Red Wolves Football Enters at 55 in USA Today Countdown

 

The USA Today is counting down to their pre-season top college football team in the nation, and the Arkansas State University Red Wolves come in at No. 55.

Here is a taste of the analysis from the newspaper on the Red Wolves football team:

SEASON BREAKDOWN & PREDICTION

— In a nutshell: Arkansas State remains a leader in the Sun Belt and an easy pick for eight or more wins despite yet another coaching change. While the constant turnover along the sidelines is a concern, I think the Red Wolves have enough returning talent and experience to again weather the storm; remember that this is nothing new to the juniors and seniors on this roster, who have now been through four changes in as many years. The only concern is that ASU must learn Harsin’s offense quickly, well before the opener, and must find a comfort level in his system prior to the start of Sun Belt play. Defensively, retaining Thompson was Harsin’s wisest move – because Harsin can now focus primarily on the offense while allowing the defense to retain a level of continuity.

I’m picking Louisiana-Lafayette to win the Sun Belt for a simple reason: ULL feels a bit more secure on offense, while ASU does need to worry about the transitional period to a new system and a new starting quarterback. But the past two seasons have taught us something: ASU must be taken seriously as the best team in the SBC and a 10-win threat. Though projecting a very slight decline in the win column seems safe – down to eight wins in the regular season – don’t sleep on the Red Wolves’ ability to claim yet another conference title.

— Dream season: Once again, Arkansas State wins nine or more games in the regular season and claims another SBC crown.

— Nightmare season: The Red Wolves taste adversity for the first time since 2010, dropping three games in non-conference play and four against Sun Belt competition to finish shy of bowl eligibility.

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