Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
COACH: Gus Malzahn — At Arkansas State and overall: 1st year
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Rhett Lashlee
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: John Thompson
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 2011
LAST TIME DIDN’T GO BOWLING: 2010
RETURNING STARTERS: 12; 6 offense, 4 defense, kicker, punter
PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Ryan Aplin, WR Josh Jarboe, WR Taylor Stockemer, DT Ryan Carrethers, LB Nathan Herrold
PRIMARY STRENGTHS: With Aplin, the Red Wolves have the top offensive threat in the conference, one who can run as well as throw. He also has some nice receiving targets. The kicking game is in good hands.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: The offensive line is looking for three new starters, and there are numerous holes that need to be filled all over the defense. Several newcomers, including junior college transfers and freshmen, are going to have to step in right away.
