Arkansas St. surprises Texas A&M

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Reggie Arnold ran for 145 yards and Arkansas State ruined Mike Sherman’s debut as Texas A&M’s coach with an 18-14 win over the Aggies at Kyle Field on Saturday night.

The Red Wolves won for the first time in 15 games against Big 12 opponents and snapped A&M’s 20-game winning streak in home openers. The Aggies hadn’t dropped a home opener since a 17-3 loss to LSU in 1987, and this one likely will go down as one of the most embarrassing losses in school history.

A&M hired Sherman last November, less than a week after Dennis Franchione resigned following the season finale against Texas. Exactly five years ago Saturday, Franchione defeated Arkansas State 26-11 in his A&M debut.

This time, the Aggies built a 14-3 lead at halftime, then self-destructed with four turnovers, a missed field goal and several blown defensive plays.

Josh Arauco kicked four field goals, including a 37-yarder with 1:12 left, forcing the Aggies to go for a winning touchdown.

A&M drove inside the Arkansas State 35 in the final minute, but linebacker Ben Owens intercepted a tipped pass by Stephen McGee with 7 seconds remaining and the Wolves ran out the clock.

Arkansas State quarterback Corey Leonard threw for 160 yards and a touchdown and the Red Wolves earned their biggest victory since moving to Division I-A in 1992.

Mike Goodson ran for 124 yards and two touchdowns for Texas A&M.