It was still 100ºF when the bulk of the faithful began filing into the newly refurbished Simmons Liberty Stadium. The Sun, relentlessly firing protons from more than 91 million miles away, didn’t have a rooting interest – it loathed each team and its fans equally. Water was the concession’s most popular menu item. Everyone in attendance looked as exhausted as a cross country runner. The stadium had become a concrete crucible from which only the best-hydrated would emerge.
Early on, the Red Wolves appeared to be among the hydrated. The offense marched down the field in chunks, exploiting the Tigers corners while deploying a surprisingly effective run game. Perched on the Tigers 33, it appeared that Arkansas State was poised to open the game with a score – until the Memphis defense line forced Red Wolves QB Trey Owens to roll left and, under some duress, side arm his pass into the awaiting hands of a Tiger.
It would be one of four interceptions of Owens, making his debut for Arkansas State. He would also throw fro 325 yards and a touchdown. Later in the quarter, he would deliver a satisfying stiff arm to a member of the Tigers secondary that delighted the visitor’s section.
Arkansas State would trail 21-17 at the half, but would ultimately fall 24-42 to a team that proved deeper and faster than the Red Wolves, who have now lost their last six games to Memphis. As frustrating as that data-point might be, the Red Wolves exhibited many reasons to remain positive (plus a couple reasons to reach for the antacids).
The Good Stuff
The Offensive Line (Mostly) Performed Quite Well
For the majority of the game, the Red Wolves offensive line provide solid pass protect for Owens, who not only piled up more than 300 passing yards, but also rushed seven times for nearly five yards per carry. Running backs Timothy Carter and Kenyon Clay concluded scoring drives with punch-ins, and the team put up a decent-enough 109 yards of rushing.
The offensive line surrendered three sacks, but two were on consecutive plays in the fourth quarter. Owens, who isn’t easy to bring down, remained mostly clean. This looks like an offensive line that will only get stronger as the season progresses, and it did well against a Memphis defense that has some studs on the D-line.
Griff McCarley Knows He Can Only Win Through Agression
The Red Wolves defense is going to be an adventure all year, and losing stud linebacker Nigel Nelson for the year with a broken ankle isn’t going to help at all. Still, McCarley’s squad took risks and applied pressure on Tigers QB Marcus Stokes, who found himself tossing his first two picks of the season.
Still, the defense seemed forever confused by running back Jaylin Carter and his delayed runs. And with Nelson sidelined, stopping a crafty running game will just be more difficult for the Red Wolves moving forward.
Clune Van Andel Continues to be Cash Money
Van Andel nailed a 48 yarder, which implies that his leg will be a long-range weapon all year long.
Hunter Summers (and the Receiving Corps) Are Game Ready
If Chauncy Cobb is the Red Wolves fun-sized playmaker, Hunter Summers is showing us that he’s the reliable big man, hauling down five tough receptions for a team high 95 yards. Overall, 8 guys put up receiving stats, which should keep opposing defenses guessing.
Reaching for Rolaids
Four Interceptions Isn’t Ideal
Trey Owens played fearlessly on Saturday, but at times he made reckless decisions, opting to force the ball into a dicy situation rather than “throw-away-and-live-another-day.” All four interceptions were delivered deep in Memphis territory, at the very least removing Van Andel’s big leg from the equation. Owens debut was promising, but is time behind center won’t last long if he can’t put a lid on the turnovers.
Defense Had Way Too Much Trouble Stopping the Run
The Tigers enjoyed 335 rushing yards, allowing Memphis to control possession. We knew that the defensive line would struggle thanks largely to inexperience. They’re going to have to get experienced fast.
Butch Jones Continues to Leave Time on the Table
Memphis scored late in the second quarter, pulling ahead 21-17. With 40 seconds left in in the half, and time-outs in his pocket, Butch Jones elected to take a knee and run out the clock rather than attempt to seize momentum. It was a curious decision. Memphis would get the ball to open the second half, and the Red Wolves had just executed a one-play TD drive on its last possession. Why allow Memphis to head to the locker room with all the juice? Why send a signal to your offense that you’re not trusted to protect the ball for forty seconds?
Jones has a reputation for donating time to the opposing team to close out the first half. Overly-conservative football is frustrating to watch. Show some faith in your offensive, Coach Jones.
PHOTOS: Carla Wehmeyer – Arkansas State