MTSU Sidelines

Issue date: 6/18/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: ASU Media Relations/Troy Media Relations Junior running back Reggie Arnold (left) will should provide leadership for the Red Wolves' offense while Troy offensive coordinator Neal Brown will try to keep his team on track for another title.

This summer, Sidelines will be focusing on the Sun Belt Conference as the march towards college football season begins. This week, we take a look at Arkansas State and the University of Troy, two teams that could very well have the conference trophy raised by the end of the year.

At the beginning of last year, Arkansas State almost pulled off the mother of all upsets to begin their season when they came within a touchdown and two-point conversion of defeating then fourth-ranked Texas. Instead, they dropped that game and went on to have one of the most inconsistent seasons in the conference.

Even though some big names have left the program, the biggest name to leave is the mascot. Because of a recent NCAA ruling that calls for universities to change the name of their mascots that depict American Indians, Arkansas State has officially retired the name "Indians" and will be known as the Red Wolves starting in the 2008 season.

As far as players on the field, the departures of safety Tyrell Johnson and wide receiver Levi Dejohnette shouldn't effect the Red Wolves as much as the loss of four of their starters on the offensive line. This could be seen as a bad or good thing depending on how you view it. Replacing an offensive line is never an easy thing, but last year the Red Wolves were the second worst team is sacks against them (38). The only team that was worse was North Texas (39).

If they can manage to fill up those slots on the offensive line, then the fans in Jonesboro may be looking at the best offense in the Sun Belt Conference. Five of the six returning offensive starters for the Red Wolves' were named to the All-Sun Belt Conference team by Phil Steele, editor of College Football Preview. The offense will be looking to be led by running back Reggie Arnold, who has already rushed for over 1,000 yards in both of his seasons at ASU. Along with quarterback Corey Leonard, wide receivers Kevin Jones Brandon Thompkins and tight end David Johnson, the ASU offense will certainly be a sight to see.

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