By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Arkansas State rallies for a late 35-31 win at Kansas State.

1. Arkansas State’s 35-31 victory at Kansas State is a great win for Blake Anderson and the Red Wolves’ program. It is their first over a Big 12 foe in ten years. Arkansas State not only won, but controlled many elements of the contest overall. The Red Wolves outgained the Wildcats 489 total yards to 374 and Arkansas State recorded 26 first downs compared to Kansas State’s 21. After being close to defeating a Power Five opponent in recent years, the Red Wolves made numerous key plays down the stretch, the late game-winner from Layne Hatcher to Jonathan Adams, Jr. included, to earn this one.

2. The Red Wolves showed great poise down the stretch. Their final drive was downright special. Getting the football needing a touchdown with just 2:30 remaining, Arkansas State promptly responded with a 7-play, 65-yard finale, with Layne Hatcher finding Jonathan Adams, Jr. for one of the early plays of the year this college football season. It was a signature drive for one of the top programs in the Group of Five.

3. This Arkansas State team has two great quarterbacks. On Saturday, Logan Bonner created 17-of-28 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns and Layne Hatcher, who led the signature final drive, was 6-of-8 for 61 yards and two scores. Bonner had a 10-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio last season before getting injured and Hatcher ultimately replaced him with 27 scores as a freshman. The Red Wolves also have another great receiver. Jonathan Adams, Jr. recorded three scores on the day. This team knows how to throw the football, even, sometimes with trick plays.

4. Credit the Red Wolves for being at their best defensively when it mattered most. Arkansas State limited Kansas State to just 1-of-11 on third down conversions.

5. Repect the Sun Belt. Not only did Arkansas State beat Kansas State, Louisiana won convincingly at nationally-ranked Iowa State. The first Saturday on the schedule has proven to be quite the statement for the #FunBelt.