The Red Wolves didn’t go into the office on Sunday because they took care of business of Saturday, dispatching West Georgia, one of the most recently elevated to FCS programs, 52-7 on a hot and muggy evening in Jonesboro. I, for one, was not in attendance, obliged to obligations. My physical proximity played no role in the final outcome, but perhaps my spiritual proximity did. No one can prove that it didn’t.
I managed to snap the game on the TV at the start of the second half, with Arkansas State leading by 21-7. My brother Rex Steele was in attendance, sweating beer. “How do we look?” I asked. The text response: Meh.
Steele’s lack of enthusiasm wasn’t unearned. The first quarter ended without a score from either team and a combined three punts. The second quarter, Red Wolves QB Trey Owens tossed touchdowns to Jaylen Bonelli and Chauncy Cobb, and safety Noah Flores ignited the defense with a scoop and score. And yet, West Georgia’s Colton Fitzgerald’s 37-yard touchdown pass to TJ Lockley to close the half kind of set that meh mood.
I arrived in time to witness Owens lose a fumble on the opening drive of the second half. West Georgia wasn’t supposed to touch our quarterback! The nerve! Turns out, my umbrage was shared. The Red Wolves defense would punish the Wolves for a quartet of turnovers, including a pick six from Five Hamilton. By the end of the game, back-up QB Drew Dickey was lumbering into the end zone for a rushing touchdown. The West Georgia defensive front was cooked; the offense was already looking for their bus tickets out of town.
What observations can we take from a victory over an opponent who has played just two FBS opponents in its history?
Freshman Running Back Solomon Baggett Could Be Special
Kenyon Clay is on the trajectory for a terrific season, but the young and speedy Solomon Baggett was definitely a glimpse into the future. The first year RB out of Ocean Springs, Mississippi averaged 8.8 ypc on 8 carries for 70 yards and a score. Fourth year transfer Ezell Jolly also looked strong, dishing a nice 6.9 ypc for 55 yards. Overall, the run game for A-States doesn’t seem to lack for weapons.
The Trigger World for the Red Wolves Defense: Turnovers
Griff McCarley’s defense has forced six turnovers now in two games, concealing the unit’s weaknesses on the edge, where the team could use more size and speed. When you lack size and speed, you do well to make up for it in energy and havoc. McCarley won’t win every battle this way, but it should give A-State’s offense a fighting chance.
It Was Good To See Jones Refuse to Punch the “No Mercy Button”
West Georgia wanted a game, and Butch Jones gave them one. Jones used the opportunity to give his starting QB more game time reps, finally replacing him with backup Drew Dickey midway in the final quarter. The result was 60 high-value minutes of football – and a great many backups still got their PT in before the final buzz.
IMAGE BY JUSTIN MANNING, A-STATE