ASU wins first conference game

The Red Wolves ended their four-game losing streak Saturday night with a big win over Florida International 27-10 at ASU Stadium.

ASU(2-4, 1-2) was able to contain FIU's (1-6, 1-3) high-powered offense to a total of 223 yards and a season-low of just 10 points.

FIU, who ranks no. 41 in the NCAA with an average of 252 passing yards per game, was held to just 191 passing yards Saturday night.

"We did great and had great preparation all week coming from coaches and players," said senior defensive end Alex Carrington. "We came into the game with a great scheme and got some defensive pressure up front."

Offensively, the Red Wolves put up 430 yards of total offense, which was their second highest total of the season.

Senior quarterback Corey Leonard had a standout game going 12-18 for 149 yards and one touchdown pass through the air and a career high of 120 rushing yards.

"Corey had a very good game and that is what we needed him to do," said head coach Steve Roberts. "He let his athleticism get him in a rhythm and in a flow and I thought he did a great job of running the football."

Senior Running Back Reggie Arnold also went over 100 yards rushing against FIU for the 16th time in his career.

Arnold had 23 carries for a total of 104 yards and one touchdown.

"I think it [the running game] was very much impressive," said Arnold on ASU's rushing performance. "That's the best we've done in a long time, the offensive line deserves every bit of credit this game."

The win over FIU was ASU's first win since their opening game against Mississippi Valley State and their first conference win of the season.

"Great to get a victory," said Roberts. "Very, very proud of the effort of our football team fighting through a lot of adversity and a lot of negativity."

The special teams for Arkansas State also played a huge role in ASU's victory Saturday night.

Ryan Wilbourn, a sophomore punter, averaged 48 yards per punt, landing two inside the 20 yard line.

This gave the Red Wolf defense an opportunity to make some big plays and capitalize on the field position.

"I thought Ryan Wilbourn had a tremendous night," said Roberts. "We didn't allow any big returns."

The Red Wolves will have to hold on to their momentum after winning their first Sun Belt Conference game as they travel to Kentucky next week to play the Louisville Cardinals.

Arkansas State and Louisville will kickoff Oct. 31 at 3:30 p.m.