After an abysmal 2022, the Arkansas State Red Wolves want to improve for the upcoming 2023 season — using improvements from the transfer portal in the offensive line for the Red Wolves. While there are questions on the defense, there is hope for something better this year.
ARKANSAS STATE 2023 PREVIEW
THE CONF.: Sun Belt Conference (West Division)
2022 RECORD: 3-9
CONF. FINISH: 1-7
HEAD COACH: Butch Jones: 3rd year in school, 5-19 record; 14th year overall, 89-73 overall record
ALL-STAR CANDIDATES: Jaden Harris, Jr./LB (76 tackles); Justin Parks, Jr./S (34 tackles, 4 PHUs); Brian Snead/RB ( 324 rushing yards, 6 TDs); Jeff Foreman Jr/WR (491 receiving yards, 4 TDs); Melique Straker/LB(81 tackles, 2 Sacks); Ethan Hassler/DE( 3 Sacks, 26 Tackles)
THE NEWCOMER: JT Shrout/QB (Colorado transfer, thrown for 1,220 yards, 7 TDs)
THE BREAKDOWN
For this season, the Arkansas State Red Wolves will need to survive a potentially harsh season this year with the new transfers. Their transfers in the offensive line and potential new starting QB could work. Along with the transfers, there is hope that Butch Jones is still building the team.
The Red Wolves had an excellent transfer portal this year with the new transfers they got this upcoming season. Getting a decent QB and some depth for the offensive line could help this team. Getting a proven QB in JT Shrout from Colorado could do well for the offense. Along with getting a QB, the team is improving the offensive line with Jalen Cunningham and Hamilton Hill for the line.
Another critical chance the Red Wolves season could go well is the coaching of Butch Jones improving. With the recruiting going well and the offense improving, the Red Wolves could improve their record this season. While there are still questions in the defense, the coaching could improve their effort this season.
THE KEY GAME AND WHY
A key game for the Red Wolves this coming season will be against Memphis in a revenge game after last year. After losing a hard-fought match against the Memphis Tigers, they hope to win against them this time. If they can prevail against the Tiger, the Red Wolves could gain momentum for their season.
THE TOUGHEST GAME AND WHY
A potential game that will be tough for Arkansas State this season will be against Southern Mississippi. Against a division rival, the Red Wolves have a 2-10 record against the Golden Eagles. The Red Wolves will have a difficult time against Southern Miss offense this season. This game will be a tough one for the Red Wolves.
THE CHANCES OF MAKING CONF. TITLE GAME
While the roster looks decent on paper, there is a slim chance of a conference title game this season. With conference rivals improving this year, the Red Wolves' chances of a title are slim. The Red Wolves also have a rough schedule against tough teams initially, which could harm them.
THE PREDICTION
The Arkansas Red Wolves this year will have a sluggish season with a ceiling of four wins and eight losses. There are too many questions about the team structure that could hurt them in the end. For this team to lose many close games last year can't be sustained for much longer in this season.
