JONESBORO — Arkansas State took its lumps while playing nationally-ranked foes the first two weeks of the season.
It was the Red Wolves' turn to deliver some blows on Saturday night.
James Tabary passed for 255 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first career start, Johnston White rushed for three touchdowns and ASU jumped on FCS-member Missouri State quick in a 70-7 blowout at Centennial Bank Stadium.
It was ASU's first victory of the season after losing 55-6 to No. 6 Southern California in the season opener and 27-20 to No. 22 Missouri last week. Coach Blake Anderson was encouraged after last week's loss in part by the narrow margin, but still disappointed by the outcome. His team let out frustration against Missouri State (1-2), which was without its starting quarterback.
The Red Wolves (1-2), who started the season with two losses for the first time since 2010, gained 624 yards of total offense, 344 coming on 46 rushes. ASU gained 353 yards in the first half as it scored touchdowns on five of its nine offensive possessions and also got a 44-yard interception return from linebacker Khari Lain.
Tabary completed 21 of 24 passes in his first career start while filling in for senior Fredi Knighten, who watched in street clothes after pulling a groin muscle in last week's loss.
See Sunday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full coverage.