Coach Jones grips the podium at nine and three o’clock, veins protruding from his forearms, his fists bookended by a pair of Vernors Ginger Ale bottles. (I asked the A-State Athletic Department if “Vernors” was a sponsor of Red Wolves football, and the answer is, “Not officially.”) His is a calm cadence, his voice low and even, his thoughts unaided by notes. Jones opened with what can be generically described as a generic description of the Red Wolves football team, expressing the need to play “complimentary football” and stressing the importance of this week’s practice heading into Saturday. Nothing is explored in depth, including the two deep.
For the first time I can remember (and according to somebody in the know, the first time ever), the Red Wolves elected not to post a Depth Chart for Week 1. In the past, Jones has been cagey with his two-deeps, sprinkling a generous number of “OR” onto the chart to build suspense. To omit the chart entirely is something new, leaving open the biggest mystery of all: who is behind center on Saturday.
“It does not give us an advantage to name a starter,” dismissed Jones. ““They’re all progressing. The best thing about that (QB) room is that they all have different skillsets.”
Jones doesn’t take any chances of a coordinator letting a sliver of game plan slip. No coordinators are on hand, presumably occupied with designing fresh plays. Instead, linebacker Joe Drew and wide receiver Chauncy Cobb field a few questions, leaving us all to wonder what is behind this curious subterfuge?
The most obvious answer is that Week Zero afforded Jones an advantage, and he isn’t willing to soften it by filling in any blanks. The Memphis Tigers opened their kimono to the world on Saturday, revealing a team with speed and menace. If the Tigers are to expose everything, what advantage is served by returning the favor?
One gets the sense that Coach Jones understands the table stakes. The Red Wolves haven’t bested the Tigers since 2012. Perhaps you remember the following year when a not-quite-comprehending Bryan Harsin led the heavily favored Red Wolves into Liberty Bowl only to get crunched 31-7. Memphis has won the next four, including a 37-3 romping of a Butch Jones led program in 2023.
At Arkansas State, there are certain opponents that behooves a coach and his staff to defeat or even crush: Louisiana, Arkansas, and Memphis are the first to come to mind. Butch Jones is 1-8 against these opponents. Red Wolves fans enjoy a good win over Georgia State or South Alabama or Appalachian State or even UCA as much as the next fan, but to be manhandled by these three programs is unbearable.
Butch Jones didn’t release a depth chart, nor did he reveal he’s starting QB against Memphis. He’s not telling anyone how the new OC will call plays differently, nor is he admitting to any shortcomings on the defensive line. Win or lose, the outcome won’t be determined by whether or not he gave too much away.
It’s Going to Be as Hot as a Barbecue-Pit in Memphis
Many of you will elect to watch this game on ESPN+. Those attending live will also experience a plus: heat and humidity! The forecast calls for a high at-or-above 100ºF which I can only assume will be accompanied by a rag-wringing dose of Delta moisture. The Liberty Bowl is an enormous concrete crucible of fire. Hydrate the hell out of yourselves. Remember, beer isn’t Gatorade.
Who Will Be Quarterback?
Jones is being cheeky about his quarterback room, but he’s correct in saying that any one of the four who saw snaps in the Spring Game have the tools to start on Saturday. He’s also correct in mentioning that none among the QB Quartet have many game-time snaps at the college level. So who will Jones and OC Garrett Altman select for the opening drive?
Our guess: Trey Owens, the big 6’5″ former 4-star who transferred out of a crowded QB room in Texas. He’s the kind of guy Jones likes – a big lug who can handle himself in the pocket and throw the right passes. I’d look for Ethan Crawford and perhaps even Jérémy St-Hilaire to have cameo appearances in run situations. Saying all of that, Jones will probably name Vanderbilt journeyman Drew Dickey as his starter – who is also quite capable.
The Rivalry
Sure, Arkansas State and Memphis have met on the gridiron since 1914 and have faced one another more than 60 times, but forget about expecting most Tigers fans to acknowledge any rivalry between the two programs. Denying rivalry is an essential element of rivalry, after all.
Of all OOC opponents, Red Wolves fans want to win this one most. Since the loss in 2013, Jonesboro has gnashed its teeth watching the Tigers defeat P5/4/2 opponents and participating in premium bowl games while the Red Wolves have struggled to compete in the shaky SBC East. A win would do much for the ego of all involved wearing the Scarlet and Black.
How the Red Wolves Win
During the first half in the game against UNLV, the Tigers played conservatively on the defensive line, enabling the Rebels to exploit Memphis’ corners for mid-range passes. Coach Charles Huff made the halftime adjustment, ratcheting up the pressure on UNLV’s offensive line, rattling the QB and forcing UNLV to run – which the Tigers did well to mitigate.
The Red Wolves offensive line will be heavily relied upon to keep the A-State QB alive long enough to cook. But that’s only half of the challenge. Memphis quarterback Marcus Stokes is a weapon in the pass and run. The 6’2″ redshirt junior threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns against the Rebels while notching 45 more yards on the ground. DC Griff McCarley will have to cancel the Tigers’ size advantage by rolling the dice on aggression so that Stokes never gets comfortable.
Tiger to Tame: Elijah Kinsler, DL
Kinsler, a 6’3″ 256-lb sophomore, terrorized Las Vegas with 2.5 sacks and six solo tackles in Week Zero. The Red Wolves have depth and experience at offensive line, but they will get everything they bargained for and more with Kinsler, a former three-star who left Southern Miss with Charlie Huff.
Memphis Has a Depth Chart
You’ll notice former Red Wolves OL Riley McGehee is listed on the back half of “OR” for left tackle. Also, the Memphis defense will look very familiar: its largely the same defense that picked off Jaylen Raynor four times in its 28-21 win over Arkansas State last year. Guys who played in that game include defensive end J’Mond Tapp, linebacker Mike Montgomery, safety Dylan King, safety Ian Foster, CB Anthony Richard and linebacker Zach Ruffin.
The Final Analysis
Memphis is a familiar foe – both historically and presently, as so much of the team is comprised of former Southern Miss standouts. Butch Jones knows what he’s up against. After five years, he also knows how important this game is for the fanbase, and the tone a victory would set could carry the team across the entire season.
That being said, the Tigers are a team bulging with talent, size and speed. A-State doesn’t have a tougher OOC opponent on the schedule, and that includes TCU. “Who wants it more” will play a factor, but Memphis has the home field advantage and are already battle-hardened. For all the mystery Butch Jones is generating leading up to the game, let us hope he has a few secret aces tucked in his sleeves.
IMAGES are mostly mine