Two plays into the game, the Red Wolves were in terrible trouble: First, a 22 yard pass from Taylen Green to O’Mega Blake, followed by a 53 yard touchdown run by Mike Washington Jr. Either Arkansas made football look easy, or Arkansas State made football look difficult, pick your perspective. Sadly, there are more examples to assist your decision. The Razorbacks would score three more touchdowns on its next three possessions, using speed and power around the edges to blow by Red Wolves defenders.

A week earlier, at the SEMO post-game presser, Coach Butch Jones admitted that the Red Wolves had gotten away with things they would not get away with against Arkansas (and later, Iowa State). The A-State defense was able to adjust to the Redhawks offensive schemes and shake off pass rushers. However, though Arkansas may be selected to finish 14th in the SEC, the team still bears elite speed and size only a well-funded NIL chest can provide. Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman obviously took the game seriously, likely fully understanding what a loss would mean for his job security. He took no chances.

Despite the dismal 56-14 score, there were highlights for which the Red Wolves could take a measure of solace. Chauncy Cobb flashed incredible speed in returning a kick-off for a touchdown – and displayed toughness and grit gobbling four catches for 50 years, often taking big hits to his 5’6″ frame. Jaylen Raynor, who broke out of several sack situations against the Redhawks, continued to sacrifice his body with gutty runs. The defense picked off Green twice. Unfortunate-timed penalties cost A-State a couple scores. Yes, there were cheer-worthy moments.

But there were far more cringe moments. Where did it go so wrong? Criticism can be leveled in infinite directions. The defense, who we all know is laden with new faces and led by first-time DC Griff McCarley, was clearly not ready for the challenge, routinely bested around the edge and fooled by Green’s QB keepers. Blame can be laid at the feet of Butch Jones, who literally had years to prepare for this moment. Allowing four touchdowns on four consecutive possessions tells us that Coach Jones did not rise to the challenge. “I was disappointed with our attention to detail,” said Coach Jones during the SBC presser.

Coach Jones does understand the obstacles all to well. The Group of Five is dying. Its most public facing brands have been absorbed by the Power 4, and the Most Powerful 2 are seizing all the top tier talent without penalty. (The Big 12 and the ACC are dying too, just more slowly.) Observe how the Sun Belt has performed two weeks into the season. Arkansas State, Georgia State, Southern Miss and ULM were destroyed by SEC opponents. Marshall, occupying the SBC basement during a rebuild, was defeated at home by CUSA’s Missouri State, just elevated from FCS. Louisiana was neutered at home by Rice. Georgia Southern was embarrassed by Fresno State. Coastal was crushed by Virginia, then followed up by scoring just 13 against Charleston Southern. True, James Madison and South Alabama put up good fights against Louisville and Tulane, but losses are still losses.

The Sun Belt is suffering; the pain is universal, and it’s personal for Arkansas State.

The War Memorial Experience

For the first time, I pitched a tailgate at War Memorial and found the experience pleasant enough – owing especially to the mild weather. Reserved tailgating was cheek-to-cheek, and nobody was shy about amplifying their music. Everybody around me was cordial. I arrived solo at 6AM to set up, and a pair of Razorback fans assisted me in popping the canopy.

At game time, War Memorial was filled, My 70-year-old mother was not impressed with Razorbacks fans booing the Red Wolves team entry, nor did she want to hear my dissertation of the rivalry of men. I sat somewhat apart from the designated Red Wolves section – I wanted to be closer to the 50 yard line. I was surrounded mostly by Hog fans, and they were understandably enthusiastic about the first quarter. My chagrin was respected.

A low point occurred at halftime, when Taco Bell ran some sort of promo highlighting a Hog fan. They picked some kid from Jonesboro wearing a Razorbacks shirt and put him on the big screen. It was petty.

IMAGE: An AI generated monstrosity