Arkansas State, Nevada set to face off in Arizona Bowl
Dec 2, 2018, 1:32 PM
Arkansas State defensive back Derrick Bean (30) tries to stop Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) as he carries the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama won 57-7. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Arkansas State Red Wolves and the Nevada Wolfpack are heading south.
The two teams will go head-to-head in the 2018 Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl in Tucson.
The bowl game, which pairs a team from the Mountain West Conference with a team from the Sun Belt Conference, is set for Dec. 29 at Arizona Stadium.
The Red Wolves have made it to eight consecutive bowl games.
After getting blown out by Alabama in Week 2, Arkansas State was able to bounce back, going 8-4 — including four straight wins to close out the regular season — to earn bowl eligibility.
Quarterback Justice Hansen has been a big part of their success as he has completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,172 yards, 27 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also has a trusted receiver in Kirk Merritt, who is leading all Arkansas State receivers in catches (75), yards (939) and touchdowns (7).
On the ground, the duo of Marcel Murray and Warren Hand has been a force for the Red Wolves. The two are averaging more than 5.2 yards a carry and have combined for 1,445 yards and 11 scores.
Nevada finished the season 7-5 and in second place in the West Division of the Mountain West.
Quarterback Ty Gangi threw for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns while running back Toa Taua rushed for 816 yards and six touchdowns.
Last year, the Arizona Bowl game between New Mexico State and Utah State was one to remember.
After being tied 13-13 at halftime and being held scoreless in the third quarter, both teams scored in the fourth to force overtime.
Utah State was up first, failing to connect on a 29-yard field goal to put the team up.
From there, New Mexico State running back Larry Rose III took over, scoring on a 21-yard run to seal the 26-20 win.
