Arkansas State vs. Louisiana Tech: Score and Reaction for 2015 New Orleans Bowl

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs used a strong second half to defeat the Arkansas State Red Wolves, 47-28, Saturday in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

Running back Kenneth Dixon scored four touchdowns for the Bulldogs and broke an FBS record in the process, per ESPN Stats & Info:

He finished his career with 87 scores and now leads Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds by two touchdowns.

Both teams finished the season with 9-4 records, but Louisiana Tech heads into the offseason with a second straight bowl win.

The Bulldogs wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard as quarterback Jeff Driskel hit Dixon with a nine-yard touchdown pass three minutes into the game. 

The teams traded field goals before Driskel found Trent Taylor from 13 yards out to help give the Bulldogs a 17-3 lead with 12:06 remaining until halftime.

Driskel, a former Florida Gators signal-caller, had a great half, per ESPN College Football:

He showed nice touch on this 45-yard pass to Taylor in the first half, per ESPN College Football:

Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports took a shot at the Gators, who struggled on offense after starting quarterback Will Grier was suspended halfway through the season:

"

Florida could really use a QB like Jeff Driskel.

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) December 20, 2015"

Despite Driskel's success, the game was far from over, as the Red Wolves scored 14 unanswered points to send the game into the half tied at 17-17. 

A pair of one-yard rushing touchdowns by Warren Wand and quarterback Fredi Knighten got Arkansas State back into the game.

The duo was a big reason why the Red Wolves were competitive heading into the second half, which the team's Twitter account noted:

Knight powered his way in during his run, delivering a blow to a Bulldogs defender as he fell into the end zone. The run impressed Mary Dunleavy of THV11 in Little Rock, Arkansas:

It was an entertaining affair, with four touchdowns in the first 30 minutes, not to mention the attire on the Arkansas State sideline, per Brandon Marcello of AL.com:

They may have been stylish on the sideline, but the Red Wolves' play after halftime was anything but impressive.

The second half didn't get off to a fast start, with the teams trading field goals to start the third quarter until Dixon broke free for a 59-yard touchdown reception, helping his team take a 27-20 lead and tying the all-time touchdown record.

He set another milestone earlier in the game, per Louisiana Tech:

It didn't take long for Dixon to break the record (although Reynolds still has a bowl game to play) as he waltzed into the end zone from eight yards out with 18 seconds left in the third quarter to help give Louisiana Tech a 34-20 lead.

A Knighten interception at the end of the third quarter set the Bulldogs up in Arkansas State territory, and the rout was on.

From there, Dixon added to his legacy with another touchdown, and with most of the fourth quarter left, he and the Bulldogs were making their mark on the game, per the New Orleans Bowl's Twitter account:

A 98-yard kickoff return by Blaise Taylor was the Red Wolves' only second-half highlight as the Bulldogs cruised in the second half for the victory.

Dixon finished the game with 203 total yards to go along with his four touchdowns. If Reynolds doesn't score at least two touchdowns against Pittsburgh, Dixon will remain the FBS' all-time touchdown leader.

Despite his big day, Dixon didn't lead the Bulldogs in rushing. Boston Scott had 106 yards on four carries after busting a 77-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Driskel finished 26-of-37 for a career-high 458 yards and three touchdowns in his final collegiate game. 

Taylor had 10 receptions for 149 yards to go along with his one score.

After a strong first half, Knighten struggled in the second half and finished 14-of-28 for 137 yards and two interceptions. Wand finished with 66 yards.

Louisiana Tech extended its total-yards record, finishing with 676 in its first New Orleans Bowl victory.

Postgame Reaction

There was plenty of star power to go around in the game, but Dixon's big day earned him MVP honors, per KSLA News 12 Sports in Shreveport, Louisiana:

Dixon and Driskel helped the Bulldogs reach another team milestone, per ESPN Stats & Info:

Bulldgos head coach Skip Holtz was happy for Dixon to end his career the way he did, per Sean Isabella of the News-Star:

It was certainly a great exit for Dixon, Driskel and the other seniors, and now the Bulldogs are going to have big shoes to fill at the running back and quarterback positions moving forward.

For now though, the celebration focuses on a record-setting night none of the players will ever forget.