Jones with 3 picks, App State defeats Arkansas St. 48-14

JONESBORO, Ark. -- — Nate Noel and Camerun Peoples each gained more than 100 yards rushing, scoring a touchdown apiece, and Steven Jones tied school records with three interceptions, two returned for touchdowns and Appalachian State defeated Arkansas State 48-14 on Saturday.

Malik Williams caught a lateral from Chase Brice and fired a 34-yard rainbow down the right sideline to Thomas Hennigan, who was so wide open he skipped into the end zone with the game's first score.

Jones intercepted Arkansas State's Layne Hatcher three plays later, returning the pick 47 yards for a quick 14-0 Mountaineers lead. Jones also scored Appalachian State's final TD with a 34-yard interception return.

The Red Wolves (1-8, 0-5 Sun Belt Conference) fought into a 14-14 tie on two Hatcher touchdown passes, but Appalachian State would score the next 34 points to win going away.

The win keeps the Mountaineers (7-2) atop the Sun Belt's East Division standings at 4-1. Appalachian State gained 264 yards rushing and racked up 461 total yards to 193 for Arkansas State.

Hatcher was 17-of-30 passing for 137 yards for the Red Wolves and was intercepted three times.

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