Playing our first game in 1914, Memphis leads the series formerly known as the Paint Bucket Bowl 23-25-5. The two teams haven't met since 2013, but have a 4 game series scheduled to begin in 2020.
The Cajuns lead the series, which began in 1953, 23-19-1. This friendly rivalry typically pits two of the top teams in the Sun Belt against one another, especially in recent years.
Despite being the only two FBS teams in the state of Arkansas, the Red Wolves and their more famous western neighbors the Razorbacks have never met on the gridiron or, for that matter, anywhere else (outside of a 2005 women's basketball game in the second round of the WNIT). Obviously not a traditional rivalry due to the lack of athletic competition, there's more than a little bad blood between the two fan bases.
What is the best video/article/web page that involves your team this off season?
A. There are several: Our official site is actually really well put together and informative where many others aren't. This article from ESPN.com from ESPN.com is really well done, concerning the "coaching carousel" (it's from 2014). Oh, and this article details some of the hardships stAte has faced essentially growing from a high school to a college, and the role that other Arkansas university has played over the past 70 years. It's a good primer if you're at all interested in the relationship between stAte and the UofA.
Where is the best place to eat/hangout on Gameday?
A. You have lots of options in Jonesboogie, including: Demo's Barbecue and Smokehouse, Munchy's Sandwiches (home to the worlds best cheese sticks), Goodsey's Grill, or if you're feeling fancy, Lazarri Italian Oven. It should be noted that Jonesboro is in Craighead County, which is dry. Meaning no alcohol. Now, those regulations have relaxed as of late and you can find restaurants that serve beer, wine, and spirits (through a stupid 'club' program) but... don't go into a restaurant expecting booze. Call ahead if that's a huge concern... or drive up to Green County and buy your own.
What is your favorite tradition surrounding your team?
A. We changed our mascot and a great many of our traditions in 2008 (from the Indians to the Red Wolves). I'm sure several new ones have sprung up since I was last on campus, but Howl leading the team onto the field on custom motorcycle is a personal favorite.
Before the switch from Indians, there were several traditions: our "mascot" consisted of three figures, Chief Big Track, the Indian Princess, and the Indian Brave. The chief and the princess stayed at the teepee, overlooking the field, while the brave would roam the sidelines, typically stalking the other team's mascot with a huge knife... which was typically hilarious.
Also: Find Clyde's moccasins. A scavenger hunt that took place every year to find the moccasin's belonging to the 7 foot Indian chief statue nicknamed Clyde.
Also concerning Clyde: before it was done away with back in the 70s, all freshmen had to wear beanies, and tip them to Clyde as they walked past. If you were caught skipping this tradition, you had to sing The Beanie Song.
Who is the player to watch on your team this season?
A. Our senior QB Fredi Knighten (sometimes referred to as Fredi Kitchen by ESPN3 announces who can't read words). He is, hands down, the best QB in the Sun Belt. He racked up over 3000 yards through the air and 800 yards on the ground last year, making him one of the conference's top passers and rushers.
Who is a player that has the most potential to have a breakout year?
A. It'd have to be a tie between WR J.D. McKissic and RB Michael "Flash" Gordon. McKissic was considered our best player going into 2014, but was sidelined by an injury and didn't make much of an impact. This is his senior season and he should come roaring back. The same goes for Gordon. He's a hell of a RB, but injuries held him back last year.
Who will be your highest NFL draft pick this season? Where do you see him going?
A. To be honest, I have no clue. If McKissic has the kind of year he could have, considering our offense, he could be picked up. I wouldn't attempt to predict a round, though. Not really my forte.
Who is the opponent that scares you the most this season? Why?
A. Appalachian State. They ended last year as the best team in the Sun Belt and they return virtually their entire team. We're playing them in Boone next year, and it should be the biggest in conference test we face. Considering we very likely need to win out thanks to GaSo's cupcake conference schedule, (though I think there's a decent chance they drop 2 games, but that's for another post) it could be the make-or-break game for us.
Which opponent scares you the least? Why?
A. GSU or NMSU. They're getting better, but they aren't there yet. I guess, overall, it would be GSU since we get them at home.
Is this team a bowl team? A conference championship team? A national championship team?
A. Conference championship team. Before last year, we'd won 4 straight (3 undisputed, 1 co), and we'll be in the running for the foreseeable future.
Which game defines your teams season?
A. It's gonna seem weird, but our home opener against Mizzou. If we show up and win (however unlikely) then that could signal this year as being really, really transformative for our program. We're at home, debuting a newly renovated stadium, and will likely have the largest crowd in school history. And frankly, on a good night, I believe we have the ability. If we have the kind of game it's expected by many that we'll have, then while the year might still be a success, it won't have that spark. We need that spark.
Bill Bergey is probably the biggest name to come out of Arkansas State's roster. Broke school records like a bull in a china shop. His #66 jersey is retired at stAte. Played 12 years in the NFL and earning a pivotal role to help the Philadelphia Eagles play in Super Bowl XV.
Maurice Carthon, a native of Osceola, AR, Maurice was a star running back for the Indians and a two-time All-Southland Conference selection. He served as team captain his senior year, and lead the team in rushing yards. After his time in Jonesboro, he played in the USFL before he was picked up by the New York Giants, where he played for 6 seasons. Carthon moved to coaching, and is the current assistant head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Fred Barnett 1990 NFL round 3 draft pick, played WR and was picked up by the Eagles. Also played for the Dolphins until 1997.
Bryan Hall was a DT for the RedWolves and eventually for the Baltimore Ravens (Super Bowl XLVII Champions). While at Arkansas State, Hall recorded 124 tackles, 16 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles.
Bennie Ellender: Led Arkansas State to an overall record of 52-20-4 including the infamous 11-0 "and nowhere to go" season of 1970.
Gus Malzahn: The Arkansas native left his position as offensive coordinator at Aubun following the departure of Hugh Freeze. He led the Red Wolves to a 3rd SBC title and 2nd GoDaddy.com bowl appearance (the first FBS bowl win by the Red Wolves). Malzahn was the second "one and done" coach, leaving to become the head coach at Auburn.
Bryan Harsin: The third and final "one and done" head coach, Harsin was the offensive coordinator at Texas before taking over for the Red Wolves. Harsin lead the team to a 4th SBC conference title and a third appearance in the GoDaddy Bowl, though he departed for Boise State before the game.
Beating the war drum: Started in the mid 1950s, all true freshmen on the football team (including managers and trainers) would take shifts, usually one hour each, beating an Indian war drum for 24 hours prior to Homecoming kickoff. Retired along with the Indians mascot in 1998.
The Indian family: Brought back in the mid-90s after many decades, the official athletics mascot of Arkansas State University was the Indian family, a trio of students attired in authentic Native American wear. Chief Big Track, named after the legendary chief of the Osage tribe, was the head of the family, along with the Indian Princess and Indian Brave. Chief Big Track and the Indian Princess oversaw every home game from an authentic Native American teepee while the Indian Brave stalked the sidelines (and occasionally rival mascots). Retired along with the Indians mascot in 1998.
Paint the Town Red: Started in 1997, Paint the Town Red week is the traditional start to the home football season. It started as a way to drum up support and attendance during a particularly poor era in Red Wolves football, thought up by the university and the local chamber of commerce. During PtTRW, businesses are asked to support AState by painting windows and decorating to promote the game and the support the team. Since its inception, it has grown by leaps and bounds, now featuring a weeks worth of activities that take place not only on campus, but throughout Jonesboro.
Wolves Up Hand Sign: Popularly known as "put your wolves up", the sign is made with by extending the pinky and index fingers up, while the middle and the ring finger extend out to meet the thumb underneath (thus making a little wolf with your hand). Among the first new traditions started following the mascot change.
The Jaws Wave: Starting sometime in 2008 or 2009, the Jaws theme is played during every Arkansas State kick-off while fans lace arms (similar to a rugby scrum) and sway back and forth.
The Wolf Howl: A wolf howl played over the stadium speakers before every opponent 3rd down. Allegedly annoying to some people.
The Naked Guys: Front and center at all Red Wolves home games, the Naked Guys are a group of students affiliated with the Arkansas State Baptist Collegiate Ministries who appear shirtless and with painted chests that spell various messages through out the season. While the Naked Guys are typically male, there have been female Naked Guys, though they are neither naked nor guys.
Carl R Reng Student Union, named one of the top student unions in the country.
Wilson Hall, once the main hub of the university, Wilson Hall housed classrooms, admin offices, student records, and the cafeteria. It is now home to the Liberal Arts and Social Science programs.
Godsey's Grill - Located in the heart of downtown, Godsey's is a restaurant that has a wide selection of burgers with toppings ranging from pulled pork based cheese dip, to peanut butter. And that's just the burgers. The pizza is delicious and so is pretty much everything else on the menu that I've had the chance to try.
Pizza Works: I've met people that were visiting Jonesboro, just so that they could get a hotel room, and have this place deliver. Being take out only, there is really no in restaurant experience. If you are visiting Jonesboro for a game, make sure you try one of their specialty pizzas. You won't regret it.
Despite going undefeated (11-0) in 1975, Arkansas State did not receive a bowl bid, as the Southland Conference at the time had no bowl tie-ins. As a result, the Independence Bowl was created, though to date, Arkansas State has never played in it.
The Red Wolves started 2015 following a frustrating 2014 season, when the injury plagued team failed to win the Sun Belt Conference for the first time in 4 years. This seasons didn’t start off much better, with a blow-out loss in Los Angeles to #8 ranked USC. Hoping to rebound in week 2 with a rare home game against #21 Mizzou, senior QB Fredi Knighten left the game early in the third leading to a heartbreaking 7 point loss. The senior signal caller would be absent from their next three games, including a blowout loss to a rising Toledo team.
Conference play started in week 5 with the Red Wolves boasting a dismal 1-3 record, but the losses in 2015 were behind the boys from Jonesboro. The Red Wolves went unbeaten the rest of the year, winning the Sun Belt in dominating fashion (by no less than double digits since the beginning of October). This included a two score win on the road against Appalachian State, the Mountaineers first and only loss of the season outside of a manhandling by eventual college playoff contender Clemson. The Red Wolves secured their 5th straight bowl invite and full possession of the Sun Belt Conference crown following a blow-out of Texas State in Jonesboro, but several injuries contributed to a losing effort in the 2015 New Orleans bowl for a 9-4 overall record.
Arkansas State, in conjunction with The New York Institute of Technology, will open a College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Jonesboro campus, only the second medical school in the state. In addition to the medical school, a planned campus in Queretaro, Mexico is slated to open soon as well, a first for an American university.
For more information on the 132 Teams in 132 Days Project, click here.