Cure Bowl 2016: UCF vs. Arkansas State Live Score and Highlights

Arkansas State 31, UCF 13—Final

Blake Anderson won his first bowl game as a head coach with Arkansas State's 31-13 victory over Central Florida. It wasn't the prettiest win he's ever had, though, as the Red Wolves committed 15 penalties and picked up just eight first downs on offense. In fact, Arkansas State was 3-of-17 on third down and ended up with just 235 total yards.

Three crucial special teams blunders by UCF led to three touchdowns by Arkansas State, and that was the difference. The first score of the game came early in the first quarter when the Red Wolves blocked a punt and fell on the loose ball in the end zone. Arkansas State added a field goal, and UCF fumbled on the ensuing kickoff, which led to another touchdown.

UCF battled back, making it a 17-10 game at halftime, but a muffed punt late in the third quarter led to another Arkansas State touchdown. The Knights freshman quarterback McKenzie Milton had to deal with a fierce Red Wolves defensive front that finished the game with six sacks. Milton struggled, throwing for just 175 yards, and he was pulled in the second half for Justin Holman.

While Arkansas State only had eight first downs, wide receiver Kendall Sanders had a huge game with 127 yards and three touchdowns. UCF's defense played fairly well for the most part, but that unit gave up too many big plays in this one.

Arkansas State moves to 8-5 with the victory, while Central Florida falls to 6-7 after the loss.