Week 2 – Memphis at Arkansas State

Week 2 CFN Fearless Prediction – Memphis at Arkansas State

Memphis (0-1) at Arkansas State (0-1) Sept. 8, 7:00, ESPN3

Here’s The Deal: Arkansas State had dreams of a program-defining upset when it travelled to Oregon over the weekend. Instead, it got a reality check. The Red Wolves were humbled by the Ducks, 57-34, but head coach Gus Malzahn’s debut in Jonesboro will be defined by the next 11 games and not the first one. Memphis’ rookie coach, Justin Fuente, lost his first game as well, but with far deeper ramifications. The youthful Tigers lost to FCS Tennessee-Martin, 20-17, tangible proof of just how far it must go to achieve respectability.

Why Memphis Might Win: Arkansas State is going to have defensive breakdowns even when Oregon is not on the other sideline. The Red Wolves are young, rebuilding and vulnerable. The Tigers will attempt to exploit their opponent’s weakness with QB Jacob Karam, a Texas Tech transfer, and RB Jerrell Rhodes, who began the year with 106 yards rushing.

Why Arkansas State Might Win: The Red Wolves sport a potent attack under Malzahn that’s going to get better as the season progresses. QB Ryan Aplin is a dynamite all-around playmaker, and Tennessee transfer David Oku has plenty of untapped potential. A lot of it came after the game was already decided, but Arkansas State did pile up 530 yards and a bunch long plays at Autzen Stadium.

What To Watch Out For: As the Red Wolves begin to spread the field more under Malzahn, it could wind up being a huge year for Oku on the ground. He has good size, moves quickly out of the hole and is eager to finally begin approaching his potential. Before being dismissed, Michael Dyer was supposed to be the team’s high-profile SEC import, but Oku is poised to pick up the slack.

What Will Happen: Arkansas State got whipped by Oregon last week. This Saturday, it gets to play the role of the Ducks. The Red Wolves will zip virtually unabated through a meek Memphis defense, getting well over 300 total yards and four scores from the versatile Aplin.

CFN Prediction: Arkansas State 52 … Memphis 20
ATS Consultants Line (Click for more lines and picks) Arkansas State -23 O/U: 56
Must Watch Rating (5 – Phineas & Ferb, 1 – Steve Harvey): 1