Troy scores with 17 seconds left, beats Arkansas State 32-25

Posted December 03, 2017 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Troy quarterback Sawyer Smith (3) shoves away Arkansas State defensive back Darreon Jackson (34) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Jonesboro, Ark. (Tommy Metthe//The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP) The Associated Press

JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) - Brandon Silvers threw two touchdown passes, including the game-winner with 17 seconds left, and Troy beat Arkansas State 32-25 in a wild finish on Saturday night for a share of the Sun Belt Conference title.

Without a timeout remaining, Silvers drove the Trojans 72 yards in nine plays. On fourth-and-5, Silvers capped the drive with a 14-yard pass to Deondre Douglas in the corner of the end zone. Justice Hansen moved Arkansas State to the Troy 38, but his Hail Mary pass attempt was batted away in the end zone.

Troy (10-2, 7-1) has won six straight, and will share the conference title with Appalachian State. Arkansas State (7-4, 6-2) has lost two of its last four games.

Silvers connected with Tray Eafford for a 44-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. Troy's Marcus Jones intercepted Hansen's pass in the end zone, ran 100 yards for a touchdown and the Trojans led 24-13 with 7:46 remaining.

With less than three minutes to play, Hansen threw touchdown passes to Omar Bayless and Christian Booker, and the Red Wolves regained the lead, 25-24 with 1:23 left.

Arkansas State had 606 yards of offense compared to Troy's 293, but the Red Wolves had three turnovers.

Troy's Marcus Jones (8) returns a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown during the second quarter against Arkansas State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. (Tommy Metthe/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP) The Associated Press

Troy wide receiver Tevaris McCormick (11) attempts to pull in a pass while defended by Arkansas State defensive back B.J. Edmonds (3) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Jonesboro, Ark. (Tommy Metthe//The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP) The Associated Press

Troy cornerback Jawon McDowell (27) tackles Arkansas State wide receiver Chris Murray (14) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, in Jonesboro, Ark. (Tommy Metthe/The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP) The Associated Press

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