The Arkansas State Red Wolves are looking to rebound in 2023 after a disappointing 2022 season. The Red Wolves finished just 4-8 overall and 2-6 in Sun Belt play, their first losing season since 2017.
However, there are reasons for optimism for Arkansas State in 2023. The Red Wolves have a new head coach in Butch Jones, who has a proven track record of success at both the college and NFL levels. Jones brings a high-powered offense with him to Jonesboro, and he will be looking to get the most out of his talented group of playmakers.
One of the key players for Arkansas State in 2023 will be quarterback J.T. Shrout. Shrout transferred to Arkansas State from Tennessee in 2022, and he showed flashes of potential in his limited action. Shrout is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. He will be looking to build off of his strong finish to the 2022 season in 2023.
Another key player for Arkansas State in 2023 will be wide receiver Corey Rucker. Rucker is a dynamic playmaker who can take the top off of a defense. He led the Red Wolves in receiving in 2022 with 57 catches for 941 yards and 6 touchdowns. Rucker will be looking to build on his success in 2023 and become one of the top receivers in the Sun Belt.
The Arkansas State defense will need to improve in 2023 if the Red Wolves want to have a successful season. The Red Wolves allowed an average of 31.5 points per game in 2022, which was the second-most in the Sun Belt. The Red Wolves will need to get more pressure on the quarterback and create more turnovers in 2023.
Overall, the Arkansas State Red Wolves have the potential to be a much-improved team in 2023. The Red Wolves have a new head coach with a proven track record, and they have a talented group of playmakers on offense. However, the Red Wolves will need to improve their defense in order to compete for a bowl game in 2023.
Key Players
- J.T. Shrout, QB
- Corey Rucker, WR
- Melique Straker, LB
- Donte Thompson, CB
- Gavin Potter, LB
2022 Statistics
- Overall record: 4-8
- Sun Belt record: 2-6
- Points scored per game: 27.8
- Points allowed per game: 31.5
- Rushing yards per game: 128.2
- Passing yards per game: 223.4
- Total yards per game: 351.6
Prediction
I predict that the Arkansas State Red Wolves will win 6-7 games in 2023. The Red Wolves have the potential to be a much-improved team, but they will need to improve their defense in order to compete for a bowl game.
Sept 9 Memphis
Sept 16 Stony Brook
Sept 23 Southern Miss
Sept 30 at UMass
Oct 7 at Troy
Oct 14 OPEN DATE
Oct 21 Coastal Carolina
Oct 28 at ULM
Nov 4 Louisiana
Nov 11 at South Alabama
Nov 18 Texas State
Nov 25 at Marshall