Arkansas State weathered a torrid early storm from Utah Valley to emerge 39-12 winners in th Varsity Cup quarterfinals.

The Red Wolves aren't used to being the smaller team on the field, but this time they were, and that changed their approach.

"We knew they were good because of what they'd done against UCLA," said ASU Head Coach Shaun Potgieter. "They were probably had 15 pounds on us per man, and were taller, too. But traveling to Jonesboro isn't easy, and we felt that if we could make them run around, we would be able to finish strong."

So the plan was to move the ball, but at the same time, be careful, as UVU is opportunistic and can intercept a wayward pass and take it to the tryline as well as anyone. Slowly the game began to tilt in Arkansas State's direction. They got a try and a penalty, held off UVU for a long period on their own goal line, and then started to pull away. UVU did score two tries in the second half, but Arkansas State's defense made them work so much for those scores that they didn't have time to add any more.

For ASU, wing Preston Weigel get the start after sitting out last week's game due to an injury. He played a strong game at wing on a day he was sorely needed. In addition, Sione Fangaiuiha exploded for a breakout game at outside center, laying in some enormous hits and making some big offensive plays, as well.

"Our defensive effort is what stood out for me," said Potgieter. 

Once the Red Wolves had a lead, they were able to start throwing some wide cutout passes and testing UVU across the field. That tactic worked, Utah Valley tired late, and ASU held on 39-12.