Team preview: Arkansas State

Blue Ribbon Illustrated previews the 2004-05 college football season, exclusively on Insider.

Originally Published: July 28, 2004
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COACH AND PROGRAM

Times were tough at Arkansas State when the Indians won only one game in 2000 and two in 2001.

Steve Roberts was hired to fix the problem. When he led the Indians to a 6-7 overall and 3-3 record in the Sun Belt Conference in 2002, Roberts was given a contract extension and expansion that runs through the 2007 season.

And even though the Indians went only 5-7 last year and 3-4 in the conference, Roberts continued to energize the players and followers of the program.

If he can do that again in 2004, the former coach at Southern Arkansas University and Northwestern (La.) State probably deserves another contract extension.

Roberts has been able to convince everyone around the program to adopt his "I Will'' philosophy. That may become tougher this year. A youth movement is in store at ASU.


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