FAU (1-5, 0-3) fell for the fifth consecutive time this season as it lost to Arkansas State University (3-5, 3-2) at ASU Stadium in Jonesboro, Ark., on Saturday, Oct. 23. The game ended 37-16.
FAU defensive lineman Dino Cox got his first career interception, but ASU was the first to strike with a 24-yard field goal by kicker Bobby Zalud early in the second quarter.
FAU responded with a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jeff Van Camp to tight end Rob Housler, giving the Owls a 7-3 lead.
Later in the quarter, a nine-yard fake punt rush by ASU punter Neely Sullivent earned the hosts a first down. Following the fake, running back Jermaine Robertson led the Red Wolves down the field before quarterback Ryan Aplin leaped into the end zone for a touchdown. Aplin rushed 14 times for 64 yards while also passing 28-46 for 230 yards and one touchdown.
Later in the quarter, ASU had another chance to score, but Aplin was sacked by defensive lineman Jamere Johnson, forcing the first half to end 9-7 in favor of ASU.
Then in the third quarter, a short pass form Van Camp to wide receiver Lester Jean turned into an 80-yard touchdown run, giving the Owls the lead. FAU, who had blocked a field goal attempt earlier through Michael Lockley, had their point-after attempt blocked. The 80-yard pass and reception were a career long by both Jean and Van Camp.
Penalties plagued FAU throughout the second half. On one drive alone, two touchdowns were called back due to penalties, pushing the Owls from the ASU four-yard line back to the 19.
FAU was forced to settle with a 36-yard field goal by kicker Ross Gornall, extending their lead to 16-9. This would be the Owls’ last score, as the Red Wolves scored four touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
It started with a 28-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anthony Robinson, which tied the game 16-16, followed by a 37-yard touchdown interception by ASU defensive back Adrian Hills.
On the Owls’ next possession, Van Camp fumbled and ASU recovered. The Red Wolves started on FAU’ s one-yard line, and on the next play, Robertson punched the ball in for a touchdown, making the score 30-16.
As the Owls worked to move the ball down the field to attempt a comeback, Hills snagged another interception which set up a four-yard touchdown sprint by Robinson, giving ASU the 37-16 victory.
FAU next plays its homecoming game against Florida International University on Saturday, Oct. 30, at Lockhart Stadium.
