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APPALACHIAN STATE
From David Ware
AppStateMania.com
1) With ten starters back on offense, what’s the problem – is there one?
There's not necessarily a problem, but ASU is replacing first-team all-conference left tackle Kendall Lamm, who graduated. 6-6, 275-pound senior Davante Harris was a SoCon All-Freshman team honoree at defensive end before moving to offense in 2013. Harris has started six games at right tackle over the past two seasons, but has to prove himself as an every down player, especially in the critical blindside spot. He’s very athletic and has great length, but will have to show a starter's focus and mesh effectively with right guard Parker Collins. If Harris is unable to lock down that spot, expect to see redshirt sophomore Beau Nunn, a Sun Belt All-Newcomer Team selection last season, move over from right tackle.
2) What’s missing to become the Sun Belt champion?
A fast start - needing to build early momentum that the Mountaineers can ride into the beginning of Sun Belt play. App State has begun the past two seasons with a combined 2-10 record through its first six games of each year. That’s been balanced with a 9-3 record in the final six games of the two seasons, but App doesn't want to be forced to dig out of a hole for a third consecutive year.
3) What’s the one thing that needs working on?
Special teams, and in every facet. In the 11-team Sun Belt, Appalachian ranked 11th in kickoff returns, tenth in punt returns, 11th in punting, 11th in kickoff coverage, 11th in field goals, and eighth in PATs. Extensive time was spent in spring practices on drills and talent evaluation in this specific area. Expect improvement, but special teams play is also a function of recruiting and talent depth. In making the jump to FBS, App State is still building the kind of quality depth required to be a perennial bowl-caliber team. That strength/deficiency often shows up most prevalently in special teams performance.
ARKANSAS STATE
From Mark Ferguson
AStateNation.com
1) With a loaded offense returning, what’s missing, if anything?
The most critical need is an effective and reliable short yardage power running game. The offense was able to score on big plays, but non-scoring drives weren’t sustained often - most of the scoring drives were either a big play score or a big play set up the score.
2) How bad off is the secondary after losing three starters?
Rocky Hayes should reclaim his starting position he missed the end of the year with injury. Charleston Girley, after playing injured in a cast, was lost for the season after Utah State and will be back. Money Hunter will back from a torn labrum repair. Chris Humes should be effective.
3) What’s the one thing that needs working on?
One thing a) defensive line. At one point freshmen held two of three down linemen starting spots and injury knocked one of them out. Over the last half of the season, opposing offensive linemen were creating havoc at the second level. To quote DC Joe Cauthen, "at the end of the year we couldn't stop a hard charging marching band.” Another thing b) placekicking. AState scored 65 TDs, made 52 PATs and one two-point conversion. Made 61.59% of FG's good for 106th in the nation, PAT rate of 86.58% was 125th.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN
From Justin Judy
EagleSportsInsider.com
1) How can the running game get even better?
An extra year in Willie Fritz system will help and the fact that the big three - QB Kevin Ellison, RB Matt Breida, RB Alfred Ramsby - are back will certainly help. I feel they can have another huge year on the ground.
2) How big a concern is the loss of four starters on the offensive line?
It's a legitimate concern, but I think the coaches have reason for optimism. One, being the skill players are dynamic and two, being they signed quite a few highly ranked O linemen who were able to redshirt last year. They also were able to get a big transfer in Roscoe Byrd from UAB - he should be an instant impact guy.
3) What’s the one thing that needs working on?
The offensive line will be the biggest question mark going into the season, and after that, most likely cornerback. They lost some depth from last year’s team, but signed a few highly rated prospects in Christian Matthew and Jessie Liptrot who could have an immediate impact.
