Massachusetts at Arkansas State - 11/12/22 College Football Picks and Prediction

Olson threw for 1,145 passing yards last season, so maybe he builds on that performance against a vulnerable Arkansas State defense. Ellis Merriweather leads the backfield with 357 yards on 101 carries. George Johnson leads UMass in receiving with 24 catches for 292 yards, while Penn State transfer Cameron Sullivan-Brown went off for a season-high 124 yards versus UConn.

Arkansas State dropped to 2-7 after losing to South Alabama at home in Week 10. The Red Wolves were overpowered from the jump by the Jaguars, and failed to score in the final three periods, en route to their largest lost of the season. Arkansas State scores 25.9 points per game, while passing for 235.4 yards per game (121st), and rushing for 92.6 ypg (262nd). The Ark State defense allows 31.1 points per game.

James Blackmon brings a ton of experience to the position. The sixth-year senior had a pair of 2,000-yard seasons with Florida State, and he’s set to add a third this weekend more than likely. The veteran quarterback has been a victim of poor pass protection often this season, but he’s posted a solid line of 1,872 passing yards with eleven touchdowns to one interception through nine starts.

Arkansas State runs a pure pass-first attack, leaving little room for the run game to materialize. Johnnie Lang leads the team 327 rushing yards and four touchdowns after an injury to Brian Snead. Seydou Traore has been dynamic from the tight end slot, and he leads the Red Wolves in receptions (39) and receiving yards (521). Jeff Foreman is also having another solid season in Jonesboro, and he’s up to 22 catches for 419 yards and four touchdowns.

UMass is 3-6 against the spread this season, with a 1-4 record on the road. Arkansas State is 6-3 against the spread this season, with a 2-2 record at home. The Red Wolves are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 non-conference games.

Arkansas State will have to feel good coming into this one, as it should mark the first time since Week 1 they won’t be overmatched on the football field. It’s been another stressful season, but Saturday the Red Wolves should be able to breathe.

UMass has shown signs of life at times this season, but they are still going to be the inferior team each time out. If the Red Wolves get going through the air early, the Minutemen could find themselves out of their element and playing catch up.

Show James Blackman some love here, as his extended college career is approaching it’s end, and take Arkansas State spread for this matchup.