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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 10:09 AM ET Inexperience may hurt young Indians By Adam Rittenberg Special to ESPN.com |
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Arkansas State Indians 2000 record: 1-10 (1-4 Big West). Coach: Joe Hollis (5th year, 11-34) Starters returning: 5 offense, 4 defense. Outlook: Not much more could have gone wrong for Arkansas State last season. The team experienced both overtime losses and a 49-point blowout at Texas Christian. Heading into the 2001 campaign, the Indians' major question mark is located under center. With star signal-caller Cleo Lemon lost to graduation, former walk-on Tommy Miller has a shaky hold on the starting job. Fortunately for the Indians, 1,000-yard rusher Jonathan Adams returns to fuel the scoring attack. Adams averaged 91.3 yards per game and sprinted for six touchdowns in 2000. Those impressive numbers were largely due to an Indians offensive line anchored by All-Big West tackle Garry Johnson. Under the watchful eye of Hollis -- who previously coached No. 1 draft pick Orlando Pace at Ohio State -- Johnson could develop into a pro-caliber blocker. Graduation losses decimated an ASU defense that conceded more than 450 yards per game last season. Senior cornerback/safety Terrance Fuller will try to lead the young defensive unit. Fuller notched two interceptions last season and placed sixth on the team with 51 tackles. Keep an eye on: WR James Hickenbotham. Although the sophomore wideout has the unenviable task of filling the void left by Arkansas State's all-time leading receiver, Robert Killow, he may make a bigger mark as a kick returner. In 2000, Hickenbotham averaged 25.6 yards per kickoff return, the second highest average among current Sun Belt teams. In the Indians' lone victory against North Texas, Hickenbotham returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. Key game: The Indians will have payback on their minds in Las Cruces, N.M. on Nov. 10 as they face New Mexico State. In last year's game, Killow fumbled on Arkansas State's first play in overtime and the Aggies prevailed 35-29. After losing five games by seven points or less last season, a road win would be a clear sign of improvement. It's a good year if... The Indians notch a win or two before conference play begins. The Indians need a win before they the start of the conference season and with home games against Nicholls State and Jacksonville State, this could become a reality. With nearly half of last year's letter winners lost to graduation, Arkansas will be relying on underclassmen to keep the team afloat. Three conference wins would be a stretch, but with a star player like Adams and better play in crunch time, the Indians could surprise some teams. |
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