Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

9/22/2011 at 9:30am

Image by ASU Media Relations

Quaterback Ryan Aplin has been a crucial part of Hugh Freeze's transition to head coach at Arkansas State.

Arkansas State’s first-year head coach Hugh Freeze actually sounded a little uneasy entering this week’s game with Central Arkansas.

Forget that Arkansas State, of the Football Bowl Subdivision, plays in a higher classification and will be the host team for the intrastate showdown at ASU Stadium in Jonesboro.

And forget that Arkansas State (1-2), of the Sun Belt Conference, walloped rival and Conference USA member Memphis in that same Stadium almost two weeks ago and also had its moments against BCS schools Illinois and Virginia Tech.

Forget, even, that UCA, also 1-2, is on a two-game skid and will be without starting quarterback Nathan Dick thanks to a concussion.

“You’re a little apprehensive when you are the team that I guess most people would consider the favorite,” Freeze said. “If you are the favorite you feel a little added pressure.

“I know this will be the Super Bowl for Central Arkansas.”

If Freeze is looking for a warm, secure feeling as the Red Wolves prepare to meet the Bears for the first time since 1998, he need look nor further than his own quarterback, redshirt junior Ryan Aplin.

As offensive coordinator under Steve Roberts last year, Freeze nurtured Aplin before Freeze was elevated to head coach. If you’re going to take over a program, Freeze said, it helps to already have a quality quarterback in place, and Aplin’s numbers scream quality.

“It was very comforting when I did change roles here,” Freeze agreed.

After playing as Corey Leonard’s backup in 2009, Aplin took the reins last season, Freeze’s first on the ASU staff, and delivered school records in total yards (3,416), passing yards (2,939), touchdowns (21) and pass attempts (410).

“It was awesome,” Aplin said of Freeze’s promotion after Roberts’ forced resignation.

“To have coach Freeze it was a very big sigh of relief to know I didn’t have to learn another new offense. And coach Freeze being my position coach last year made it that much better.

“We have a very good relationship and I can go into his office any time I want.”

Aplin, of Tampa, Fla., was first-team all Sun Belt for his efforts last season and a preseason first-team pick this year. So far Aplin is 44 of 89 for 769 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Red Wolves were beaten by Illinois 33-15 in the opener, beat Memphis 47-3 and lost at Virginia Tech 26-7.

“Our tempo has been pretty good so far,” Aplin said.

Yet Aplin is not satisfied and wants to smooth out some rough spots in his game that include four interceptions.

“I think we’ve had sparks of good play,” he said. “We’re definitely not happy at all with the way we’ve been playing.”

Tagged: Steve Roberts, Corey Leonard, Hugh Freeze, Ryan Aplin, Central Arkansas Bears, ASU Red Wolves, UCA Bears, Arkansas State Red Wolves