Steve Roberts is doing a fine job here but some narrow losses and a tough non-conf schedule kept that fact somewhat hidden until last year. In 2002 ASU came within 11 points of the SBC Title finishing 3rd. They were actually just three plays from a 9-4 season but also just two plays from 4-9. They brought in 11 JUCO's in 2003 and started slowly. While 3-3 in SBC play, they were outgained by a league worst 123 ypg. They trailed ULM, Idaho and N Mex St by double digits but prevailed in all three for their only SBC wins. This is a team that was 3-19 the two seasons prior to Roberts' arrival, but is 20-28 since. Since 1992, ASU has only had four seasons of 5+ wins and Roberts is responsible for three. In 2004 ASU led the SBC in most lettermen lost (26) and faced a brutal non-conf slate (3 Top 25 foes). In SBC play, ASU was "only" outgained by 52.1 ypg, despite being -9 in turnovers and they finished 3-4. Last year I gave ASU a shot at a winning season and amazingly they won the SBC, getting to their first ever bowl. They paid the price on defense in 2004 by starting up to six frosh at times but still only had 4 seniors on defense on the 2005 two deep and improved allowing 8 ppg less in '05. Showing how improved the D was, ASU actually won two games in which they scored less than 10 points, the first time that has occurred since 1949. ASU had their first undefeated year in Jonesboro since 1986 and ended a streak of 9 straight losing years. They have exceeded preseason SBC expectations each year under Roberts. Last year they outgained Okla St 322-273. Roberts is now 15-6 SU at home and surprisingly the school has recorded non-losing seasons every yearthatended in five ('55, '65,75, '85, '95, '05). ASU was fortunate with four close wins in SBC play, getting a 1 yd TD run with :30 left to beat NT, a 35 yd FG on the final play to beat ULL, an OT victory vs Fla All and Tray was at their 18 with :30 left but was int'd in the EZ. ASU won the conf when ULL knocked off ULM in the season finale. The offense loses their two year starting QB and 1,000 yard rusher but with a more veteran 0-line, should come close to last year's 25.3 ppg, which was their bestsince 1996! The Indians, despite some injury problems last year, allowed 25.2 ppg on defense, which was their best since 1995. |
