.
With the sixth bowl victory in program history, A-State has claimed bowl wins in back-to-back seasons for the first time.
Senior wide receiver Corey Rucker tallied six receptions for 166 yards and one touchdown to earn Xbox Bowl Offensive Most Valuable Player honors. Senior linebacker Kyle Taylor was named Xbox Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player after leading the Scarlet and Black with 10 tackles, including four solos.
Rucker claimed sole possession of the Red Wolves’ career record for most touchdown receptions in the contest, posting his 27th to surpass Omar Bayless (2016-19). He ends his collegiate career with 4,121 receiving yards to finish 21st among all Division I FBS receivers.
Jaylen Raynor completed 17 passes on 31 attempts for 288 yards and tossed three touchdown passes. Kenyon Clay led the ground attack with 53 yards on 11 attempts while Devin Spencer scored the lone rushing touchdown for A-State.
The Red Wolves’ defense registered 14 tackles for loss, including eight sacks, one shy of a season high, and recovered a fumble plus a muffed punt in the contest.
The complete game recap will be uploaded to AStateRedWolves.com on Friday.