We got the chance to catch up with Zachary Lott, football beat writer for the ASU Herald. He gave some insights on what to expect from tonight’s game against Arkansas State.
FIUSM: What has Arkansas State done so far this season that would be a surprise to a lot of people that watched the team last year?
The level of play is down across the board. Though the offense returns a lot of the same talent from last year, the offensive line is very young and banged up. The defense is talented but too inexperienced. The special teams are the true weakness of the team, consistently forcing the offense to travel the length of the field on every drive. Despite the preseason hype, this is definitely a rebuilding year.
FIUSM: Who is somebody that we need to follow tonight?
Watch for senior wide receiver Taylor Stockemer. He’s missed three games with an undisclosed injury and played against Western Kentucky but wasn’t 100%. If he’s healthy and he plays significant minutes tonight, he’ll add a vertical element to the passing game that has been absent this season. Gus Malzahn has called a ton of screens and slants to get the ball out quickly to smaller, more agile players to compensate for the lack of a big body like Stockemer who can go up and get the ball.
FIUSM: What position matchup will be key to victory?
It’s all about ASU’s offensive line against FIU’s defensive line. The Red Wolves have a very inexperienced group that has struggled physically, and FIU shouldn’t shy away from making extensive use of the blitz. The Panthers can win at the line of scrimmage if they stay aggressive. Stopping running back David Oku and quarterback Ryan Aplin is the key.
FIUSM: Last year, Ryan Aplin was able to do whatever he so pleased, and this year the Panthers have allowed 38.6 points per game, 112th in FBS. What will he able to do tonight?
As the Panthers learned last year, Aplin isn’t just a pocket passer. He’s very lethal on the ground, and keeping him contained is crucial in this game. If the offensive line doesn’t hold up, he won’t be afraid to roll out of the pocket and find a receiver downfield or tuck it and run. Western Kentucky was able to neutralize him last Saturday because of the speed and athleticism of their defensive line. FIU needs to do the same. He does hold onto the ball too long sometimes if he doesn’t have a clear throw, so that may work in the Panthers’ favor. Force him to think, not react.
FIUSM: What changes have occurred defensively since last season?
This defense has lost a lot of experience and leadership from a year ago. Guys like Brandon Joiner, Demario Davis, and Kelcie McCray are gone, and as a Sun Belt school it’s difficult to replace that kind of talent. The defensive line has had trouble generating pressure all season, and the secondary is inconsistent. However, the linebackers, led by senior Nathan Herrold, have played well. The defense as a whole needs to improve on tackling, especially in open space.
FIUSM: Finally, who wins and why?
I think Arkansas State will snag this one. FIU’s defense has been too porous. I don’t know how the Red Wolves’ defense will respond after what happened Saturday and having a short week to prepare, but I think they’ll make enough stops. Despite the offensive line problems, I think this could be another big game for Aplin. This might turn into a shootout, and the Panthers’ defensive statistics lead me to believe that they certainly don’t want that. ASU wins 38-31.
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