A-State #84 in ESPN's Initial Preseason FPI

[Seminole Indian]

Not bad at all for a G5, especially one that is replacing their entire offensive line, and a couple of key backups.

http://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/129505/ohio-state-is-no-1-in-preseason-fpi-1-0

[Dropkick]

That makes them a top twenty team in that level of play right?

[Seminole Indian]

I did not count the G5's ahead of them but they are buy any measure( attendance, budget, facilities, etc.) one of that top 20-25 G5 programs.

[holeinthewall]

Memphis is highest at 43

21st actually 3rd in Sun Belt behind App St and Troy

[Seminole Indian]

That is about right, but they don't play AppSt next year and get Troy at home so while I do expect another slow start, I would not be surprised if A-State went undefeated in SBC play (should have this year).

Anderson seems to think they are as talented, if not more talented than last years team ( which was the most talented in the SBC), and have the benefit of having a returning starter at QB.

The key is how long it takes for the OL to gel, and everyone, including their coaches, agree the new players on the OL are a lot more talented than those leaving.

[DeltaBoy]

I have been real proud of the Job that ASU done the past 8 or so years. 

[holeinthewall]

The SMU game is the key to the season. Win that ASU goes 2-2 in non con with a shot at 10 wins.  Lose that and 1-3 start is bad again.

[Seminole Indian]

Anderson is really taking a lot of flack for their slow starts and their OOC record, and he really needs to come out of the first four games 2-2, but it will not be easy.

One thing that would help them get over the hump would be the offense performing close to the level that was expected when they hired Anderson.

They certainly have the talent, but have been inconsistent since he took over as HC, and that is something he is getting pressure do something about, and fast. That is why he will be calling plays and coaching the QB's, and the scoop from insiders on their message board is he was not asked to make the change--he was told to make it.

[GolfNut57]

The SMU game is the key to the season. Win that ASU goes 2-2 in non con with a shot at 10 wins.  Lose that and 1-3 start is bad again.

I wouldn't say a 1-3 start is automatically a bad start. I mean it IS SMU and not another FCS school or even a bad FBS school. The SMU game is on the road and should be looked as a tossup as to the predicted winner. It really depends on how ASU plays in that game. If they play good but lose then a 1-3 start won't look all that disgraceful considering the schedule. But play bad enough to get blown out vs the Mustangs? Yeah that would be a "bad" start.

[Seminole Indian]

IMO they have more than enough talent to go 2-2, but you cannot ignore the fact that they have taken a while to get going under Anderson & Company, for whatever reason.

I do not expect their OL will be clicking by SMU, but they are so much more physically talented than last years OL that they will not have to in order to win because their defense should again be above average.

[Seminole Indian]

I have been real proud of the Job that ASU done the past 8 or so years.

IMO it's time for them to go to another level.