Indians close out season with 16-10 loss at Southern Miss
November 24, 2007

By Gina Bowman
ASU Sports Information

HATTIESBURG, MS — Arkansas State’s hopes of becoming bowl eligible were dashed when the Indians suffered a narrow 16-10 loss at Southern Mississippi Saturday afternoon. The loss leaves ASU with a 5-7 record for the 2007 season.

“We missed a couple of opportunities on both sides of the football that we didn’t cash in on,” said ASU Head Coach Steve Roberts. “But, I’m proud of this team. Those guys played their hearts out. They really laid it out there.”

Running back Reggie Arnold rushed 13 times for 87 yards to go over the 1,000-yard mark for rushing yards in a season for the second consecutive season. Arnold finished with 1,050 yards to become the only ASU player in school history to have two straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his first two years.

Both teams remained scoreless through the first quarter until safety Tyrell Johnson intercepted USM quarterback Jeremy Young at the ASU 49 and returned the ball 39 yards. Johnson fumbled the football after a hit by the Golden Eagles’ Calvin Wilson, but Prince Hickman alertly recovered the fumble at the USM 11 to keep possession for the Tribe. Four plays later, Josh Arauco put ASU on the scoreboard with a 24-yard field goal at 14:10 to give the Indians the 3-0 lead.

The Golden Eagles managed their first score near the end of the second period when running back Damion Fletcher punched it in from the one-yard line. The PAT was good by Justin Estes, giving USM the 7-3 lead with 1:06 until the half.

USM scored again in the third period at 9:23 on an Estes 21-yard field goal and ASU countered with a three-yard  run by Brandon Thompkins to knot things up, 10-10. The game’s final two scores came in the fourth quarter courtesy of Estes field goals—one from 29 yards out and the other a 37-yarder.

ASU led in rushing with 42 carries for 242, while USM had 46 for 177. Indian quarterback Corey Leonard completed nine of 23 passes for 118 yards and one interception. Arnold led the Indians in rushing with Leonard close behind, carrying the ball 17 times for 83 yards, and Preston Brown had 11 for 69. Southern Miss’ Fletcher led all rushers with 133 yards on 27 carries.

Defensively, Johnson was ASU’s top tackler with nine stops and Hickman, Javon McKinnon, and Koby McKinnon each added seven.

Seventeen seniors played their final collegiate game including defensive backs Darren Toney, Tyrell Johnson, Montis Harrison, and Khayyam Burns; running back Chris Easley; wide receivers Chris Miller, Levi Dejohnette, Joe Smith; linebacker Koby McKinnon; offensive linemen Matt Reibe, Heath Lockley, Vincent Thrower, and Kyle Koets; and defensive linemen Prince Hickman, Curtis Bonds, Brandon Rollins, Rob Ramage.

“I wish we could have sent these seniors out on a better note,” said Roberts. “They have equipped themselves for life during their time here, and there’s no doubt they will be successful in their lives.”

Late touchdown gives Arkansas State 31-27 victory over North Texas
November 15, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO — Arkansas State quarterback Corey Leonard completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Thompkins with two seconds remaining, giving the Indians (5-6, 3-4) a 31-27 victory over the Mean Green of North Texas (1-9, 1-5) Thursday night at Indian Stadium.

The Indians overcame a 10-point deficit in the final 7:08 to claim the Sun Belt Conference win, getting 305 passing yards and two touchdowns from Leonard on the night. With the game-winner to Thompkins, Leonard completed his 16th scoring pass of the year to set a new Arkansas State record for touchdowns in a single season.

“We had a dramatic win, and a great win,” said ASU Head Coach Steve Roberts. “I am very proud of our football team for fighting through that game. With fourteen seconds to go I called Corey over and told him he had two options…throw the ball out of bounds or in the end zone. Those were the two things he could do. I told him to make sure he didn’t use fourteen seconds and he used twelve of them. It was great to get a win.”

Arkansas State finished the night with 480 yards of total offense despite having just 93 yards with 3:10 to play before halftime.

Offensive struggles and kicking game breakdowns hurt Arkansas State in the first half as North Texas jumped out to a 21-0 lead. The Mean Green went 65 yards in 10 plays on its initial drive, getting a 4-yard touchdown run from running back Jamario Thomas to complete the drive. Thomas Moreland added the first of three first-half extra points to give North Texas a 7-0 lead with 9:44 remaining in the first.

North Texas put together an 88-yard touchdown drive that started late in the first quarter and ended on the first play of the second quarter when running back Micah Mosley scored on a 2-yard run.

The Mean Green made it 21-0 when Thomas scored on a 4-yard run up the middle following a blocked punt. North Texas safety Aaron Weathers blocked the kick by ASU punter Brett Shrable at the Indian 29, and defensive back Chris Neal returned the block to the Arkansas State four to set up the score.

Arkansas State answered with a 5-play, 64-yard drive that used up 1:28 on the clock. ASU quarterback Corey Leonard completed passes of 13 and 16 yards on the drive, setting up a 30-yard touchdown run by freshman tailback Preston Brown. Placekicker Josh Arauco added the extra point to cut the North Texas lead to 21-7 with 1:37 remaining in the half.

Arkansas State outgained North Texas 202 yards to 187 in the first half, with 109 of those coming in the final 3:10 of the half. ASU’s offensive momentum continued into the second half as the Tribe put 10 points on the board in the third quarter to cut the North Texas lead to 21-17.

The Indians went 67 yards on seven plays to open the second half, capping the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run by tailback Reggie Arnold. A 32-yard field goal from Arauco late in the quarter cut the Mean Green lead to 21-17 heading into the fourth quarter.

North Texas answered with a 61-yard drive that resulted in a 28-yard field goal by Moreland that stretched the Mean Green lead back to a touchdown at 24-17.

An interception of a Leonard pass by North Texas linebacker Craig Robertson on the next Indian possession set up another Moreland field goal that extended the Mean Green lead back to two possessions.

Robertson picked off the tipped pass at the ASU 40, and North Texas drove to the Indian 20 before Moreland made it 27-17 with a 37-yard field goal with 7:08 remaining.

Arkansas State responded with a 61-yard drive that resulted in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Leonard to J.T. Jordan, cutting the deficit back to a field goal at 27-24 with 5:15 to play.

North Texas burned 3:57 on the clock and drove to the ASU nine before Moreland missed from 26 yards out to put the ball back in the Indians’ hands.

Leonard finished the game with 357 yards of total offense. Arnold added 75 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and Brown tallied 48 rushing yards and a score on six carries. Senior wideout Levi Dejohnette finished with 108 yards on nine catches and Thompkins topped the century mark as well with 107 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. Safety Khayyam Burns and linebacker Ben Owens led the Indian defense with 13 tackles each, with safety Tyrell Johnson adding 12 stops on the night.

Arkansas State wraps up the season Nov. 24 in Hattiesburg, MS, against Southern Miss.

List of proposed ASU mascot names narrowed to 12
November 14, 2007

By Tom Moore
ASU Public Relations

JONESBORO - The nine constituency chairs serving on the Mascot Selection Screening Committee met today to review the master list of suggestions that had been submitted by all groups. Twelve proposed names have been referred for further consideration by the full committee.  A total of 42 proposed names were submitted to the group for evaluation. 

The twelve names are: A’s, Black Wolves, Diamonds, Express, Mallards, Mustangs, Red Dragons, Red Storm, Red Wolves, Ridge Raiders, Ridge Runners and Thunderbirds.

According to Jim Pickens, who chaired the meeting, these 12 names will be forwarded to the full Mascot Selection Screening committee for evaluation.  At the next meeting, the group is expected to select approximately five names to be given to the selected sports marketing firm to research and develop related imagery. 

The deadline for marketing firms to respond to the request for proposals is Friday, Nov. 16. After a review by the ASU staff to ensure that all provisions of the proposals meet the defined criteria, selected members from the MSS committee will review these documents to determine which firms should be brought in for presentations.  It is hopeful that a firm can be secured by Nov. 30.  

Pickens congratulated the group on a successful conclusion to the first phase in their three step process. The first phase which has been labeled the “suggestion” phase provided more than 1,500 suggestions which were posted on the web site by the general public. He noted they are currently engaged in the second phase which incorporates the “screening” of potential names and the committee has accomplished this task by bringing forward these 12 names for additional consideration out of the larger pool. The third phase, which will be the “recommendation” of a new name and imagery, is not expected to be completed until the spring semester.

Late touchdown sends FAU past ASU 34-31
November 10, 2007

By Stephanie Fischer
ASU Sports Information

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL - Florida Atlantic overcame a back-and-forth 60-minute battle to power past the Arkansas State Indians 34-31 with a late fourth-quarter touchdown.  FAU's Rusty Smith completed a six-yard touchdown pass with 2:49 left in the game cap its fourth-quarter rally.

Sophomore quarterback Corey Leonard was 19-for-33 with 131 yards, while sophomore Reggie Arnold rushed for 58. Sophomore Brandon Thompkins recorded 156 kickoff return yards for the Tribe.

The Indians got on the board first, after senior Koby McKinnon intercepted FAU's Rusty Smith's second pass of the game at the Owls' 20-yard line. Sophomore Reggie Arnold took a 15-yard pass from sophomore Corey Leonard into the endzone to put Arkansas State up 7-0 with 13:16 remaining in the first quarter.

FAU recovered quickly and answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Smith to tie the game at seven.  The Owls tacked on seven more 45 seconds into the second quarter when William Rose took a two-yard pass from Smith to put FAU up 14-7.

Sophomore Josh Arauco cut the Owls' lead to 14-10 with 5:37 left before the half. Freshman Javon McKinnon set up the score with an 18-yard fumble return to the FAU five-yard line.   Florida Atlantic pushed its lead back to seven with just under two minutes left in the half with 33-yard field goal by Warley Leroy.

The Indians came out of the half ready to play, scoring on their first two drives.  Arnold's two-yard touchdown run tied the game at 17 with 9:46 left in the third. Leonard followed that up with a 6-yard TD run of his own to put the Tribe ahead 24-17.

FAU answered with a 46-yard field goal from Leroy to cut the Tribe's lead to four.  Senior Tyrell Johnson took a Smith pick to the FAU five-yard line, setting up a four-yard TD run by Arnold two minutes into the fourth quarte to give the Indians a 31-20 advantage.

Florida Atlantic countered with a touchdown of their own with 9:57 left. Rose took a 56-yard pass from Smith into the endzone to make it a 31-26 game. The Owls failed the 2-point conversion after sophomore Stanley Wakwe batted down Smith's pass.

FAU took the lead with 2:55 to go when DiIvory Edgecomb caught the six-yard touchdown pass from Smith to put the Owls up 32-31. The two-point conversion was successful this time around, giving FAU the 34-31 lead.

The Indians failed to move the ball down the field and the Owls grabbed the 34-31 win.  The Indians moved to 4-6 overall and 2-4 in Sun Belt play. FAU improved to 5-4 and 4-1 in Sun Belt action.

Arkansas State will play its final home game of the season Thursday when North Texas comes to Indian Stadium for a 6 p.m. match-up.

Arauco’s late field goal lifts ASU over Florida International
November 3, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO — Kicker Josh Arauco’s 32-yard field goal with two seconds remaining capped a wild fourth quarter, giving the Arkansas State Indians (4-5, 2-3) a 27-24 victory over the Florida International Golden Panthers (0-9, 0-4) Saturday afternoon in a Sun Belt Conference clash at Indian Stadium.

In addition to Arauco’s field goal, ASU and FIU combined to score three touchdowns in the final 4:45, including two by Indian tailback Reggie Arnold, who finished the day with 120 yards rushing on 20 carries.  Arnold scored on a 16-yard run with 4:45 remaining to give the Tribe a 17-16 advantage, then padded the lead with 2:24 to play on a 31-yard scoring run that made it 24-16, ASU.

While Arauco and Arnold provided the fourth quarter points for Arkansas State, neither played a larger role in the victory than cornerback Darren Toney, who intercepted two passes on the day, returning one for a touchdown.  Toney also returned three kickoffs for 129 yards, including a 60-yard return that gave ASU the ball at the FIU 34, setting up Arauco’s winning field goal after FIU scored a touchdown and converted the two-point try to tie the game at 24 with 48 seconds remaining.

“I thought Darren Toney carried our team on his back at times and made some huge plays for us with two interceptions and one for a touchdown,” said ASU Head Coach Steve Roberts.  “He had some huge returns for us as well.”

“The bottom line is it’s a win,” added Roberts.  “We can’t underestimate how important it is to win…we found a way to win, and had enough character and competitiveness to get it done.”

Arauco put the Indians on the scoreboard late in the first quarter with a 26-yard field goal that gave ASU a 3-0 lead.  The score capped a 69-yard drive that was highlighted by a pass from junior quarterback Travis Hewitt to wideout Levi Dejohnette on fourth and four from the Panther 40.  The play picked up seven yards and was part of an 18-play possession that used up 9:23 on the play clock.

Hewitt drew the start Saturday, replacing Corey Leonard, who missed the game with an injury after starting the first eight games of the season for the Tribe.  Hewitt completed 19-of-30 passes on the day for 174 yards, with no interceptions.

“I thought Travis had a very good ballgame,” said Roberts.  “He threw the ball very efficiently…the thing that I’m most pleased with is his competitiveness and not going out there and turning the ball over.”

The Golden Panthers took advantage of an Indian miscue with 10:10 remaining in the second quarter to pull within a point.  With ASU backed up at its one yard line, Hewitt and Arnold mishandled an exchange, and Hewitt fell on the fumble in the Arkansas State end zone to score the safety for FIU.

Florida International went on top when punt returner Lionell Singleton raced 80 yards down the left sideline with 2:50 remaining in the half for the 9-3 Panther lead.  After Toney returned the ensuing kickoff 50 yards to the Panther 35, ASU drove to the FIU 14 with less than a minute remaining in the half, but could not cash in as a 31-yard attempt by Arauco missed wide right.

FIU’s halftime lead proved to be short-lived when Toney intercepted Panther quarterback Wayne Younger on the first possession of the second half and returned the pickoff 17 yards for the touchdown.  Arauco’s extra point put the Tribe on top 10-9 with 14:02 remaining in the third.

Florida International went back on top 3:02 remaining in the third when Younger passed across the middle to receiver Jeremy Dickens for a 4-yard touchdown.  The score completed a 14-play 75-yard drive, with kicker Chris Abed’s extra point giving the Golden Panthers a 16-10 lead.

The Indians began their rally with 7:02 remaining in the game, taking possession at the ASU 45 and capping the drive with Arnold’s touchdown that put the Tribe on top 17-16.  Arnold’s second touchdown stretched the Indian lead to 24-16 with 2:24 to play, but FIU answered with a 65-yard drive that tied the game at 24 when Younger hit wide receiver Greg Ellison on a 29-yard touchdown pass, then scrambled and found tight end Moses Hinton open in the end zone for the two-point conversion.

Toney’s 60-yard kickoff return gave ASU the ball at the FIU 29, and six plays later, Arauco booted the field goal for the win.

Indian football players visit school
November 2, 2007

By Dexter Love
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO - Story time was no ordinary time on Friday at the Jonesboro Kindergarten Center. Arkansas State football players Matt Reibe, Kyle Koets, Tyrell Johnson, David Johnson, and Corey Leonard made a surprise visit to spend time with a group of students from the school.

The players split up to be able to spread out and reach more students at one time. The five players read stories to the students and talked to them about how important it is to stay in school and keep your grades up. 

The students where very excited about the stories but were more eager to ask questions about football and ASU. They asked questions from how old are you, who is on your team, and what is your favorite fruit?

As the players left, the rooms where still filled with excitement and Red hats that were given to students.

"Our players have always done a great job getting involved in the community, especially in our elementary schools and kindergartens," said ASU Head Football Coach Steve Roberts .  "They try very hard to be a positive role model for the young people of this area."

The players had a chance to be entertained as well when one student got up and did a popular dance called the "Soulja Boy" while the players enjoyed cupcakes. Tyrell spoke highly of the visit after it was over, saying "we had a great time reading to the kids. They were well behaved and we enjoyed each others company."

The Indians will host Florida International University Saturday. Kickoff at Indian Stadium is set for 2:00 pm.

ASU’s Leonard named as semifinalist for Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award
October 29, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO — Arkansas State sophomore quarterback Corey Leonard has been named as one of 15 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, the Davey O’Brien Foundation announced Monday.

The Davey O’Brien Award honors the nation’s top quarterback by recognizing student-athletes who excel in both sports and academics, while exhibiting strong character and leadership both on and off the field.  The list of semifinalists was determined by votes from the Davey O’Brien Award Selection Committee and fan voting.

“Obviously this is a great honor for Corey and our program,” said ASU Head Coach Steve Roberts.  “In addition to Corey, a lot of credit for this honor goes to our entire offensive staff and players.”

Leonard is currently ranked 34th nationally in total offense, averaging just over 257 yards per game.  He is responsible for an average of 13.25 points per game, ranking 31st nationally.  Leonard has passed for 1,681 yards on the season, completing 53.1 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.  Additionally, he has rushed for 377 yards on the year, scored four touchdowns on the ground, and has been named the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week three times this season.

Leonard is one of just four players who are not juniors or seniors to make the cut as a semifinalist, and will remain in contention for one of three finalist positions until balloting closes at noon Sunday, Nov. 18.  The three finalists will be in attendance Dec. 6 in Orlando, FL, when the award winner is announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN.

"The Semifinalist List confirms that being a player of strong character and leadership combined with talent and academics can translate into more than just wins on the field," said Danielle Moorman, executive director of the Davey O'Brien Foundation. "The O'Brien recognizes the diligence and commitment of these young men to their teams, their schools and the true spirit of the game."

Fans are able to vote for Semifinalist candidates once daily on The O'Brien's Web site, www.DaveyOBrien.com. The voting will continue throughout the Semifinalist and Finalist rounds until The O'Brien winner is announced, with 5% of the final tally coming directly from the Fan Vote.

NCAA removes ASU from NCAA mascot sanctions list
October 29, 2007

By Jerry Scott
ASU Sports Information Director

JONESBORO – Following a formal letter delivered to the NCAA by Arkansas State University detailing steps already taken to change mascots and related imagery and requesting permission to host postseason NCAA championship events, the NCAA has responded by removing ASU from the list of colleges and universities subject to the NCAA Executive Committee’s policy on the use of Native American mascots, nicknames and imagery.

The action by the NCAA immediately allows ASU to host NCAA postseason events and places the University in complete compliance with the NCAA’s policy on the use of Native American nicknames.

In the letter, dated Oct. 8, 2007, and written by ASU Chancellor Dr. Robert L. Potts and Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee on behalf of the University and its athletic department, details of ASU’s decision to retire its Indian mascot, the Indian Family and Native American imagery in the spring of 2008 were outlined to the NCAA.

The letter discusses the timelines involved with the adoption of a new mascot and nickname before making a final statement that ‘Arkansas State University respectfully requests that the NCAA immediately remove Arkansas State University from the NCAA ban list as articulated in your letter dated August 9, 2005, which prohibits ASU from hosting post-season NCAA championship events.’

In a letter dated Oct. 15, 2007, NCAA Senior Vice President Bernard W. Franklin acknowledged ASU’s request and briefly outlined the NCAA’s stance on Native American nicknames.  In closing, the letter stated that due to ASU’s future mascot and nickname change it is no longer subject to the NCAA’s policies associated with the use of Native American mascots, nicknames and imagery.

“I appreciate the faith and confidence that the NCAA has placed in us by making a decision before we have completed our mascot-change process to take us off the sanction list immediately,” said Dr. Potts.  “We look forward to completing our mascot selection process under the leadership of Mr. Jim Pickens and the Mascot Selection Steering Committee.  I believe this will be a very positive step for the University as we move ahead.”

Dr. Lee also welcomed the NCAA’s decision, saying “the removal of ASU from the NCAA sanction list permits our eligible teams to host championship events on our campus in Jonesboro, thereby increasing our chances of postseason success.”

Alumni and friends of ASU have until Oct. 31 to submit suggestions for a new mascot.  Suggestions for ASU’s new mascot can be submitted by visiting www.astate.edu, clicking the “Mascot Information” link located on the home page and then clicking on the “Suggestions” link located on the left side of the mascot information page.

ASU falls to league leading Troy
October 27, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO — Arkansas State (3-5, 1-3) suffered its first home loss of the season Saturday night as the Troy Trojans (6-0, 5-0) defeated the Indians 27-0 in a Sun Belt Conference game at Indian Stadium

Troy quarterback Omar Haugabook rushed for a pair of touchdowns in the game, including a 1-yard scoring run with 5:37 remaining in the first quarter that gave the Trojans a 7-0 lead.

Following a 40-yard field goal from placekicker Greg Whibbs that gave Troy a 10-0 lead at the half, Haugabook added another 1-yard touchdown run in the third to give the Trojans a 17-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Trojans used a 45-yard field goal from Whibbs and a 1-yard fumble return for a touchdown from linebacker Boris Lee in the fourth to set the final score.

“I’m obviously very disappointed, but you’ve got to give a lot of credit to Troy,” said ASU Head Coach Steve Roberts.  “They have a very good football team, and they played very well.”

“We couldn’t take advantage of some of the breaks that we had and put points on the board, and didn’t make enough breaks during the course of the ballgame to be successful,” added Roberts.

Indian quarterback Corey Leonard passed for 105 yards and rushed for 56 to lead the ASU offense, while linebacker Ben Owens led the Tribe on the defensive side of the ball with 11 tackles.

“It is disappointing to lose a ballgame here in Indian Stadium,” said Roberts.  “It’s disappointing to lose a ballgame anywhere.  It’s also a great opportunity to learn a whole lot about who we are as competitors and as people.  The bottom line is that we’ve lost two games in a row, so we have to find a way to win a football game, have some fun, and stay together as a team.  I have absolutely no questions at all about whether or not we will do that because of the character of the young men on this football team.  They will come back and find a way to win.”

Arkansas State returns to Indian Stadium next week for a Sun Belt Conference matchup against Florida International.  Kickoff for the Nov. 3 game against the Golden Panthers is set for 2:00 p.m.

Middle Tennessee powers past ASU 24-7
October 20, 2007

By Stephanie Fischer
ASU Sports Information

MURFREESBORO, TN - The Arkansas State football team couldn't overcome a powerful Middle Tennessee defense, as the Blue Raiders defeated the Indians 24-7 Saturday at Floyd Stadium.

Middle Tennessee racked up a season-high nine sacks and 384 total yards of offense to power past the Indians.

The Blue Raiders got on the board early after junior Kevin Jones' fumble was recovered by Middle Tennessee's Rod Isaac and returned 42 yards for the 7-0 lead with 13:32 left in the first quarter.

The Blue Raiders increased their lead to 14 after Taron Henry took a 17-yard pass from freshman quarterback Dwight Dasher with 2:32 left in the first.

Middle Tennessee added a field goal and took a 17-0 lead before the Indians scored with 12:22 left in the second. Freshman Danny McNeal caught a 6-yard pass from Corey Leonard in the endzone and sophomore Josh Arauco added the extra point to make it a 17-7 game.

Henry caught his second pass of the game, a 52-yarder from Joe Craddock, with just over nine minutes left in the second quarter to extend the Blue Raiders lead to 17.

Neither team managed to score in the second half, as the Blue Raiders held on for 24-7 win.

"You've got to give Middle Tennessee credit, they won all the battles," Arkansas State Head Coach Steve Roberts said. "Our defense shut them out the second half, but we didn't play in all the other areas enough to win the game. We had everything at our disposal, we just didn't execute. Middle never allowed us to get anything."

Leonard completed nine of 16 passes for 116 yards and sophomore Reggie Arnold rushed for 39 on 14 carries. Sophomore Brandon Thompkins racked up 69 yards on three receptions, including a career-high 44-yard reception. Jones totaled 22 receiving yards on two receptions and senior Chris Miller notched 14.

Senior Koby McKinnon led the Indian defense for the with 12 tackles, including two for losses. Senior Tyrell Johnson grabbed his team-leading third interception of the season during the first quarter and added six tackles for the Indians. Junior Ben Owens had 10 tackles and sophomore Greg Hardy added five.

"Now, we've got to go back and figure out a way to beat Troy," Roberts said.

Arkansas State will host Troy Saturday, Oct. 27 at Indian Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

ASU’s Leonard named SBC Offensive Player of the Week
October 15, 2007

By Jerry Scott
ASU Sports Information Director

JONESBORO – Arkansas State sophomore quarterback Corey Leonard (Covington, LA) was named the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season on Monday.

Leonard led ASU to a 52-21 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette while pacing the Indians’ offense that recorded a school-record and Sun Belt Conference season-high 681 yards of total offense by throwing for a school-record five touchdowns, rushing for another touchdown and piling up a career-high 359 yards of total offense, the fourth most in ASU history.

Leonard’s six total touchdowns tied the Sun Belt Conference record and were the most by a SBC player this season.  He completed 17-of-23 passes (.739 completion percentage) without an interception for a career-high 275 yards and added 84 yards rushing, just six yards shy of his career high.  His passer efficiency rating of 246.09 was the 13th best in the nation and the best in the SBC this season for a single game.  Leonard also posted an 84-yard touchdown pass that was a personal career long, the seventh longest in the nation and the second longest by a SBC player this season.

During the game, he moved into 10th place at ASU for single-season passing completions (110) and into a tie for eighth place for single-season passing touchdowns (12).  After Saturday’s game, he is now ranked 16th in the nation in total offense (299.83 ypg).

Leonard also won the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week award two weeks ago and Sept. 3.  ASU has now had a player named the league’s offensive, defensive or special teams player of the week a combined six times.  Tyrell Johnson (Sr., S) was named the defensive player of the week Sept. 3, while Brandon Thompkins (So., WR/KR) and Kevin Jones (Jr., WR/PR) were both named the special teams player of the week earlier this year.

ASU takes a 3-3 overall record and 1-1 Sun Belt Conference mark into Saturday’s game at Middle Tennessee.  The Indians and Blue Raiders will kickoff at 2:30 p.m.

Arkansas State rolls past Louisiana-Lafayette
October 13, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO — Arkansas State sophomore Reggie Arnold rushed for a career-high 225 yards and sophomore quarterback Corey Leonard set a new ASU mark with five touchdown passes as the Indians rolled past Louisiana-Lafayette 52-21 Saturday night at Indian Stadium. 

In addition to his five touchdown passes on the night, Leonard posted a career-high 359 yards of total offense against the Cajuns, completing 17-of-23 passes for 275 yards while adding 84 yards and a score on the ground.

With the win, ASU evens its record at 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the Sun Belt Conference, while ULL slips to 1-6 overall and 1-2 in the Sun Belt.

The Indians churned out a school record 681 yards in the game, including 302 in the second half when they outgained the Cajuns 302-63.  ASU held ULL to just four total yards in the third quarter, helping the Tribe put away the Cajuns with a 21-0 outburst in the second half.

“Obviously, I’m extremely pleased with the outcome of the ballgame,” said ASU Head Coach Steve Roberts.  “We did great in almost every area of the game tonight.  I felt that we dominated and answered the question of how we were going to bounce back.  I thought we bounced back in a big-time way.”

An Indian miscue on the Tribe’s first offensive possession put the Cajuns on the board early.  A fumbled pitch from Leonard to Arnold was scooped up by ULL safety Daylon McCoy less than three minutes into the game, giving ULL a 7-0 lead, but the Indians regrouped for 17 straight points to take the lead.

“Things didn’t start off right in the beginning of the ball game with that fumble and return for a touchdown,” said Roberts.  “How you start a ballgame is important, but how you finish is even more important.  I think we finished the game after that play in a big-time way.”

Arkansas State tied the game with an eight-play, 71-yard drive that was capped off by a four-yard touchdown run by Leonard, and the Indians went on top to stay when sophomore kicker Josh Arauco knocked through a 28-yard field goal to make it 10-7, ASU, with 10:18 remaining in the second quarter.

Just over a minute later, Leonard hooked up with tight end David Johnson on an 84-yard catch-and-run that stretched the Indian lead to 17-7.  The play was a career long for both Leonard and Johnson.

Louisiana-Lafayette quarterback Michael Desormeaux broke loose for a 64-yard touchdown run on the Cajuns’ next possession, trimming the Indian lead to 17-14 midway through the second quarter, but ASU answered with another Leonard-to-Johnson touchdown, this one from four yards out.  The touchdown moved the Indian lead back to 10 at 24-14 with 4:55 remaining before the break.

Desormeaux accounted for another 64-yard touchdown on ULL’s next possession, connecting with wideout Jason Chery to put the Cajuns back in the end zone with 4:03 remaining in the half.  Chery’s touchdown narrowed the Arkansas State lead to 24-21, but again the Indians answered, putting together a 9-play, 82-yard drive that resulted in a 31-21 advantage at the break.  Leonard hooked up with senior wide receiver Levi Dejohnette on a 6-yard touchdown pass with 30 seconds remaining to complete the drive.

Arkansas State put the game away with three unanswered touchdowns in the second half that gave the Indians a 31-point cushion.

Leonard completed a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Catlin midway through the third quarter, then hit tailback Cedric Wilkerson with a 10-yard scoring strike later in the period, and Arnold opened the fourth quarter with a 16-yard touchdown run that extended the ASU lead to 52-21 with 13:39 remaining.

Johnson finished the game with 93 yards and two touchdowns on three receptions, while Dejohnette hauled in five passes for 75 yards and a score.  Defensively, the Indians were led by linebackers Koby McKinnon and Ben Owens with seven tackles each.

Arkansas State resumes Sun Belt Conference play next week when it travels to Murfreesboro, TN, to take on the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee (2-5, 1-1).

ULM spoils Sun Belt opener for Arkansas State
October 6, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

MONROE, LA - After jumping out to a 13-0 lead, the Arkansas State Indians saw their Sun Belt Conference opener spoiled Saturday night when the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks reeled off 30 unanswered points and went on to defeat the Indians 30-13 at Malone Stadium in Monroe.  With the loss, Arkansas State dropped to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in SBC play, while ULM improved to 1-4 on the year and 1-1 in conference action.

Missed opportunities plagued Arkansas State.  A pair of drops in the end zone and two missed field goals kept 20 potential points off the board, and the Tribe failed to capitalize on a botched punt attempt by the Warhawks at the ULM 26 midway through the third with ULM on top 17-13.

Arkansas State scored on its first three drives, getting a pair of field goals from sophomore placekicker Josh Arauco on the Indians' first two possessions.  Arauco booted kicks of 33 and 29 yards to give the Tribe a 6-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, and sophomore quarterback Corey Leonard hooked up with wide receiver Chris Miller for a 21-yard touchdown with 13:02 remaining in the second quarter.  Leonard's touchdown pass completed an 81-yard drive, boosting the ASU lead to 13-0.

The Warhawks charged back with 17 unanswered first-half points to claim a 17-13 advantage at the break.  Kicker Cole Wilson put ULM on the board with 9:35 remaining in the half when he knocked through a 21-yard field goal, and the Warhawks cut the Indian lead to 13-10 on their next possession when quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster passed complete to wide receiver Darrell McNeal on a four-yard touchdown pass at the 4:17 mark.
 
After the ASU offense failed to pick up a first down on its next possession, Warhawk tailback Calvin Dawson wrapped up a 70-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run that put ULM on top 17-13 with 45 seconds remaining before the break.

Wilson tacked on a 20-yard field goal with 3:59 remaining in the third to push the Warhawk lead to a touchdown at 20-13, and ULM took a two-touchdown lead with 9:32 remaining when Lancaster hooked up with McNeal again on a 26-yard touchdown play that pushed the Warhawk lead to 27-13.

Wilson added another 20-yard field goal with 3:04 remaining to set the final at 30-13.

Leonard rushed for a career-high 93 yards and passed for 206 yards and a touchdown to lead the Indian offense, but also suffered a pair of interceptions on the night.  Linebackers Koby McKinnon, Javon McKinnon and Ben Owens led the ASU defense, with Koby McKinnon logging 11 tackles, and Javon McKinnon and Owens notching 10 stops on the night.

Tailback Calvin Dawson rushed for 118 yards and a score on 26 carries to lead the Warhawk rushing attack, and Lancaster completed 15 of 22 passes for 195 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The Indians return home for next week's homecoming game against Louisiana-Lafayette.  Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. at Indian Stadium.

ASU’s Leonard third in fan voting for Davey O’Brien Award
October 4, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO — Each year the top quarterbacks in the nation are waiting in anticipation of hearing their name called as the winner of the Davey O’Brien Award, an award given to the nation’s best quarterback. The player is recognized and honored for excelling on and off the football field, while showing leadership and strong character.

The decision is made by a committee and the fans are a part of the committee. Arkansas State quarterback Corey Leonard is currently third on the fan vote list behind Florida’s Tim Tebow, and Shaun Carney of Air Force. Each vote counts, as the top three quarterbacks on the fans’ list will automatically be moved onto the O’Brien semifinalist list and the fan vote will also count as 5% in determining the finalists and winner.

Leonard is also listed on the O’Brien Quarterback Award Marquee Match-Up list for week six of the 2007 season. He and the Indians will be going up against Kinsmon Lancaster and the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks Saturday night at 6:00 p.m.

As the Indians enjoy more and more success, ASU fans are encouraged to continue to vote for Leonard.  Everyone is allowed to vote once a day at the O’Brien website, www.DaveyOBrien.com.  The 2007 winner will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN December 6.

ASU’s Jones, Leonard earn weekly SBC football honors
October 1, 2007

By Jerry Scott
ASU Sports Information Director

JONESBORO – Arkansas State junior wide receiver/punt returner Kevin Jones and sophomore quarterback Corey Leonard were named the Sun Belt Conference Special Teams and Offensive Player of the Week, respectively, for their performances in ASU’s 35-31 comeback victory over Memphis last Thursday.

Jones (Shreveport, LA) sparked ASU’s rally with a career-best 89-yard punt return for a touchdown that was the first of ASU’s 29 unanswered points in the second half.  The return came with 8:15 left in the third quarter and he followed his touchdown return with a 20-yard return on Memphis’ next punt that set ASU up at the 50-yard line.  The 89-yard return was the third longest in Sun Belt Conference history, the longest by a SBC player this season and the first returned for a touchdown by ASU since the 2005 season.  He finished the game with 109 punt-return yards, the second most by a Sun Belt Conference player this year.

Leonard (Covington, LA) piled up 329 yards of total offense and threw for three second-half touchdowns, both career highs.  Leonard threw two of his three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, helping lead ASU back from a 31-6 halftime deficit.  His final touchdown pass gave ASU its first lead at 35-31 with 7:52 remaining in the game.  Leonard’s three passing touchdowns tie the second most by a Sun Belt Conference player this season.  He completed 16 passes without throwing an interception and his 255 passing yards were the third most of his career.  Leonard added 104 yards gained on the ground and finished with 74 net yards rushing, the third most of his career.  Out of his 74 yards rushing, 65 of those came in the second half of the game.  Additionally, Leonard converted a two-point conversion pass to Levi Dejohnette that brought the Indians within 21-31 of Memphis in the third quarter.

Jones is the fourth ASU player this season to be recognized with one of the Sun Belt Conference’s weekly awards, while Leonard is the first Sun Belt Conference player to be recognized twice this season as a player of the week.  Leonard was named the SBC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 3 as well.  Sophomore wide receiver/kick returner Brandon Thompkins was named the SBC Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 24 and senior safety Tyrell Johnson the defensive player of the week on Sept. 3.

Arkansas State rallies from 25 down to defeat Memphis
September 27, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO — In a game that was delayed almost three weeks by severe weather, the Arkansas State Indians stormed back from a 31-6 halftime deficit, riding the arm and legs of quarterback Corey Leonard to stun the Memphis Tigers 35-31 Thursday night at Indian Stadium.  The game was originally to have been played Sept. 8, but lightning around Indian Stadium forced the postponement of the game until Thursday night. 

Leonard totaled a career-high 329 yards on the night, rushing for 74 yards and throwing for 255 and a career-high three touchdowns before a crowd of 27,774, the majority of which stayed until the end despite the Indians’ large halftime deficit.

The comeback was the biggest for Arkansas State since 1989, when the Tribe was down 31-0 at Lamar and rallied to defeat the Cardinals 41-31.

The Indian comeback was sparked with 8:15 remaining in the third, when junior Kevin Jones returned a Tiger punt 89 yards for a touchdown to trim the Memphis lead to 31-13.  Jones’ return was the third-longest in Sun Belt Conference history, and the first punt returned for a score for ASU since the 2005 season.

“We came out in the second half and got a very big punt return that was huge for our football team,” said ASU Head Coach Steve Roberts.  “It got the crowd back into the football game.  You sort of see the light at the end of the tunnel because of that score.”

Senior safety Tyrell Johnson followed the punt return with a tackle on the Memphis return, recording his 301st career stop to become the Sun Belt Conference’s all-time leader.

The Indians then put together three touchdown drives on their next three possessions to complete the rally.  Arkansas State took over with 4:42 remaining in the third, and Leonard rushed for 55 yards on the 77-yard drive, capping the possession with a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Vernon Catlin.  The two-point try was good when Leonard completed the conversion to senior wideout Levi Dejohnette, cutting the Memphis lead to 10 at 31-21.

“The defense played very well,” said Roberts.  “They (Memphis) had some three-and-outs, and offensively, we moved the football very well and scored touchdown after touchdown.”

Arkansas State drove 72 yards on its next possession, getting a 27-yard touchdown pass from Leonard to Dejohnette that pulled the Tribe to within three at 31-28 with 14:12 remaining, and Leonard hooked up with tailback Preston Brown for a 1-yard touchdown strike on the next Indian possession to put ASU on top 35-31.

The Indians took possession with 12:23 to play and marched 60 yards in 10 plays for the go-ahead touchdown.  Brown scored with 7:52 remaining in the game, and Arauco added his third extra point of the night for the 35-31 final.

Memphis drove to the ASU 30 before turning the ball over on downs on the Tigers’ next possession, then got the ball back with 3:16 remaining at the Tiger 31, but never got past the Memphis 45, turning the ball over on downs again with 46 seconds to play.

Memphis grabbed the momentum early, and didn’t let go until Jones’ punt return midway through the third.  The Tigers opened the game with an 84-yard drive that resulted in a 7-0 lead when tailback Joseph Doss scored on a 1-yard run.  The drive opened with a 56-yard completion from quarterback Martin Hankins to wideout Maurice Jones to set the Tigers up at the Indian 28, and eight plays later, Doss put Memphis on the board.

Arkansas State answered with a 40-yard by Josh Arauco on its first possession to cut the Tiger lead to 7-3 midway through the first quarter, but Memphis matched the three-pointer with a 32 yard field goal from Matt Reagan to make it 10-3. 

The Tiger lead swelled to 17-3 on the first play of the next Memphis possession when receiver Dave Thomas took a lateral from Hankins and lofted an 80-yard scoring strike to wideout Steven Black, who ran untouched to the end zone to give the Tigers a 14-point cushion.

The Indians drove to the Memphis two on their next possession before settling for a 21-yard boot from Arauco that trimmed the Tiger lead to 17-6 with 9:02 remaining in the half, but Memphis tacked on two touchdowns in the remainder of the half to build a 31-6 lead at the break.

Memphis quarterback Matt Malouf dove in for a 1-yard score to make it 24-6, and after ASU had driven to the Tiger 14, Memphis defensive tackle Freddie Barnett scooped up a fumble by ASU’s Cedric Wilkerson and returned it 88 yards for the score.

Vols down Indians despite big nights from Thompkins, Arnold
September 22, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

KNOXVILLE, TN - Arkansas State sophomore Brandon Thompkins racked up 194 return yards, and sophomore tailback Reggie Arnold added 130 rushing yards and a touchdown in a 48-27 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers (2-2) Saturday night before 102, 368 fans at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN.

Thompkins' 194 return yards set a single-game record for Arkansas State (1-2), but Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge offset the effort with a career high 334 yards and four touchdowns in front of the largest crowd to ever witness an Indian football game.

Tennessee did not put the game away until the fourth quarter, answering an early fourth-quarter touchdown by the Indians with 10 points down the stretch to put the game away. Arkansas State pulled to within 38-27 when Arnold found the end zone from a yard out with 14:54 remaining, but Tennessee took control in the remainder of the game and kept the Tribe off the scoreboard to secure the win.

"I'm obviously disappointed in the outcome of the ballgame," said ASU head coach Steve Roberts.  "I thought our players played very hard in a very hot and hostile environment tonight.  We came out and were able to make some plays, we just weren't able to make the critical plays."

The Vols took a 7-0 lead on their first possession courtesy of a 17-yard pass from Ainge to wide receiver Lucas Taylor, but ASU answered on its first possession when sophomore quarterback Corey Leonard found senior wideout Chris Miller in the back of the end zone for a 6-yard scoring strike.

Tennessee went up 14-7 on Ainge's second touchdown pass of the night, a 15-yard completion to tight end Chris Brown that wrapped up the Volunteers' second possession, then made it 17-7 on a 29-yard field goal from Daniel Lincoln with 38 seconds remaining in the opening quarter.

Tennessee drove into Indian territory on its next possession as well, but ASU senior Tyrell Johnson, the Sun Belt Conference preseason player of the year, picked off an Ainge pass and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown to pull the Tribe within three at 17-14 with 9:13 remaining in the second quarter.

Tennessee scored two touchdowns in a span of 1:21 late in the first half to build a 31-14 cushion before ASU sophomore kicker Josh Arauco nailed a 44-yard field goal as time expired in the half to make it 31-17 at the break.

The Volunteers' late second quarter scores came on a 25-yard pass from Ainge to tailback LaMarcus Coker, and a 5-yard run by tailback Arian Foster.  Foster's scoring run was set up when Tennessee's Brent Vinson intercepted Leonard at the Indian 40 with 1:39 remaining in the half.

Arkansas State got a 37-yard field goal from Arauco on the first possession of the second half to cut the Volunteer lead to 31-20, but the Vols distanced themselves again with a 2-yard run from Coker to stretch the lead to 38-20 with 6:26 to play in the third.

The Indians answered with an 82-yard drive that was capped off by Arnold's 1-yard plunge early in the fourth quarter to cut the Tennessee lead to 38-27, but the Vols got a 24-yard touchdown pass from Ainge to Taylor and a 39-yard yard field goal from Lincoln to go up 48-27 with 8:57 to play, then held ASU scoreless for the rest of the night.

In addition to his 194 return yards, Thompkins added 49 receiving yards, while senior Levi Dejohnette led the Indians with 53 yards on three receptions.  Leonard completed 18-of-35 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted twice and sacked four times.

Arkansas State will return to action Thursday, Sept. 27 when they host the Memphis Tigers in a 6:00 p.m. game at Indian Stadium in Jonesboro. The game was originally scheduled to have been played Sept. 8 but was postponed after a lengthy delay due to lightning in the area.

ASU adds Penn State and Nebraska to future football schedules
September 20, 2007

By Jerry Scott
ASU Sports Information Director

JONESBORO – Arkansas State University Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee announced Thursday that Penn State and Nebraska are the latest additions to the Indians’ 2008 and 2009 football schedules, respectively.

ASU will travel to State College, PA, to face the Nittany Lions on Sept. 6, 2008.  Arkansas State will catch the Cornhuskers on Sept. 26, 2009, in Lincoln, NE.  The games will net the ASU athletic department a guarantee of $750,000 each.

Arkansas State has never played Penn State or Nebraska in football.  The Nittany Lions will join Illinois and Minnesota as the third Big Ten school ASU has ever played.  The Penn State game could draw the largest crowd to ever watch an ASU game as Beaver Stadium seats 107,000.  Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, now in his 42nd season, has led the Nittany Lions to two national championships.

The 2009 meeting with Nebraska will make the Cornhuskers the 10th Big 12 opponent all-time for ASU.  The game will be played at Memorial Stadium, which seats 81,067.  Former NFL head coach Bill Callahan is in his fourth season as Nebraska’s head coach.  Less than a year after guiding the Oakland Raiders to the Super Bowl, Callahan was hired to lead one of the nation’s elite college football programs.

ASU holds off SMU for 45-28 victory
September 15, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO — After building a 21-0 first quarter lead, the Arkansas State Indians (1-1) thwarted a Southern Methodist comeback attempt with 17 fourth-quarter points, pulling away in the final period for a 45-28 victory over the Mustangs (1-2) Saturday night at Indian Stadium.

The Indians’ early 21-point lead was cut to a touchdown at 28-21 in the third quarter, but career nights from sophomore quarterback Corey Leonard and sophomore tailback Reggie Arnold helped the Tribe slam the door on the Mustangs’ hopes for a comeback.

Leonard finished the night with a career-high 266 passing yards and two touchdowns.  He also added a career-high three rushing touchdowns, and his pair of scores through the air tied his personal best, while Arnold’s 156 rushing yards tied his career best as well.

“It was a tremendous job both offensively and defensively,” said ASU head coach Steve Roberts.  “At halftime we just talked about what we needed to do the rest of the game.  We didn’t talk about momentum or anything like that.  We tied in the third quarter, and came back and won the fourth quarter, and I was really pleased with that.”

Arkansas State lit up the scoreboard on its first possession, getting a 1-yard touchdown run from Leonard to take a 7-0 lead less than three minutes into the game.  Leonard’s scoring dive was set up by a 60-yard completion to senior wideout Kevin Jones on third-and-nine from the Indian 34.

A 1-yard scoring run by Arnold on ASU’s second possession capped a 97-yard drive and stretched the Indian lead to 14-0 before ASU’s defense sparked the third Tribe touchdown of the opening quarter.  Senior linebacker Koby McKinnon picked off a Justin Willis pass at the ASU 40 and returned it 51 yards to the Mustang nine, and one play later Leonard found the end zone for the second time on the night.  Sophomore placekicker Josh Arauco added his third of six extra points to push the ASU lead to 21-0.

The Mustangs got on the board with 3:46 remaining in the second quarter when Willis connected with wide receiver Zack Sledge on a 19-yard touchdown pass, then completed his second touchdown pass of the night with 1:13 remaining in the half to cut the ASU lead to 21-14 at the break.  Willis hit wide receiver Columbus Givens in the right corner of the end zone from 20 yards out on the scoring play, and placekicker Thomas Morstead added his second point-after on the night.

Arkansas State reclaimed the momentum early in the second half, marching 80 yards in 13 plays to take a 28-14 lead.  Leonard hooked up with senior Chris Miller for a 6-yard touchdown to complete the possession.  The drive was kept alive three plays earlier when Leonard passed complete to senior wideout Levi Dejohnette for 35 yards on third-and-seven from the SMU 37.

SMU refused to go away however, driving deep into Indian territory twice in the third quarter.  After reaching the ASU 15 before turning the ball over on downs on their first possession of the second half, the Mustangs cashed in on their second opportunity when Willis completed his third touchdown pass of the night.  Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders snagged a 10-yard pass across the middle with 2:59 to play in the third to pull the Mustangs within a touchdown at 28-21.

Arkansas State answered with a 19-yard field goal from Arauco on its first possession of the fourth quarter.  Arauco’s field goal capped an 11-play, 77-yard drive and extended the Indian lead to 31-21 with 10:10 remaining.

The Indian defense came up big on the next Pony possession.  After SMU drove to the Arkansas State 18, ASU defensive lineman Prince Hickman combined with linebacker Ben Owens to force a fumble while sacking Willis, and freshman defensive lineman Levi Thompson recovered for the Tribe at the ASU 34.

Arnold exploded for 22 yards on first down, then added 22 more yards on the possession before Leonard completed the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run that made it 38-21 with 6:55 to play.

ASU senior cornerback Montis Harrison intercepted Willis on the next SMU drive to set up the Indians’ final touchdown of the night, a 12-yard strike to junior tight end David Johnson to extend the Arkansas State lead to 45-21.

SMU added a late touchdown when Willis hit wide receiver Devin Lowery for a 25-yard score with 3:33 remaining. 

“This team believes in each other and they believe in what we are doing,” added Roberts.  “And I can’t say enough about playing at home.  Playing at home is absolutely key.  It is crucial.”

With the win, ASU improved to 5-1 in home openers at Indian Stadium under Roberts, and 9-1 at Indian Stadium over the past three seasons.

Arkansas State returns to action Sept. 22 when the Indians travel to Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN  to take on the Volunteers of Tennessee.

Tickets to be honored for rescheduled ASU-Memphis football game
September 10, 2007

By Jerry Scott
ASU Sports Information Director

JONESBORO – What was supposed to be ASU’s 2007 home opener against longtime-rival Memphis last Saturday was postponed until Thursday, Sept. 27, at 6:00 p.m. due to continuous lightning around Indian Stadium.

Tickets purchased for the original game will be honored for the make-up game - fans will simply use their existing ticket stubs to attend the game.  Tickets are on sale for any fans that did not purchase a ticket for the original date and would like to attend the game Sept. 27.

While no refunds or exchanges will be given for the original tickets, verifiable lost or destroyed tickets can be reprinted in advance of Sept. 27 for new ones that will designate their original seat or seating area by going to the ASU Ticket Office located at the Red Entrance of the Convocation Center.

Those fans who purchased a ticket with cash and cannot verify with receipt that they lost or had their ticket damaged, will be allowed to enter Indian Stadium via gates 16 and 17 on the east side of the stadium based on the honor system.

The Indians now host another Conference USA member, SMU, this Saturday in its new home opener.  Tickets are available for all six ASU home games and may be purchased by visiting the ASU Box Office at the Convocation Center Red Entrance between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or by calling the ASU Ticket Office at 870-972-ASU1 (toll free at 888-ASU-FANS).  Tickets for all ASU home games can also be purchased through the Internet by going to http://tickets.astate.edu.

Prices include $17 for reserved bench seating, $14 for general admission and $10 for youth and senior citizens.

Season tickets remain in all sections, including chairback ($120) and general admission ($70). There are also group rates available as well as the Family Plan, which includes four general admission season tickets for only $195.

ASU-Memphis game postponed due to inclement weather
September 8, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO — The Arkansas State-Memphis football game scheduled for Saturday night was postponed until Thursday, Sept. 27, after continued lightning near Indian Stadium prevented the game from getting underway.

Game officials cleared the field when thunderstorms moved into the Jonesboro area just before the scheduled 6:00 p.m. kickoff, and at approximately 8:45 p.m., officials from both universities agreed to postpone the game.  Thunderstorms were predicted to linger in the Jonesboro area throughout the night.

Tickets for the game will be honored at the Thursday, Sept. 27 makeup game, which will kick off at 6:00 p.m. at Indian Stadium.

ASU's Leonard and Johnson named Sun Belt Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week
September 3, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

JONESBORO - Arkansas State quarterback Corey Leonard and safety Tyrell Johnson have been named Sun Belt Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for their performances in the Indians' Sept. 1 season opener against the University of Texas.

Leonard, (Soph., Covington, LA) passed for a career-high 259 yards in the 21-13 loss to the fourth-ranked Longhorns, completing 23 of 36 passes on the night with one interception.  His 23 completions in the game were also a career high.

"Both players played extremely well for us and are very deserving of this honor," said ASU head coach Steve Roberts.  "Leonard was outstanding for us running our offense in the Texas game.  He was accurate, timely with his throws, and used his athletic ability to help our offense move the football against a very good Texas defense."

Leonard directed the Indian offense on a 93-yard touchdown drive late in the game that put ASU within eight points of Texas, completing 6-of-9 passes on the drive.  He completed passes to eight different receivers on the night, rushed for 37 yards, and helped the Indian offense put up 397 yards of total offense - 57 more than the 340 yards produced by the Texas offense.

Johnson (Sr., Rison), the preseason Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year, logged a game-high 14 tackles against the Longhorns, including 10 solo stops.  He also had one interception in the game, and one 6-yard tackle-for-loss.

"Tyrell was all over the field," said Roberts.  "He was active against the run, making plays all night.  He also stepped up and had a key interception in the game for us."

Johnson made a key tackle on ASU's goal-line stand in the second half when the Indians kept the Longhorns out of the end zone on four straight downs inside the ASU three, and led an ASU defense that held Texas to 340 yards of total offense.  Johnson's 14 tackles against Texas gives him 283 career stops, and leaves him just 17 tackles shy of becoming the Sun Belt's all-time leading tackler.

In addition to being the Sun Belt's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Johnson was also named preseason All-Sun Belt Conference, and is on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Award, given annually to the best defensive player in college football.

Leonard has now started eight consecutive games at quarterback for the Indians, and is on the watch list for the Davey O'Brien Award, given annually to the nation's top quarterback based on performance on the field, in the classroom, and as a team player who displays leadership, character, and sportsmanship.

Arkansas State opens its home season Saturday night at Indian Stadium against the University of Memphis Tigers.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.  Tickets are available for all six ASU home games and may be purchased by visiting the ASU Box Office at the Convocation Center Red Entrance between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or by calling the ASU Ticket Office at 870-972-ASU1 (toll free at 888-ASU-FANS).  Tickets for all ASU home games can also be purchased through the internet by going to http://tickets.astate.edu

Texas holds on for 21-13 victory over Arkansas State
September 1, 2007

By Van Provence
ASU Sports Information

AUSTIN, TX - The fourth-ranked Texas Longhorns spoiled Arkansas State's hopes for a season-opening upset Saturday night, holding off the Indians for a 21-13 victory before 84,440 fans at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.

Arkansas State pulled within a touchdown and two-point conversion at 21-13 on a two-yard touchdown run by sophomore tailback Reggie Arnold with 56 seconds remaining, then recovered the ensuing onsides kick, but game officials ruled that ASU did not have the required four players on each side of the ball on the kickoff. After the five-yard penalty was assessed, Texas recovered ASU's second attempt at an onsides kick, and ran out the clock to secure the win.

Arkansas State gave Texas all it could handle in the game, rolling up 397 yards to the Longhorns' 340, as sophomore quarterback Corey Leonard passed for a career-high 259 yards on the night. Leonard completed 16 passes in the effort, also a career high, while senior safety Tyrell Johnson led the Indian defense with 14 tackles and an interception.

"I am extremely proud of our effort, and proud of the character of our young men," said ASU head coach Steve Roberts. "Not only for tonight, but for the work that went in to start the 2007 season, and all that they have done to put themselves in position to be competitive in this game. There was just a lack of focus at times that kept us from winning this game."

Texas used a 35-yard touchdown pass from Colt McCoy to Limas Sweed to crack the scoreboard on its first possession. McCoy's touchdown pass completed a 56-yard drive, and placekicker Ryan Bailey added the extra point to give the 'Horns a 7-0 lead with 12:25 remaining in the first quarter.

Arkansas State answered with points on its first possession as well, getting a 45-yard field goal from Josh Arauco to cut the Longhorn lead to 7-3. Arauco's field goal was a career long for the Indian sophomore, and completed a 47-yard drive that put the Tribe on the board with 8:12 to play in the opening quarter.

Texas stretched its lead to 14-3 later in the quarter on McCoy's second touchdown pass of the day. McCoy hooked up with tailback Antwan Cobb on a 16-yard lob into the end zone, the only play of the Texas drive. The Longhorn possession was set up by a 30 yard punt return by Quan Cosby that put Texas deep into Indian territory to start the drive.

The Indians missed on three opportunities narrow the gap in the second quarter when Arauco missed from 46 and 37 yards out, and Leonard was intercepted by Texas' Eddie Jones in the end zone with less than a minute to play, and Texas went into the break holding the 14-3 advantage.

After the Indian offense stalled on the first possession of the second half, the ASU defense came up big on Texas' first possession, stopping Longhorn tailback Jamaal Charles on four straight downs inside the Arkansas State three. Indian linebacker Koby McKinnon, who finished with 11 tackles to tie his career high, stopped Charles short of the goal line on first and second down, then teamed with Johnson on third down to stop Charles for no gain from the one. Senior defensive tackle Curtis Bonds stuffed Charles on the fourth down try, giving the Tribe possession at its own one.

The Indians moved out of the shadow of its goal line, driving 23 yards before a Brett Shrable gave Texas the ball at the Longhorn 42. Nine plays later, Charles found the end zone from 10 yards out to extend the Texas lead to 21-3 with 3:09 to play in the third.

The Indians drove to the Longhorn 18 on their next possession before turning the ball over on downs, then moved deep into Texas territory again to set up a 28 yard field goal from Arauco to trim the Longhorn lead to 21-6 with 9:29 to play.

ASU forced Texas to punt with 4:03 remaining, then drove 97 yards in 13 plays for Arnold's touchdown that pulled the Tribe within eight points.

The Indians return to Jonesboro for next week's home opener against the University of Memphis. Kickoff for the game is set for 6:00 p.m. at Indian Stadium.

H/A

182

289

W/L

H

W

1-0

35

L

1-1

-

1-2

A

2-2

1-0

10

3-2

2-0

4-2

HC

29

10

5-2

3-0

A

0

29

5-3

0

27

5-4

10

38

5-5

3-2

A

33

26

6-5

4-2

A

13

28

L

6-6

4-3