Random Thoughts on Each 2014 Opponent
Welp, it's April...a little over four months away until the 2014 college football season is underway. And though it may seem like a long way off, it's never too soon nor early to start pondering on the upcoming season, especially on each upcoming opponet. So for this addition of the 'RamblinArkansan', I thought it'd be fun to discuss something quirky/interesting/fun about each of the Red Wolves upcoming 2014 opponents. So without further adieu....
Game #1: Montana State Bobcats
This comes from a Montana State alumni by the name of Cole Creichenberg, a digital editor for country radio station in Montana. Apparently Mr. Creichenberg wasn't pleased by his Universities decision to spend $18,000 dollars for an out of state marketing firm to upgrade MSU's logos...or more specifically, lack of upgrade. Quite honestly, I feel he definitely has an argument-They slightly changed fonts, added color and added slight details to the eyes and ears and that costs $18,000?? You can read Creichenberg's full blog here
Game #2: Tennessee Volunteers
The latest trend it seems is whenever ASU schedules fledgling/struggling SEC programs, not only do they dominate the Red Wolves but often end up having a ridiculous season (Auburn...Missouri...). Can the same be true for the Volunteers? Only time will tell, but their recruiting class they recently raked in certainly seems very, very impressive. While we contemplate, watch this Vols fan reaction to Alabama blocking Tennessee's potential game winning field goal (NSFW by the way lol...)
Game #3: Miami Hurricanes
The U!!!! Definitely could not believe we have a home and home series with Miami (granted, the return game in Jonesboro isn't taking place for another 3 years but still!). Though we'll probably lose this game, I'm still oober excited for this. Whenever Miami and Sunbelt football get brought up, then you HAVE to watch this video of the Miami/FIU brawl from 2006 lol.
Game #4: Utah State Aggies
To me, this is a BIG, CRUCIAL game for the Red Wolves. Astate and the Utah State are very similar programs in terms of where both programs have been and where they're both currently trending towards. The Aggies have become a respectable program and were one win away from being Mountain West Conference championships. To me, this game is a measuring stick of if ASU can keep up the momentum they've built the last three seasons and this win would go a long way for the continued success of the football program. Speaking of coming a long way, check out the Aggies logo history!
Game #5: UL-Monroe Warhakws
Ohhh the chicken hawks...What can I say? You're the little program that keeps on chuggin' along. The way I always look at this annual match-up is when we win, good! sweet...we're suppose to bear ULM. When we lose, i'm aggravated... like losing to your little sibling in a game of horse aggravated. Here's hoping we continue our winning streak again the Warhawks (have won the last four against them!). I will say this: Did you know ULM has a water ski team and they've won 20 national championships? Take a look!
Game #6: Georgia State Panthers
The new FIU to the Sunbelt, I have a feeling the GSU program were super stoked to be division I and invited to the belt upon initially reaction...and then super bummed when they found out Georgia Southern was coming along.
Hey! Here's a picture of rapper Ludacris repin' a Georgia State! Cute!
Game #7: UL-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns
I refuse to call them "Louisiana" and until they get a state mandated confirmation they can change their name to "Louisiana" they'll forever be known as LALA. It's absolutely insane how stubborn cajun fans strive to have themselves refer as Louisiana; it's as if by having the state moniker instead of their actual university name it'll make them "super legit." They finally beat us the past season after winning two straight, and had to share the conference title, which to me I don't actually mind as this really adds on to the hatred both programs have for one another (players, staff and fan wise).
SPEAKING OF LA LA FANS!!! ....
haha couldn't help myself. The Cajuns are beginning renovations for their stadium and judging from artist renditions, I will admit it looks great!
Game #8: Idaho Vandals
The last time ASU played in the Kibbie Dome, quite a lot was going down in the year 2004. Crazy to think the Pistons were A)good and B)beat the Lakers 4-1 for the NBA Title among other things. Both teams were conference foes and now will once again will be, albeit Arkansas State has changed dramatically, both name wise and overall competitiveness. Idaho, on the other, has been down in the dumps. But hey, look on the bright side Vandals fans! You have two things going for you (From what my google search hast turned up):
These guys have a bright future in the WWE...
Need I say more?
Game #9: South Alabama Jaguars
First off, I have high props and nothing but mad respect for the USA program. They've got great leadership in the athletic department, huge money being thrown into their relatively young program and if they can ever get an on-campus stadium, the sky's the limits for the Jaguars. The first two games with South Al have been tremendous battles for the Red Wolves and I suspect the November 8th match-up will be yet another one.
If you've never seen their football complex and facilities, check it out!
Game #10: Appalachian State Mountaineers
A very interesting addition to the Sunbelt, I'm definitely looking forward to this match-up of the "ASU's". They had a bumpy season last year and I think they'll probably have another year of adjusting, but hey who can forget this?!
Game #11: Texas State Bobcats
The Bobcats enter year two of the 'Belt, and I foresee San Marcos bunch to have a very solid year and no doubt give the Red Wolves a fight. Have you ever seen the Texas State Bobcats logo? No? Take a look see!
Pretty cool logo but don't think about slappin' it on a t-shirt. Texas State officials are very protective of their logo-just ask Texas Valley High School
Game #12: New Mexico State Aggies
Whew! A lot of 'State's' we know! NMSU, much like Idaho, are coming back to the Belt as conference members and it's been a while since ASU took a trip to Las Crus, New Mexico to take on the Aggies (2003!). But if you think this is going to be cakewalk for the Wolfpack you better think twice! These rabid Aggies fans are definitely going to give Aggie Memorial Stadium a scary home-field advantage!
OH! Speaking of New Mexico State and Brawls earlier...
Should be a very interesting 2014 season for the Red Wolves, and if we can quickly reload on both offensive and defensive lines and if Fredi Knighten can actually throw completions down field, I imagine it'll be yet another fantastic year for Arkansas State.
