LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas State will wrap up its 2010 season Saturday when it travels to Miami to face Florida International.
The Red Wolves will be looking to end the season on a high note after losing consecutive games to Western Kentucky and Navy.
“Obviously a big challenge is ahead this week going toFlorida International to play a team that is playing extremely well right now,” ASU Coach Steve Roberts said. “They are 5-1 recently and 5-1 in the league and area very athletic team.”
The Golden Panthers (5-5, 5-1 Sun Belt Conference) are riding a three-game winning streak and have pulled back to .500 on the year after dropping their first four games. ASU (4-7, 4-3) can still tie for the Sun Belt title and finish the regular season with a winning league record with a victory.
“If we win this week we still have a shot at a championship,” Roberts said. “That would be really big. Also, finishing in the top three of an eight-team league would be pretty good.”
Florida International began the season by losing consecutive nonconference games to Rutgers, Texas A&M, Maryland and Pittsburgh, but it has not lost a game since dropping a 21-9 contest at rival Florida Atlantic on Oct. 30.Florida International won its biggest conference game of the year at Troy two weeks ago 52-35.
“They dominated the game in every form and fashion,” Roberts said. “When they get going, they can do pretty well.”
ASU leads the all-time series 4-1, including last years 37-10 victory over the Golden Panthers in Jonesboro.
Roberts said field position and special teams will be a priority. Florida International features one of the more versatile players in the Sun Belt in T.Y. Hilton.
Hilton, who plays receiver and is used as a return man, has returned 17 kickoffs for 476 yards and is the team’s leading receiver with 668 yards and 3 touchdowns on 44 receptions.
“They are very dangerous in the return game. They make people miss drastically,” Roberts said. “He is dangerous when you kickoff to him. That matchup may be key in the field position aspect of the game.”
Roberts said ASU has had a good week of practice, despite being disappointed after being eliminated from bowl contention after the loss to Navy.
“You wouldn’t want to be in this situation if you didn’t have to be, but from a character standpoint it’s not hard,” Roberts said. “These kids want to win this game no matter what.”
Sophomore quarterback Ryan Aplin said it was important for ASU to get a victory in its final game of the season.
“The season obviously didn’t turn out like we wanted,” Aplin said. “We want to send the seniors out on a good note and start preparing for next year.”
Sports, Pages 27 on 11/26/2010