Arkansas State Edges FAU In OT :: Owls fall in defensive gem 3-0.

Oct. 22, 2005

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JONESBORO, Ark. (AP) - Eric Neihouse's 21-yard field goal in overtime gave Arkansas State a 3-0 victory over Florida Atlantic in a Sun Belt Conference matchup Saturday night.

It was the second straight game in which Neihouse had kicked a winning field goal for the Indians (4-2, 3-1 SBC). He kicked a 3-pointer from 35 yards on the final play of ASU's 39-36 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette two weeks ago.

ASU stopped FAU (1-7, 1-3) on the Owls' possession in overtime when James Johnson intercepted a Danny Embrick pass on the 12 on the third play.

FAU had a chance to win in the closing seconds of regulation, but Daniel Kennard missed a 44-yard field goal attempt, short and to the left, with 16 seconds left.

The Indians dominated the stats, outgaining the Owls 393 to 168, but three interceptions and a lost fumble played a big role in keeping the Indians off the board until overtime.

It was Arkansas State's first shutout since defeating Hawaii 20-0 in 1998.

Nick Noce finished 14 of 28 for 208 yards, but had three interceptions, including one that set up the Owls' fourth-quarter field-goal try.

Antonio Warren, playing his first game since injuring his ankle against Florida International, gained 106 yards on 22 carries. Warren has rushed for more than 100 yards in each game in which he has played this season.

At the half, only Arkansas State could claim it had threatened to score. In fact, the Indians had two opportunities.

The first ended when Neihouse missed a 37-yard field goal wide right in the first quarter. Late in the half, the Indians drove deep but Noce was intercepted on the Owl 3 by Troy Pindell with 3:13 left in the half.

During the first half, FAU shut down the Indians' rushing attack, allowing just 58 yards on the ground before intermission.