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A-State and Idaho have been duking it out for awhile, starting in 1975 when the Vandals were rung up during the Indian's storied undefeated season. These days, the Vandals are struggling under third-year head coach Paul Petrino,and the Red Wolves are dealing with injuries and lost opportunity.
Start Time: 6 P.M
Weather Forecast: Like angel's breath (if you're into that)
Location: Centennial Bank Stadium, Jonesboro, AR
A-State Color Scheme: (NOTE: We're told the stars will NOT appear on the helmet. Boo.)
Who's excited for Homecoming on Saturday?! New uni combos! pic.twitter.com/oNwLodPIiW
— A-State Athletics (@AStateRedWolves) September 29, 2015
ESPN3 Announcing Crew: Dave Weekley and Al Groh
Radio: 107.9 KFIN (A-State), 106.1 KZFN-FM (Moscow, ID)
Series Record: Arkansas State leads the series 6-4.
Betting Line: Holding at -21.5, Red Wolves
#SunBeltHeat: NA
A-State's ESPN FPI Chances: 93.1%
Excused From Missing This Game:
Taking my wedding vows the moment AState kicks off against Idaho on Saturday. Win this one for my bachelorhood, @CHbanderson.
— Rex Steele (@Answer2Anderson) September 30, 2015
When Last These Titans Met: Flash Gordon tallied five touchdowns, and Ja'Von Roland-Davis sacked Idaho QB Chad Chalich nearly one million times to lead the Red Wolves to a 44-28 victory. All wasn't all glory for the Red Wolves, who surrendered 126 yards and two TDs to RB Elijhaa Penny and 2 more TDs to RB Jarrel Brown, signaling all was not well with A-State's rush defense.
What's Different And What's Not: Chad Chalich saddled his horse and transferred to Montana, leaving Matt Linehan to establish law and order in Moscow. So far, Linehan has put up interesting numbers: 1106 yards for a 67.8% completions for 5 TDs and 6 INTS. Meanwhile, Elijhaa Penny is still hauling the rock for the Vandals and he has a pair of touchdowns on the season. Dezmon Epps, the Vandals' most dangerous wide receiver, has hauled in a couple TDs and leads the FBS with 154.7 receiving yards per game.
But, Maybe Linehan Isn't Playing, Perhaps:
Paul Petrino said Tuesday that quarterback Matt Linehan is "questionable" to play this Saturday at Arkansas State with an ankle injury
— Vandal Nation (@VandalNation) September 30, 2015
If Linehan can't go, look for freshman Jake Luton to take over signal calling duties.
What The Hell's Going On With The Red Wolves: The fact that A-State is 1-3 entering Week 5 isn't all that surprising. It's the style with which that record was attained that puzzles the puzzler. The Red Wolves offense barely has a pulse, putting up 6, 20 and zero points after three FBS games.
Injuries Ahoy: As of this writing, All-Sun Belt QB Fredi Knighten is doubtful for Saturday's game with the Vandals, leaving redshirt freshman James Tabary to make a third consecutive start behind center. On the defensive line, DT Robert Mondie may be out for the year with a meniscus tear, prompting Coach Anderson to consider activating red shirt DT Javier Carbonell.
Red Wolves Are In Good Hands: Apparently, it's ill-advised to grill tasty hamburgers on a George Foreman grill in your dorm room. This, from the Arkansas State Herald campus police report:
Sept. 27, 2015 9:40 p.m.—Quarterback for the Red Wolves, James Tabary, was grilling steaks Sunday night, on a George Foreman grill in his dorm, when he activated the smoke alarm. Officer Bill Brown arrived at the smoky scene in Northpark Quads Building 1 and then reset the alarm after the smoke had cleared out. Gotta have that protein. Go Red Wolves!
A Violent Glimpse of What This Game Could Will Look Like:
Homecoming 2015: Bubble BallHere is a highlight reel of tonight's Homecoming Bubble Ball Tournament.
Posted by Arkansas State University on Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Big Trouble in Little Moscow: As the former OC for the University of Arkansas, Idaho coach Paul Petrino has plenty of history in the state. It surprises us not in the least to find Paul squabbling with reporters, alienating his fan base, and defending himself from anonymous emails. Double P is a fiery guy. As evident by this riveting hype video.
Game Prediction, Yo: