Cosmically speaking, it feels like all the atoms comprising the universe have perfectly aligned to make an important Bobcats vs. Red Wolves game possible. We’re seeing the formation of the Moon in real time. To ignore or dismiss it would be a personal catastrophe, like having front row tickets to see Journey in their prime, only to attend a screening of Superman III instead.

Days like this upcoming Saturday is the reason why our hearts orbit sports. The Red Wolves have scrapped and clawed their way to the cusp of postseason play bearing the will of the strongest Green Lantern (who is Guy Gardner, by the way), and it should be a story that appeals to all of us. Of course, we are Arkansas State fans, and we are a prickly and fickle bunch. We all have our checklist of gripes, our mandatories, our demands.

Once while attending a game, a woman behind me would not stop talking about the summer sausage she had roasting in her oven, implying often that something disastrous would happen to it were she not there to personally attend to its slow-cooking. The fate of this sausage was far more important to her than whatever drama played out on the gridiron. So I get it – everyone has priorities.

But if you are a Red Wolves fan, you should make this game a priority. Though I shouldn’t have to offer reasons, I shall anyway, in case you require a cheat sheet to convince a friend or a relative who may be thinking about cooking a summer sausage instead.

#1 You Wanted Bowl Eligibility, Well, Now You Could Actually Get It

A popular message-board expectation for this particular football team was that it achieve 6 wins, even if Las Vegas predicted no more than four. Some of you set your sporting allegiances to this goal. Now here we are, one-game from achieving bowl eligibility, and some of you are still muttering something about “duck season.” [Anthony Hopkins Voice] There is a saying, a very old saying: “Take a shit or get off the pot.” You can help this team achieve this goal with your attendance, or you can keep moving the goal posts so that you may never have to commit. It’s up to you.

#2 This Is The Last Time You’ll See Samy Johnson Playing Football at The Cent

Saturday is Senior Day, and we’re bidding adios to a number of incredible young men who have spent an entire Arkansas State football career without seeing a bowl game. Happily, Samy Johnson isn’t one of those guys – he was a true freshman when A-State participated in the 2019 Camellia Bowl (the Red Wolves last postseason appearance).

Since then, however, Samy has endured much as a football player. A star running back in high school, he was asked to beef up the team’s shallow cornerbacks squad, and he did so without complaint. We’ve seen him make big plays, but we’ve also seen him carted off the field on a medical buggy. He’s given us everything he can, and possibly a bit more. We owe it to Samy – and all the departing seniors – to see his final game in Jonesboro.

#3 Ja’Quez Cross Has Some Wild First-Step Speed

Something I’ve noticed of late is how quick Cross’ step is as a receiver out of the backfield. Often, on a lateral pass, I’ve see Cross accept the pass in obvious position for being tackled immediately, only to see him burst forward and blow by the defender. Honestly, it’s a phenomenon that should be witnessed in person.

#4 This Defense is Fun [if you like suspense]

The Red Wolves defense is not a shutdown defense by any stretch of the imagination. But man, it keeps us in the game, often providing enough time for the offense to get its act together (which, sadly, never happened against South Alabama). The defense will give up big plays. But it will also deliver its share of crucial three-and-outs and even a turnover, when absolutely necessary. Additional, freshman linebacker Javonte Mackey is a maestro of tackles. Keep your eyes on him.

#5 Open an Outlet to Your Hatred for Texas State

Arkansas State fans have been seeking a true, mutual rival for a long, long time. Landing right on our doorstep, pre-packaged for seething hatred, is Texas State, a program that has recently poached a number of Red Wolves, including our former Chancellor. Not only that, Texas State has the audacity to become good at football without our permission. For once, a game between the Bobcats and Red Wolves has November significance; would it not be deeply satisfying to boot the Bobcats on Jonesboro soil again? I think it would.

#6 It’s Quite Possible that the Director of the A-State eSports Team will Serve You a Beer

If you have a thirst for suds and a penchant for digital gaming, it may interest you to know that Fielding Belk, the director of the A-State eSports Team, will be serving brews SOMEWHERE at Centennial Bank Stadium on Saturday. Consider this a kind of Pokemon hunt.

#7 You Gotta See This Jaylen Raynor Kid

A true freshman, Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor can throw, run, and ultimately change the outcome of the game with a single sensational play. Raynor is the fledgling architect of the Red Wolves’ return to relevance, and to see him play is like witnessing Gregory Hines put on tap-dancing shoes for the first time.

#8 Give Rex Steele Some Company

My brother, Rex Steele, will be in his season ticket-holder seats eating peanuts, drinking beer, and really enjoying it (perhaps too much) when “Narco” is played on the PA speakers. He could use some company.

#9 Linebacker Charles Willekes is Reportedly Governor Mike Beebe’s Favorite Player

Is this a legitimate reason to attend Saturday’s football game between Arkansas State and Texas State? Absolutely. Any player Governor Beebe endorses is a worth seeing.

#10 The Red Wolves Freshman and Sophomore Class is Like Having Crystal Balls

The Red Wolves roster has been transformed by two outstanding recruiting classes from Butch Jones and his staff, and we’re beginning to see the results on the field. Observe as these youngsters mature into superstars before our very eyes – Jaylen Raynor, Javonte Mackey, Miller McCrumby, Ja’Quez Cross, Dominic Zvada, Keyron Crawford, Brandon Greil, Cedric Hawkins, Elijah Zollicoffer, and Ashtin Rustemeyer are just a small handful of young studs who will carry the team forward into seasons to come. To watch a Red Wolves game is to peer into the future!

#11 The Weather Will Be Perfect for Football (but Way Too Hot for Duck Hunting)

All season long, Red Wolves home games have been blessed with some nice weather, especially Saturday, with predicted sunny skies and a high of 59º – which is sweltering duck hunting weather, am I right? Wait until next Saturday. Way colder! More ducks, I bet, too.

#12 You Don’t Want That DeMario Davis Bobblehead. You NEED That Demario Davis Bobble Head.

The only way to acquire the collectable DeMario Davis bobblehead is to be at the game, y’all. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., fans can claim a voucher at the A-State Athletics tent in Tailgate City that guarantees them one of the 1,000 bobbleheads being given away.  There will be 250 vouchers available, while the remaining collectibles of the former A-State and current New Orleans Saints linebacker will be issued to the first 750 fans through the stadium gates.

#13 Where Else Can You Wear Your Boobcats T-shirt?

Made of the finest cotton and designed to conceal the hoppiest of beerguts, your BOOBCATS shirt is meant to be worn for this particular game.

#14 Have Some Pride, Man

For many of us, Arkansas State is the institution that made it possible to become the men and women we are today. The university belongs to us. Let us represent it by finding the time to support its most public-facing aspect. I’m proud to be A-State-made. I’ll see you at the game.

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