MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Arkansas State University football team lost 35-30 to Middle Tennessee State in the Camellia Bowl Saturday night in the Cramton Bowl.
ASU (7-5, 6-2 Sun Belt Conference) was down 28-10 midway through the third quarter, and the Red Wolves came within 35-30 with 5:03 left in the game when redshirt junior quarterback Justice Hansen threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Christian Booker.
The Red Wolves had one final shot to win with 1:27 left in the game, starting a drive at the ASU 9. Hansen was sacked three times on the final drive, including a sack fumble by Middle Tennessee State redshirt junior defensive end Darrius Liggins at the ASU 38. Red Wolves redshirt junior offensive tackle Lanard Bonner recovered the ball as time expired.
The Camellia Bowl appearance was ASU’s seventh consecutive bowl appearance, which is a state record. The Red Wolves are now 3-4 all-time in bowl games.
It was the first time ASU ended the season with consecutive losses since 2010, when the Red Wolves finished a 4-8 season with losses to Navy and Florida International.