Arkansas State Red Wolves
Sun Belt
Arkansas State has had a surprisingly great season thanks in large part to quarterback Ryan Aplin. Whether it be through the air or on the ground, Aplin is responsible for a huge chunk of the Red Wolves offense. He is an elusive rusher and a pretty reliable passer as well. He will throw a few too many interceptions, but he is extremely difficult to stop. If the opposition keys in on containing him in the pocket, Aplin will hurt you with his arm. If the opposition drops back in coverage, he will find a hole and make a run for it.
2011 Record: 10-2, 8-0
Last Bowl Appearance: 2005 New Orleans Bowl vs. Southern Miss (L 19-31)
Big Wins: 10/1 at Western Kentucky (26-22), 11/12 Louisiana (30-21)
Bad Losses: 9/3 at Illinois (15-33), 9/17 at Virginia Tech (7-26)
Coach: Hugh Freeze (10-2 at Arkansas State, 10-2 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-0 at Arkansas State, 0-0 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Grant Heard and Darren Hiller
Defensive Coordinator: Dave Wommack
Strengths:
Aplin alone could not win so many games. Coach Hugh Freeze helped orchestrate a vastly improved defensive unit during his first year as the head coach in Jonesboro. Few teams in the nation spend as much time in the backfield. Defensive end Brandon Joiner leads the way, but just about everybody on the team plays a part in getting into the backfield. The rush defense is superb and Demario Davis, Nathan Herrold and Kelcie McCray are the Red Wolves top tacklers and rarely allow any rusher to get too far. The pass defense has been tested in the Sun Belt Conference, but they have been up to the challenge. It certainly helps that the opposing quarterback rarely has time to look down field, but the defensive backs are an experienced group who can make some big plays. McCray and cornerback Darryl Feemster are the biggest playmakers of the bunch.
Weaknesses:
If it was not for Aplin, this could very well be a stagnant offense. Running backs Derek Lawson and Frankie Jackson are not explosive backs. Jackson, however, is a fine goal line back and can punch the ball into the end zone when Aplin does not take it himself. Aplin is the Red Wolves leading rusher in yards and attempts and having more of a true running game would help Aplin in the passing attack. Aplin also will throw quite a few interceptions and that is something Arkansas State cannot afford to do in a bowl game. The good news is that the Red Wolves have a superstar wide receiver in Dwayne Frampton. He has eclipsed the 1,000 yard receiving mark this season. When Aplin is not looking Frampton’s way, he will usually go to Josh Jarboe or Taylor Stockemer. Stockemer is a big 6-4 wideout who is a nice target in the red zone. However, if Aplin is having a bad day or the opposition finds a way to stop him, this offense will have trouble moving the ball.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Ryan Aplin, QB, 605 yards
Passing: Ryan Aplin, QB, 3,235 yards
Receiving: Dwayne Frampton, WR, 1,125 yards
Tackles: Demario Davis, LB, 64
Sacks: Brandon Joiner, DE, 12.0
Interceptions: Darryl Feemster, CB, 5
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 167.64 (48th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Passing Offense: 282.55 (21, 2)
Total Offense: 450.18 (26, 1)
Scoring Offense: 32.45 (31, 1)
Rushing Defense: 111.36 (18, 2)
Pass Defense: 210.00 (47, 1)
Total Defense: 321.36 (18, 1)
Scoring Defense: 19.82 (18, 2)
Turnover Margin: .27 (37, 3)
Sacks: 2.82 (15, 2)
Sacks Allowed: 2.00 (64, 6)
