JONESBORO, Ark. — Michael Gordon, Terrance Hollingsworth and Johnston White each ran for touchdowns Saturday to help Arkansas State notch a 37-10 season-opening win over Montana State for new head coach Blake Anderson.
Fredi Knighten broke it open late in the third quarter with a 23-yard pass to Dario Griswold to make it 23-10, then Hollingsworth and White each scored on short runs. Knighten was 19 for 29 for 219 yards passing and ran for 104 yards on 15 carries.
The Red Wolves’ defense stepped up after Anthony Knight tied it at 7 and held the Bobcats to three-and-outs for the remainder. Arkansas State gained 558 total yards to 228 for MSU.
Leading Montana State rusher Shawn Johnson was sidelined after being speared on the second-half kickoff by Frankie Jackson, who was disqualified for an illegal hit.
Luke Ferguson kicked field goals of 29, 23 and 41 yards for Arkansas State.
Sophomore quarterback Dakota Prukop, in his first real action, finished 14-for-26 passing with two interceptions.
“I thought Dakota played fine,” Bobcats head coach Rob Ash said. “I think he completed seven of his first eight passes with a drop. We just couldn’t get a run game going to help him out.”