MOBILE, Ala. — In an exciting showdown at the 68 Ventures Bowl, Arkansas State triumphed over Bowling Green with a final score of 38-31. Jaylen Raynor showcased an impressive performance, throwing for 221 yards along with two touchdown passes and contributing with a rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, Zak Wallace added crucial support, accumulating 99 yards on the ground and scoring one touchdown.

With just over three minutes remaining in the game, Wallace capped off a critical drive with a 14-yard touchdown run, extending Arkansas State’s lead to 38-24. He was instrumental on that drive, carrying the ball on six consecutive plays and amassing 59 yards during an eight-play march covering 68 yards. This marked Wallace’s 11th rushing touchdown of the season, with an impressive nine of those coming within the last six games.

Bowling Green responded swiftly as Rahkeem Smith returned the kickoff for 58 yards, setting up an advantageous position. In just five plays, Smith snagged a 23-yard touchdown catch to narrow the score to 38-31. However, Arkansas State’s Hunter Summers effectively recovered the onside kick, and Wallace clinched the victory with a powerful 19-yard run through the middle of Bowling Green’s defense.

In addition to Raynor’s standout stats, Corey Rucker had an outstanding game, gathering 107 receiving yards and securing two touchdowns for Arkansas State. The Red Wolves ended a bowl game drought, winning for the first time since 2019, the same year they achieved an eight-win season. Rucker’s performance included a spectacular 79-yard touchdown reception from Raynor, which resulted in a 24-14 advantage late in the first half. He later connected with Raynor again for a 6-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 31-21 in the third quarter following a timely fumble recovery by Noah Collins.

However, Bowling Green’s Connor Bazelak also dazzled, throwing for 390 yards and three touchdowns. His key target, Harold Fannin Jr., delivered an exceptional performance, setting a career mark with 17 receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown. Fannin’s achievement included surpassing the single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end in the FBS, finishing the season with 1,555 yards.

Bowling Green’s special teams faced challenges throughout the match, including Zach Long’s missed field goal attempts—his third miss of the game, with one being blocked—and struggles in the punt game, notably allowing Courtney Jackson to return a punt for a 60-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Additionally, a fake punt attempt in the second half failed to secure a first down.

As the game unfolded, Fannin’s influential contributions and the overall thrilling action made for an unforgettable bowl game experience.