Nov 212 min read

Arkansas State, ULM Set For Sun Belt Clash in Jonesboro

Arkansas State (6-4, 4-2 Sun Belt Conference) and Lousiana-Monroe (5-5, 3-3 Sun Belt) will meet at 3 p.m. EST on Nov. 23 inside Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, Ark.

After clinching bowl eligibility with their win over Georgia State on Nov. 16, the Red Wolves will look to stay undefeated at home this season. Meanwhile, the Warhawks are searching for the sixth victory that would grant them a bowl invite.

What's at Stake?

Protecting your home field is a big deal for any football team. Jonesboro, Ark., has been a safe haven for Arkansas State this year. The Red Wolves own a 4-0 record inside Centennial Bank Stadium. If the Red Wolves can take down ULM, a Senior Day game against Old Dominion on Nov. 30 could lead Arkansas State to a 6-0 home record in 2024.

Louisiana-Monroe is searching for the all-important sixth win that could get it invited to a bowl game. The Warhawks haven't played in a bowl since the 2012 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl against Ohio. A win on Nov. 23 would etch this Warhawks team in the history books for all the right reasons.

Key Players: Arkansas State

The Red Wolves are led by quarterback Jaylen Raynor and wide receiver Corey Rucker, who form one of the most underrated quarterback-receiver duos in college football. If Raynor and Rucker start connecting consistently, then it could mean trouble for the Warhawks' defense. Rucker's 782 receiving yards easily lead the team. All signs point to him likely being Raynor's top target on Nov. 23.

Key Players: ULM

ULM, meanwhile, is led by a strong running game headed by tailback Ahmad Hardy. Hardy is averaging 5.4 yards per carry this season.

He has 975 total rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Containing him will be the key for an Arkansas State defense that has been up and down in 2024. If Hardy has a big day on Nov. 23, then it's likely the Warhawks come out on top.