Sun Belt: Arkansas State

Arkansas State Red Wolves

2015 Results: 9-4 (8-0, Sun Belt Champions)

Lost to Louisiana Tech in New Orleans Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 8 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd TOLEDO

10th at Auburn

17th at Utah State

24th CENTRAL ARKANSAS

October

5th GEORGIA SOUTHERN

15th SOUTH ALABAMA

29th LOUISIANA-MONROE

November

3rd at Georgia State

12th NEW MEXICO STATE

17th at Troy

26th at Louisiana

December

3rd at Texas State

Arkansas State ran through the Sun Belt on their way to a fifth straight bowl appearance. The Red Wolves margin of victory was 21.1 ppg with the closest contest being a 10-point victory (Louisiana). The Red Wolves return enough to make another run at the conference championship, but it remains to be seen if they will dominate the field as they did last year.

The quarterback competition is wide open. It appears as though University of Oklahoma signee Justice Hansen will be calling the plays. The sophomore will benefit from having running backs Johnston White and Warren Ward leading the rushing attack. The Red Wolves lost their top two receivers from a year ago, but hope that Cameron Echols-Luper will put a jolt into the offense. All five members of the line return as seniors.

Four of the eight returning starters on defense won all-conference honors last year. Defensive End Ja'Von Rolland-Jones, who had 13 tackles for loss and 9 sacks a year ago, will be leading the unit as he will be in contention for the conference defensive player of the year. Former Alabama Defensive Tackle Dee Liner is the only new starter in the front six. The secondary will be the question mark. The Red Wolves gave up 267.8 passing yards per game a year ago, and will look to improve on that this season as the back unit will be a work in progress.

Player to Watch: Cameron Echols-Luper

Echols-Luper is the definition of Do-It-All. Not only did he play wide out at TCU, he also played quarterback and even punted. He was also a track and field star. He will be a huge addition to the offense after sitting out last year for transferring.

If you only watch them once, watch:

10/5 Georgia Southern

This game will be sure to define the conference race early. After a decent September schedule, the Red Wolves will begin defending their conference title at home against an up-and-coming Georgia Southern team.

What to Expect

The Red Wolves come into this season with a target on their back. They embarrassed every conference foe they faced last year, and other teams won't soon forget that. The schedule sets up favorably for the repeat. If they can sneak out an early win at Auburn, and unblemished campaign shouldn't be out of the question.

Prediction

10-2 (7-1, Sun Belt)

-Dug

@chansm1th