Middle Tennessee (8-3, 6-1) at ASU (8-3, 6-1)
2 p.m., Dec. 1, 2012
Liberty Bank Stadium, Jonesboro

ON TAP: Arkansas State carries a six-game winning streak into its regular-season finale Saturday at Liberty Bank Stadium against Middle Tennessee. Both the Red Wolves and Blue Raiders are receiving votes in the USA Today Coaches Top 25 Poll, and the ESPN3.com-televised game will determine the 2012 Sun Belt Conference champion. Every ASU game can be heard live on 107.9 FM in the Jonesboro area, 93.3 FM in Little Rock and via AStateRedWolves.com.

AN A-STATE VICTORY WOULD . . . : Extend ASU's overall and Sun Belt Conference winning streak to seven games, its second longest since 1986 . . . Make the Red Wolves back-to-back conference champions for the first time since 1985-86 . . . Give it 19 victories since 2011 for its most over a two-year span in school history . . . Give ASU nine or more victories for the seventh time in school history . . . Give it seven Sun Belt wins for the second time ever (8 in 2011) . . . Make the Red Wolves 11-1 over their last 12 home games and give them three consecutive wins at Liberty Bank Stadium.

SENIOR DAY: The Red Wolves will hold their annual Senior Day this Saturday, recognizing their senior class for their contributions to Arkansas State University and the football program. This year's 21 seniors are Ryan Aplin, Kevin Galindo, Nathan Herrold, Tausean Holmes, Shervarius Jackson, Josh Jarboe, Don Jones, Anthony Kincy, Cole Lorigan, Zack McKnight, Kedric Murry, Nick Nelms, Cody Prater, Chaz Scales, Andre Smith, Tim Starson, Taylor Stockemer, Neely Sullivent, Jonathan Victorian, Ryan Wilbourn and Ronnell Wright.

THE ASU-MIDDLE TENNESSEE SERIES: While Arkansas State is 4-9 all-time vs. Middle Tennessee, the Red Wolves have won the last two meetings. ASU claimed a 45-19 road win last season and a 51-24 home victory in 2011, while the Blue Raiders last win in the series came 38-14 in Murfreesboro in 2009. Middle Tennessee won the first two games in the series in 1948 and 1949, and the two teams did not meet again until 2001 as Sun Belt foes.

BY THE NUMBERS:

· 0 sacks allowed by ASU?in six games this season. A-State is ranked 23rd in the nation in sacks allowed.

· 1 ASU's 2012 recruiting class was ranked No. 1 in the Sun Belt by Rivals, ESPN.com, Scout and 247Sports.com.

· 1 ASU's rank in the Sun Belt in rushing offense (212.3 ypg), scoring offense (35.6 ppg) and pass efficiency (150.9).

· 1 reception needed by Josh Jarboe to become the 8th player in ASU history with 100 career catches.

· 1 tackle needed by Nathan Herrold to become the first player with 100 in a season since 2007.

· 2 passing touchdowns needed by Ryan Aplin for the most in school history for a single season.

· 4 ASU players named an SBC Player of the Week, including LB's Herrold and Lee, QB Aplin and K Davis.

· 4 or more receptions by J.D. McKissic in every game this season, including a career-high 12 the last two games.

· 5 of the last eight seasons, including 2012, have seen A-State achieve bowl eligibility with at least six victories.

· 5 votes received by ASU in the latest AP Top 25 Poll.

· 5 games this season the ASU defense hasn't allowed 200 yards passing.

· 5.1 yards per rush by A-State, matching the single-season school record set in 1989.

· 6.5 yards per play by the ASU offense, which would be the highest in school history for a single season.

· 8 consecutive road victories by A-State against conference opponents, the most in school history.

· 8 players have already earned their degrees from Arkansas State University.

· 8 consecutive winning seasons at Liberty Bank Stadium, including 2012.

· 9 A-State games scheduled to be televised by ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU or ESPN3.com in 2012.

· 9 of the last 10 years the football team has won the Sun Belt Conference Team Academic Award.

· 9 J.D. McKissic's national ranking in receptions per game (7.6 pg).

· 9.0 tackles per game by Nathan Herrold, tied for the 3rd highest avg. in the Sun Belt Conference.

· 11 receptions needed by J.D. McKissic for the most in school history for a single season.

· 11.3 yards per rush by Rocky Hayes, which would easily break the school record for a season by almost 3 ypa.

· 12.0 tackles for loss recorded by Tim Starson for the sixth most in the Sun Belt Conference.

· 13 votes received by ASU in the latest USA Today Coaches Poll.

· 14 A-State victories in its last 15 conference games played, dating back to the 2011 season.

· 15 different ASU players with a touchdown this season, which is tied for the eighth most in the nation.

· 16 first-time starters for A-State this season, tied for the 17th most in the nation.

· 16 career touchdown receptions by Taylor Stockemer, the most in school history.

· 17 combined true freshmen and redshirt freshmen have played for ASU, tied for the 31st most in the nation.

· 18 A-State victories over its last 23 regular-season games.

· 18 ASU's national rank in total offense (479.1 yards per game).

· 20 statistical categories in which ASU ranks among the top half of the league, including total offense and defense.

· 21 combined single game, season and career school records held by Ryan Aplin.

· 21 Ryan Aplin's national rank in total offense (297.3 ypg).

· 24 A-State's national rank in rushing offense (212.3 yards per game).

· 25 consecutive games with at least one sack recorded by the A-State defense.

· 26 completions needed by Ryan Aplin for the most in Sun Belt Conference history.

· 27 A-State's national rank in scoring offense (35.6 ppg).

· 31 Brian Davis' national rank in field goals made (1.3 per game).

· 31 points needed by ASU for the fifth most in Sun Belt Conference history.

· 33 is ASU's ranking in the latest CBSSports.com 124 rankings.

· 40 A-State's latest position in the BCS rankings.

· 40 consecutive games with a reception by Taylor Stockemer, tied for the third most in the nation.

· 78 rushing yards needed by David Oku to become the 13th player in ASU history to rush for 1,000 in a season.

· 300 yards or more of total offense recorded by ASU in 34 of its last 36 games.

· 307 combined rushing yards allowed by the ASU defense the last four games for an average of just 76.8 yards.

· 400+ yards of total offense recorded by A-State in eight of its first 11 games.

ABOVE AVERAGE: The A-State offense is averaging 6.5 yards per play and 479.1 yards per game, both of which would break the school record for a single season. The current school records for a season are 6.0 yards per play (2008) and 447.8 yards per game (2011).

300-PLUS: Dating back to the 2010 season, Arkansas State has posted at least 300 yards of total offense 34 of its last 36 games. ASU's 12-game streak with over 300 yards total offense came to an end just two games shy of the school record against Nebraska earlier this season.

RUSH THE FIELD: With at least one game remaining, Arkansas State has already recorded its most rushing yards in a season (2,335) since 2008 when it posted 2,440. The Red Wolves have rushed for at least 200 yards in six games this season and are ranked 24th in the nation in rushing offense. A-State also has 27 rushing touchdowns, its most since at least 2003.

SPREADING THE WEALTH: Led by junior running back David Oku with 15 scores, Arkansas State has seen 15 different players score at least one touchdown this season. ASU's 15 players with a touchdown is tied for the ninth most in the nation with eight other teams, while Marshall has the most in the nation with 19.

LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD: After scoring 33 or more points in nine games this year, A-State has now posted at least 30 points in 17 of its last 22 regular-season games dating back to last season. The Red Wolves' nine games with at least 30 points are their most since 1951 when it hit the total 10 times.

THAT'S OFFENSIVE: A-State's 634 yards of total offense against Alcorn State was the seventh most in school history and marked the second time this year the Red Wolves recorded over 600 yards. They also piled up 619 yards against Memphis, which were the most against an FBS opponent since recording a school-record 681 against Louisiana-Lafayette in 2007. ASU has now posted at least 500 yards total offense in six of its first 11 games and 400 or more in eight games.

HEAD COACH GUS MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn was named the Red Wolves' 28th head football coach at Dec. 14, 2011, press conference, bringing him back to his home state after most recently enjoying highly successful stints as a top assistant coach at three NCAA FBS universities that garnered him national acclaim. A name highly recognized throughout Arkansas and the nation, Malzahn comes to Arkansas State after serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Auburn for the past three seasons. A native of Fort Smith, Malzahn was named the winner of the 2010 Frank Broyles Award, given annually to the nation's top collegiate assistant coach.

FAST START: Gus Malzahn has recorded the second most victories ever by a head coach in his first season at Arkansas State with eight. Out of 28 all-time head coaches at A-State, Malzahn is one of just five to win at least six games in his first season, joining Hugh Freeze (2011), Steve Roberts (2002), Gene Harlow (1955) and Jack Dale (1931). Malzahn and Freeze are the only two head coaches in ASU?history to win seven or more games in their first season at the school.

COACHING RECOGNITION: First-year Arkansas State Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn was recognized as one of the top hires in the nation this offseason, named as the No. 4 best hire and No. 2 most intriguing hire in the nation by CBSSports.com. He was also one of two head coaches in the nation to receive a grade of A+ among new hires for the 2012 season by the Sporting News. Bleacher Report's "Over/Under Victories" for every new head coach places A-State at nine victories, one of the tops listed in the report.

HALL OF HONOR: A-State head coach Gus Malzahn was one of seven inductees into Henderson State University's Reddie Hall of Honor on Saturday (Oct. 6). The event took place at the Garrison Center Day Gym on the Henderson campus. A two-year letterman, Malzahn averaged 35.3 yards per punt his first year at Henderson and 37.7 yards his senior year, including a long of 64 yards. He also caught 24 passes for 288 yards for an average of 12.0 yards per catch. He earned All-AIC Honorable Mention honors in 1989.

ASU ANNOUNCES FOOTBALL FACILITY PROJECT: Arkansas State University announced a $22 million football facility project, including a two-level football operations building and 76,000 square-foot indoor practice facility in ASU Stadium's north end zone, at an 11 a.m. press conference held Sept. 6 at the current ASU Football Facility . . . The new football operations building's first floor will house A-State's locker room, state-of-the-art strength and conditioning and sports medicine centers, a players lounge and equipment room. The second floor will feature coaching and administrative offices, team meeting rooms, a history and heritage showroom and a team film room with theatre seating. The indoor practice facility will run east and west and be connected to the north side of the operations building . . . The facility will have a brick exterior and feature an outdoor plaza facing the field on the building's second level. The interior will have a strong Red Wolves' theme with black and red dominating the esthetic appearance.

IT'S ALL IN THE NAME: In recognition of a $5 million contribution by Liberty Bank, the ASU Board of Trustees announced Sept. 8 that Liberty Bank Stadium is the new name of the football stadium at Arkansas State University. The naming rights to the stadium are for the next 15 years, as announced at the newly-named facility just prior to kickoff of the Red Wolves' home football game against the Memphis Tigers.

A-STATE vs. THE SUN BELT: A-State is 77-64-1 all-time against current members of the Sun Belt Conference. Since the league's inaugural football season in 2001, the Red Wolves hold a 48-37 on-field record against all opponents that have been a member of the league. Against current members of the conference, ASU is 43-33 since 2001. The Red Wolves hold their most all-time victories against Louisiana-Monroe with 20. The Red Wolves have defeated every team in the SBC since the football league was formed.

BACK IN BLACK: A-State will have a "Back in Black" promotion in place for Saturday's game, encouraging fans to wear black to the game in support of the Red Wolves as they compete for their second consecutive Sun Belt Conference championship.

IN THE POLLS: Arkansas State is receiving votes in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches top-25 polls for the first time this season, earning 13 votes in the coaches and five in the AP. The Red Wolves are also ranked No. 33 in the CBSSports.com 124 and No. 40 in the BCS rankings. The Red Wolves received votes in the USA Today Coaches Top 25 poll (as many as 9) and the AP Top 25 poll (as many as 18) last season for the first time in their history as an NCAA FBS member (since 1992).

SUN BELT CHAMPIONS: Arkansas State claimed its first ever outright Sun Belt Conference championship in 2011. Including last season, ASU has won eight conference championships all-time. ASU won the Southland Conference seven times (1986, 1985, 1978, 1975, 1970, 1969, 1968). ASU also won the 2005 Sun Belt Conference title, but it was later vacated due to NCAA sanctions.

BACK-TO-BACK WINNING SEASONS: Arkansas State has secured back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1986-87. ASU won 10 games last season and its 18 combined regular-season victories since 2011 are its most over a two-year span since also winning 18 in 1974 and 1975. ASU has never claimed 19 regular-season wins over a two-year span.

WINNING LEAGUE RECORD: With a 6-1 league record this year, A-State has secured a winning Sun Belt Conference record for the fifth time since the league's inaugural season in 2011. ASU has put together two straight on-field winning records against Sun Belt Conference opponents for the first time since 2005-06.

SECOND MOST: Arkansas State's eight victories through its first 11 games are its second most ever since joining the FBS in 1992, behind only its 10 total wins recorded in 2011. With eight victories, ASU has secured its third winning season since 1992 as well, joining the 2011 squad that went 10-3 and the 1995 team that posted a 6-5 record.

14 OF 15: Arkansas State has won 14 of its last 15 conference games dating back to the 2011 season, including its last six in a row. The Red Wolves' current six-game conference winning streak ties the eighth longest in the nation.

BOWL ELIGIBLE: Arkansas State is bowl eligible for the fifth time over the last eight seasons, including the last two in a row. Since joining the FBS in 1992, the only year ASU has become bowl eligible faster was the 2011 campaign when it reached six victories in eight games.

HOME SWEET HOME: With a 4-1 home mark this season, Arkansas State has secured its eighth consecutive winning record at Liberty Bank Stadium dating back to 2005. ASU is 35-8 at Liberty Bank Stadium since the 2005 season and has won 10 of its last 11 home games. The Red Wolves actual on-field record all-time at Liberty Bank Stadium is 127-71-1 since it opened in 1974. ASU's six home wins last season were its most since 1985.

ATTENDANCE FIGURES: The Liberty Bank Stadium crowd of 30,243 for the ASU-ULM game was not only the largest ever to watch A-State play a conference game in Jonesboro, it was the second largest in school history. ASU's first five home games all drew a crowd of at least 20,000 for the first time in school history. The 2012 campaign also marks the first time A-State has ever had more than three games in the same season draw over 20,000. ASU's current average attendance is 25,429, topping the school record of 21,256 in 2011.

ROAD WARRIORS: Arkansas State has won eight consecutive road Sun Belt Conference games, its longest streak ever as a member of any league. The Red Wolves went 4-0 in Sun Belt road games both this season and last year.

IMMEDIATE IMPACT: Arkansas State is one of 40 teams in the nation to play at least eight true freshman this season. A-State's eight true freshmen played ranks tied for the 37th most in the nation with Auburn, Clemson and Hawai'i. Three true freshmen have started at least one game for ASU, including Rocky Hayes, Bryce Giddens and Chris Humes. Additionally, A-State has played 17 combined true and redshirt freshmen this year, tied the 31st most in the nation.

"PICKING IT UP": While the A-State defense recorded only one interception over its first three games, it has now posted nine picks over the last eight games. The Red Wolves have recorded at least one interception in six of the last nine games, including a season-high three against Louisiana-Lafayette. Senior cornerback Chaz Scales, sophomore safety Sterling Young and senior linebacker Nathan Herrold all have a team-best two interceptions each. ASU's 10 interceptions matches its total for all of last season.

ALL-PURPOSE THREAT: While junior running back David Oku has recorded just two 100-yard rushing games, his rushing and receiving total combined has exceeded 100 yards in six games. Those games include Oregon (81 rush, 21 receiving, 102 total), Memphis (111 rush, 8 receiving, 119 total), WKU (79 rush, 27 receiving, 106 total), UL Lafayette (83 rush, 24 receiving, 107 total), ULM (131 rush, 6 receiving, 137 total) and Troy (93 rush, 43 receiving, 136 total). He has caught at least one pass in all but one game and is ranked third in the Sun Belt Conference in all-purpose yards at 103.8 per game.

BEST TOTALS SINCE 2009: Ten games into the season, senior running back David Oku's 829 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns are the most by an ASU running back since Reggie Arnold recorded 1,074 yards in 2008 and 12 touchdowns in 2009. Oku leads the team in rushing yards and is ranked third in the Sun Belt Conference. He needs 171 more yards to become the 13th player in ASU history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. His 12 rushing touchdowns are tied for the sixth most in school history.

MORE OFTEN THAN NOT: Senior quarterback Ryan Aplin has tossed at least one touchdown in 35 of his last 39 games dating back to his freshman season. Aplin has also thrown for at least 200 yards 31 times in his career and all 31 have come over ASU's last 38 games. Additionally, he has 18 career games with over 300 yards total offense.

ACTIVE APLIN: Senior quarterback Ryan Aplin is ranked among the top active players in the NCAA in several career statistics, including:

4th, career total offense yards (12,004)

5th, career passing yards (10,307)

5th, career TD responsible for (94)

6th, career completions (869)

11th, career touchdown passes (63)

T20th, career rushing touchdowns (30)

FIVE MORE SCHOOL RECORDS: Senior quarterback Ryan Aplin has set five new school records this year, giving him 21 combined game, season and career records at ASU . . . His single-game records include most plays, total offense, most average yards per game, passes attempted, completion percentage and completions . . . His single-season records include most plays, total offense, passes attempted, completions, touchdown passes, highest completion percentage and most passing yards per game . . . His career records include total offense, total plays, most average yards per game, completions, pass attempts, highest completion percentage, touchdown passes and most passing yards per game.

APLIN NAMED A FINALIST FOR SENIOR CLASS AWARD: Senior quarterback Ryan Aplin was named as one of 10 finalists for the 2012 Senior CLASS Award on Oct. 18 . . . Aplin was one of 30 original candidates from across the nation for the award, which annually recognizes an NCAA FBS senior with notable achievements in areas of community, classroom, character and competition. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the prestigious Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

ON A ROLL: Senior wide receiver Taylor Stockemer has recorded at least one reception in his last 40 games played, ranking tied for the third most in the NCAA among all players along with West Virginia's Tavon Austin. Duke's Conner Vernon leads the nation with a catch in 47 straight games.

AT LEAST FOUR: Redshirt freshman receiver J.D. McKissic has recorded at least four receptions in every game this season, including a career-high 12 each of the last two games. He now has a team-high 84 catches to place him second in the Sun Belt Conference and tied for ninth in the nation in receptions. McKissic also has a team-best 849 receiving yards, which ranks fifth in the SBC. His 84 receptions are the most ever by an Arkansas State and Sun Belt Conference freshman.

CAREER YEAR: Eleven games into the season, all of ASU's top 14 tacklers that aren't newcomers have already posted the most stops of their career for a single season. Among the 14 players with over 50 tackles are senior linebacker Nathan Herrold (99 this year, 78 in 2010), sophomore linebacker Qushaun Lee (79 this year, 49 in 2011), senior defensive back Don Jones (66 this year, 54 in 2011), sophomore safety Sterling Young (62 this year, 51 in 2011), junior defensive lineman Ryan Carrethers (60 this year, 35 combined for 2010-11), senior defensive end Tim Starson (61 this year, 39 combined for 2009-11) and Nick Nelms (53 this year, 41 in 2011).

PLAYING IN THE BACKFIELD: Senior defensive end Tim Starson has a team-high 12.0 tackles for loss, but senior linebacker Nathan Herrold isn't far behind with 8.0. Herrold has recorded at least a partial tackle for loss in nine of the last 10 games, while Starson has at least a partial TFL in eight games.

CONTROLLING THE INTERIOR: Junior Ryan Carrethers recorded a career-high 10 tackles twice this year from his interior defensive lineman position. Not only is Carrethers ranked sixth on the team and tied for 35th in the Sun Belt in tackles among all players, he easily leads the league in tackles by all interior defensive linemen with 60 (5.5 per game) to his credit.

HERROLDED PEFORMANCE: Senior linebacker Nathan Herrold recorded a career-high 17 tackles against South Alabama, and he has four games this year (11 at both Oregon and Nebraska and 10 against Troy) and seven for his career with double-figure stops. He now has a team-high 99 tackles, placing him tied for third in the Sun Belt Conference and tied for 46th in the nation in tackles per game (9.0). Herrold has also recorded at least a partial tackle for loss in nine of ASU's last 10 games.

HERROLD EARNS ACADEMIC HONOR: Senior linebacker Nathan Herrold, the Red Wolves leading tackler with a career-best 89 stops this season, has been named a First Team Capital One Academic All-District VI football selection. Herrold has started every game this season for the Red Wolves while also holding down a 3.69 cumulative GPA in Exercise Science. Herrold is also an ASU Athletic Director's Honor Roll and Sun Belt Conference Commissioner's List member.

KICK IT INTO GEAR: Junior kicker Brian Davis has made multiple field goals in five of ASU's 11 games this season and 11 times during his career. He needs one field goal to tie the second most in school history for a career.

LOU GROZA AWARD SEMIFINALIST: The Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced Nov. 5 that Arkansas State placekicker Brian Davis has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the 2012 Lou Groza Award presented by the Orange Bowl Committee. A junior from Brentwood, Tenn., Davis has made 15-of-18 field goal attempts for an .833 percentage and scored a team-high 85 points this season. He is currently ranked tied for 17th in the nation in field goals made (1.5 per game) and tied for 33rd in the nation in scoring.

GETTING DEFENSIVE: With its 56-0 win over Alcorn State, ASU recorded its first shutout since defeating Mississippi Valley State 61-0 in its 2009 season opener. ASU limited Alcorn State to just 2.2 yards per play, which tied the fifth lowest average for a game in Sun Belt Conference history. ASU's defense allowed just 130 yards, which is the fewest since giving up 69 to Mississippi Valley State in 2009 as well. The Red Wolves also held Memphis under 300 yards total offense, limiting the Tigers to 293 yards for the fewest by an ASU opponent since FAU recorded 281 last season.

HOMECOMING HISTORY: Arkansas State improved to 57-27-1 all-time in Homecoming contests with its victory over South Alabama. The Red Wolves have now won nine of their last 10 Homecoming games dating back to the 2003 season.

MIDWEEK MONSTERS: Historically, A-State has performed well in midweek games since joining the Sun Belt Conference. Since the 2001 campaign, the Red Wolves hold a 10-3 record in all midweek games. ASU has won its last five midweek games.

KNOCKING OFF THE FAVORITE: Arkansas State's 34-20 victory over FIU earlier this year marked the third consecutive year the Red Wolves defeated the top pick in the Sun Belt Conference preseason coaches poll. ASU also defeated preseason favorite FIU last season and Middle Tennessee in 2010.

APLIN EARNS SBC WEEKLY HONOR FOR SECOND STRAIGHT WEEK: Senior quarterback Ryan Aplin was named the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week after recording a school-record 454 yards of total offense in the Red Wolves' 41-34 win against Troy. Aplin completed 28-of-42 attempts for a .667 percentage, a season-high 369 yards and a career-high four touchdown passes. Aplin also rushed for a season-high 85 yards, with a 7.1 average per attempt.

APLIN NAMED SUN BELT CONFERENCE OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Senior quarterback Ryan Aplin was named the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week after helping lead ASU to a 45-23 victory over ULM. Aplin accounted for three touchdowns and 378 yards total offense, including a season-high 334 passing yards. Aplin completed 26-of-34 attempts for a .765 percentage and threw two touchdown passes covering 35 and 70 yards.