Bayless Leads Arkansas State Over FIU in Camellia Bowl

Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year Omar Bayless hauled in nine passes for 180 yards and a touchdown as Arkansas State held off FIU 34-26 at the Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, AL Saturday afternoon.

Freshman of the Year Layne Hatcher threw for 393 yards and four touchdowns as the Red Wolves (8-5) took the win in a steady downpour at the Cramton Bowl.

Arkansas State had an early 14-0 lead as Hatcher threw touchdown passes to Bayless and Kirk Merritt.  The Red Wolves led 20-13 at the half.

Hatcher's touchdown pass to Reed Tyler made it a two touchdown lead in the third quarter, but FIU (6-7) got a touchdown and two field goals by Jose Borregales from 48 and a bowl record 52 yards to get within one point, 27-26.  But Arkansas State put together a drive late and Hatcher's touchdown pass to Jonathan Adams gave the Red Wolves their final margin.