As I sit down to analyze the Arkansas State football schedule this year, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. You see, I’ve been following college football for over a decade, both as a fan and an analyst, and there’s something uniquely compelling about this season. It reminds me a bit of the kick-off leg of the Asian Tour, which, incidentally, will also hold for the first time one of its International Series events in the country in October featuring some of LIV Tour's top golfers. That sense of fresh beginnings and high-stakes matchups resonates deeply with what Arkansas State is facing—new opportunities, tough opponents, and the chance to make a statement on the field. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the complete schedule, highlight key games that could define the season, and share my personal take on where the team might shine or stumble.

Let’s start with the overall layout of the Arkansas State football schedule. This year, they’ve got 12 regular-season games, kicking off with a home opener against Memphis on September 2nd. I’ve always believed that early games set the tone, and this one is no exception. Memphis isn’t just any opponent; they’re coming off a 9-4 season, and their offense averaged around 32 points per game last year. For Arkansas State, a team that struggled defensively in 2022, allowing an average of 34 points, this matchup will test their offseason improvements right out of the gate. Personally, I think if they can contain Memphis’s rushing attack—which racked up over 200 yards per game last season—they’ll build momentum early. But if they falter, it could snowball into a tough start, much like how unexpected twists in events like the Asian Tour’s International Series can shift narratives overnight.

Moving into mid-season, the schedule doesn’t get any easier. Games against Coastal Carolina on October 14th and Appalachian State on November 4th stand out as potential turning points. Coastal Carolina, for instance, has been a rising force, and I recall their quarterback Grayson McCall putting up impressive stats—over 2,700 passing yards and 24 touchdowns last year. Arkansas State’s secondary will need to step up, and based on what I’ve seen in preseason practices, they’ve been focusing on tighter coverage schemes. From my perspective, this is where coaching decisions will make or break the season. Head Coach Butch Jones has emphasized a more aggressive defensive approach, and I’m optimistic it could pay off, but only if the players execute under pressure. It’s similar to how top golfers in the LIV Tour events adapt to new courses; flexibility and mental toughness are key.

Then there’s the rivalry game against Louisiana on November 18th, which I’ve circled on my calendar as a must-watch. Rivalries bring out the best in teams, and this one has historical weight—Louisiana has won the last three meetings, but Arkansas State has home-field advantage this time. I remember attending one of these games back in 2019, and the energy was electric. If the Red Wolves can leverage that and their improved running game—they averaged 150 rushing yards per game in 2022, and I suspect they’ll push for 180 this season—they could pull off an upset. Of course, injuries could play a role; last year, key players missed crucial moments, and depth will be tested. In my view, this game could define their bowl eligibility chances, much like how the Asian Tour’s October event in the country introduces new variables that reshape the leaderboard.

As we approach the season’s end, road games at South Alabama and Texas State will be critical. South Alabama, in particular, has a stout defense that held opponents to under 21 points per game last season, and Arkansas State’s offense, led by quarterback James Blackman, will need to be sharp. Blackman threw for about 2,400 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2022, but he’ll face tougher coverage this year. I’ve always been a fan of his resilience—he bounced back from a mid-season slump—and I think he’ll deliver in these clutch moments. However, the offensive line must protect him better; they allowed 30 sacks last season, and if that number doesn’t drop below 20, it could spell trouble. It’s a lot like how golfers in the International Series adjust their swings for unfamiliar terrain; small tweaks can lead to big rewards.

Wrapping up, the Arkansas State football schedule is a rollercoaster of challenges and opportunities. From the opener against Memphis to the finale, each game offers a chance to prove themselves. I’m particularly bullish on their mid-season stretch—if they can go 3-1 in October, they’ll be in great shape for a bowl bid. But as any seasoned observer knows, football is unpredictable, and factors like injuries or breakout performances can shift the landscape. Reflecting on the Asian Tour analogy, it’s clear that both in sports and beyond, embracing new beginnings and key matchups drives success. I’ll be watching closely, and I encourage fans to do the same—this team has the potential to surprise us all.