Mobile, Ala. – Tonight the Arkansas State Red Wolves have the national stage.
And this amazing improbable run to nationwide recognition will get even more attention.
Back home we are way too familiar with the tale of the Arkansas State Red Wolves and the continued success with four coaches in four seasons and three straight conference titles and bowl appearances.
And I guess if you are looking in from the outside it is pretty remarkable and so, so improbable. This was a program that in the 90s was the doormat of college football. In the 2000s it reached respectability and in the last three seasons has taken the next step.
Winning in college football is not easy if you are not one of the elite programs. Staying successful is what separates so many programs. So what the Red Wolves have done with three straight titles, only the second time in school history, deserves notice.
So if you watch the game tonight get ready for plenty of references. And you will see shots of new coach Blake Anderson, who will be in attendance. Two years ago it was Gus Malzahn getting the extra attention as the coach in waiting and last year Bryan Harsin.
A-State is the underdog tonight in the GoDaddy Bowl. A quick look at the records – 10-2 Ball State vs. 7-5 Arkansas State – and most could go along with that.
ASU was an underdog last year when they felled No. 25 Kent State.
There is an air of confidence around this team. The fact they have been here before is not overlooked. I knew the routine of bowl week, what is expected, etc.
That was not the case two years ago when a depleted coaching staff lost to Northern Illinois. Last year, under the leadership of John Thompson and a strong group of seniors, they held together and posted the victory.
Thompson is back. And there is no Ryan Aplin, although he is in town and beloved by the Red Wolves faithful who are here, Tim Starson, Don Jones, Nathan Herrold, etc. to carry the team.
But there is a group of seniors who earlier this week received a third straight conference championship trophy. And they will likely not go out quietly.
A lot of that credit goes to Thompson, who more than likely is coaching his last game with the Red Wolves. He said this week he is not focused on his future, he will start on that on Monday.
But his work is not unappreciated. On Friday night at an alumni gathering at an one of the local establishments, Thompson walked in with Arkansas State trooper Robert Speer, who was a three-time all-conference player for the Red Wolves, and applause broke out and continued and got louder and louder. Those who were there said Speer, who towers over most at about 6-foot-5, smiled and Thompson was on the edge of being emotional.
He is an appreciated and well-like man by the A-State Nation. And many want him to go out with a victory, not because it is their team, it is deserved.
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Jeff Reed is editor of Astatenation.com… Follow him on twitter at @ASUJeffReed.
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