Arkansas State get first victory behind Ja’Quez Cross’ career-high 164 yards rushing

JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) — Ja’Quez Cross rushed for a career-high 164 yards and two touchdowns, Zak Wallace added 57 yards rushing and a score, and Arkansas State beat Stony Brook 31-7 on Saturday for its first victory of the season.

Arkansas State (1-2) totaled 345 yards on the ground — its most since 469 versus New Mexico State in 2014. The Red Wolves defense held Stony Brook to 311 total yards.

Cross’ 66-yard touchdown run made it 17-0 with 6:14 left in the first quarter. Cross finished the half with eight carries for 148 yards. His 5-yarder in the third quarter pushed it to 24-0.

Freshman Jaylen Raynor connected with Courtney Jackson for an 8-yard touchdown to extend Arkansas State’s lead to 31-0 with 12:24 left in the fourth quarter. Raynor was 4 of 6 for 78 yards in his collegiate debut.

Casey Case passed for 221 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown for Stony Brook (0-3). Anthony Johnson made nine catches for 127 yards.

Arkansas State concludes its three-game homestand on Saturday against Southern Miss.

___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll