Van Andel's late field goal lifts Arkansas State over South Alabama

In Jonesboro, Arkansas, on Saturday, Arkansas State University secured a narrow victory over South Alabama with a final score of 18-16. The game was marked by a strong performance from Arkansas State's quarterback, Jaylen Raynor, who threw for 345 yards and completed a touchdown pass. The decisive moment came when Clune Van Andel kicked a 34-yard field goal with just 10 seconds remaining, capping off a 10-play, 60-yard drive that showcased Raynor's precision as he completed six consecutive passes. South Alabama initially took the lead late in the game with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Gio Lopez to Jamaal Pritchett, but their two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving them ahead 16-15. Prior to that, Arkansas State had briefly led after Raynor connected with Tyler Little for a 5-yard touchdown. Despite the back-and-forth nature of the game, Arkansas State's defense held strong in the final moments, allowing Van Andel's kick to seal the win. Raynor's performance was complemented by Corey Rucker, who had an impressive 172 receiving yards. On the other side, Lopez also had a solid outing, throwing for 292 yards and a touchdown, with Pritchett being a standout receiver for South Alabama. This victory improved Arkansas State's record to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the Sun Belt Conference, while South Alabama fell to 2-4 and 1-1 in conference play. The win also marked a significant moment in the rivalry, as Arkansas State now leads the series against South Alabama 7-6, highlighting the competitive nature of their matchups in recent years.