While Arkansas State practiced and chilled, Memphis not only got a head start with a Week 0 outing but tripped up UNLV in Vegas. Momentum carried into the home opener will be ratcheted up as the Tigers play in a fully renovated stadium after dealing with construction the past few seasons. Ark State must figure out how to repel a defense that racked up a half-dozen sacks and five more tackles for loss last week. The Red Wolves work in an unfamiliar QB while keeping fingers crossed that the defense is improved over its predecessor that ranked 112th in FBS.
Arkansas State will be a highly competitive team in the Sun Belt conference, especially with their ability to run the football. They have a chance early to dictate the pace of the game because of it. There is a thought that the high of last week could set Memphis up for a let down, but that's why the spread is 11.5 and not 20.5, which is where I believe the game will play out.
