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Football

Arkansas State Faces Iowa in Back-to-Back TV Dates, Looks to Bounce Back from Defeat

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Arkansas State finds itself in a prime position, with back-to-back national TV appearances on the horizon. The Sun Belt Conference program is set to face No. 13 Iowa at Kinnick Stadium on ESPN2 this weekend, followed by a conference showdown at Louisiana-Monroe next week, also on ESPN2. Coach Steve Roberts acknowledges the importance of making the most of this opportunity, stating, "We need to make it count by playing well." Despite a 1-2 record, the Red Wolves come into the game with a 61-0 victory over FCS school Mississippi Valley State, but were defeated 38-9 by Nebraska and 30-27 by Sun Belt rival Troy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Arkansas State faces a significant challenge in its upcoming matchup against No. 13 Iowa, having lost to the Hawkeyes twice before in the Big Ten.
  • The Red Wolves are seeking to bounce back from a 30-27 loss to Sun Belt rival Troy, which snapped a 6-6 record last season.
  • Quarterback Corey Leonard, who finished fourth in total offense in the Sun Belt in 2008 with 2,863 yards, has completed 31 of 57 passes (54.4 percent) for 450 yards, two TDs, and no interceptions this season.
  • Running back Reggie Arnold is aiming for his fourth straight 1,000-yard season, and Leonard's performance will be crucial in achieving this goal.
  • Iowa's offense, which knocked off Penn State 21-10 last Saturday night, will be a formidable challenge for the Red Wolves.
  • The game will kickoff at 11 a.m. on ESPN2, with the Hawkeyes returning to primetime next week with a 7:12 p.m. kick against Michigan at Kinnick Stadium.

Statistics:

  • Arkansas State's loss to Troy was particularly costly, as the Red Wolves fumbled away two punt returns, which would have potentially changed the outcome of the game.
  • The Red Wolves are 0-4 against the Big Ten, with two losses to Illinois and Minnesota.
  • Iowa's strong performance against Penn State, including 14 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble by linebacker Pat Angerer, will be a key factor in the upcoming matchup against Arkansas State.
  • Kirk Ferentz's Iowa team has only started two games with a 4-0 record, with the first being last season's victory over Minnesota.

Sources:

  • "Arkansas State finds itself in pretty good position"

- Marc Morehouse, The Gazette (Sept. 29)

  • "Iowa's defense finds its footing in Penn State win"

- Marc Morehouse, The Gazette (Sept. 26)

  • "Pat Angerer named Lott Trophy Impact Player of the Week"

- The Gazette (Sept. 29)

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