Louisiana-Lafayette defeats Arkansas State 31-24 despite Aplin’s 427 yards passing

Louisiana-Lafayette beats Arkansas St. 31-24

LAFAYETTE, La. — Chris Masson threw for one touchdown and ran for another and Louisiana-Lafayette held on for a 31-24 win over Arkansas State on Saturday in the Sun Belt Conference opener.

The Ragin’ Cajuns (1-1, 1-0) led 31-7 entering the fourth quarter before the visiting Red Wolves (0-2, 0-1) rallied behind sophomore quarterback Ryan Aplin for 17 unanswered points. Arkansas State had an opportunity to tie on its final possession before Aplin was intercepted by Ragin’ Cajun linebacker Maurice Rolle with 1:59 left.

Masson, who connected on 14 of 25 passes for 142 yards, hit Ladaruis Green for a 6-yard touchdown, and wide receiver Javone Lawson threw a 47-yard pass to Andrew Joseph two minutes later for a 24-7 halftime lead prior to Masson’s touchdown run.

Aplin threw for a school-record 438 yards and two touchdowns on 25 of 45 passing.