[New Article]Official First District A&M prediction thread

[ASUMountaineer]

Nice write up, BigC. The big thing I took away is that they like to pass and we like to run. If we can establish the running game and dominate TOP, we can effectively use our offense to play defense. If they're O isn't on the field, they can't put up points. This, of course, is a tall task. Can't wait for game time!

[Longrifle28]

I think we lose, but beat the spread:

Longrifles 28

Chicken Thieves 38

I'm not one for moral victories, but I am a realist. I can accept a loss as long as we give our best effort and the other team is just better than us. I hope to see a good game plan, focused, fast, physical play, and no giving up. I think we can make it interesting if we can limit turnovers and penalties.

[Rambo. John, J]

If we score over 30 we will win. We will turnover in the red zone but so will they. If we fight all the way through 4 quarters and score over 30 I think we have a good chance to knock off snArk state

[RustonCAT]

I think we are under estimating their Defense. Ulm doesn't have a good offense at all but south Al to basically 3 Utah state to 14 was impressive.

Outside of the Lafeyette game that defense has controlled their games.

ASub 17
ASUj 45

[Gonzo]

Good to see so many first time MMB posters. A taste of FBS success is just what the doctor ordered.

If we can limit turnovers, I like our chances.

Wolf Hunters: 38
Deer Hunters: 34

[T-Dog]

30 Degrees? Throw a coat in the car. 25
60 degrees? Put on three layers. 33

[moonshine]

I think we are under estimating their Defense. Ulm doesn't have a good offense at all but south Al to basically 3 Utah state to 14 was impressive.

Outside of the Lafeyette game that defense has controlled their games.

ASub 17
ASUj 45

USA's starting QB, Brandon Bridge, did not play against stAte. Their back-up struggled to get the ball to their WR's and when he did, they failed to catch it (unlike their game against App).

The DL will need to control their lanes, play contain and not get to far up field to allow Knighten to run wild. He's a pretty good passer (63% comp) but make him beat us from the pocket with his arm and not his legs (2nd leading rusher for stAte)...easier said than done. The secondary must know where their Freshman WR #84, Paschal, is at all times. He torched USA so I see a good battle brewing between he and Ross!

As mentioned, their RB is a stud. Prior to USA, he rang up 4 straight games of 100+ yards rushing. I hope Woody gets plenty of sleep and consumes a couple of red bulls prior to the game. He needs to be sharp and able to get the defensive calls in quicker than what we saw a few times during the ULM game. A-state likes to push the tempo and the last thing the D needs is to be looking towards the sidelines trying to get the signals while the ball is being snapped. The Redwolves' O utilizes the entire field from sideline to sideline, the flats, between the tackles and deep routes. This will be the toughest offense to defend thus far in 2014.

[hapapp]

Don't usually make a prediction but I think this is a real tough match up for us defensively. We always seem to struggle against QBs like Knighten. And they are not a one man show as Gordon averages around 7 yards a carry. This is a real step up in competition for us. I'm anxious to see how we respond and hope that the improvement we have seen over the last three games continues. However, I still see us losing by 2-3 scores. 35-21

[diehardapp18]

Arkansas State 42
App 28

[Cincy App]

IMO, this is the best team we have played since Michigan. There is still a big difference in talent between UM and Ark St. We also played Michigan before they lost their swagger. Michigan would have handled Ark St comfortably in week 1, IMO. Still, I think Ark St is better than East Georgia.

As for our game, App St will need to run the ball effectively to have a chance to win the game. I still think we will struggle with our run game against good defenses. Our pass blocking should hold up, so we should have some success on offense. On defense, we will have our hands full. Ark St is explosive and I don't think we have the personnel needed yet to slow down a good offense.

Our goal for this game is to show well and stay in the game. Then, steal it late with big plays in the final 2 minutes.

My prediction:
The Old Guard ASU 38
Sunbelt-Newbie ASU 24

[Longrifle28]

I think we lose, but beat the spread:

Longrifles 28

Chicken Thieves 38

I'm not one for moral victories, but I am a realist. I can accept a loss as long as we give our best effort and the other team is just better than us. I hope to see a good game plan, focused, fast, physical play, and no giving up. I think we can make it interesting if we can limit turnovers and penalties.

I loved being wrong on this one. Like Sean Connery said in the Rock, "Losers always whine about their best, winners go home and &*^$&^ the prom queen". LOL

[Longrifle28]

Good to see so many first time MMB posters. A taste of FBS success is just what the doctor ordered.

If we can limit turnovers, I like our chances.

Wolf Hunters: 38
Deer Hunters: 34

GONZO nailed it...