Three Things You Need to Know about Arkansas State

After their thorough domination of the Louisville Cardinals to open the 2018 season, the top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide christens the home portion of the schedule Saturday afternoon against Arkansas State.

Saturday's tilt marks the third meeting between Alabama and Arkansas State. The two teams met in 1982 with the Crimson Tide defeating the Red Wolves 34-7 in Birmingham and in 2008 with a 35-0 shutout for Alabama.

Both teams come in at 1-0 on the season. Prior to Saturday's kickoff, find out the three things you need to know about Arkansas State.

Consistency as a Program

For nearly the past decade, Arkansas State has posted solid marks as a mid-major FBS program.

Since 2011, the Red Wolves have recorded a winning record over the last seven seasons, has won five Sun Belt Conference championships since 2011 and has made a bowl appearance in six of their last seven seasons .

Under head coach Blake Anderson, Arkansas State has won at least seven games in his first four seasons and has taken home a conference title in 2015 and 2016.

Quarterback Justin Hansen

Like many offenses in the modern era of college football, Arkansas State relies heavily on the arm of junior quarterback Justin Hansen.

The junior signal caller earned Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors by throwing for 423 yards and a school-record six touchdown tosses.

The Oklahoma transfer because the first Sun Belt Conference quarterback to throw for six or more touchdowns since 2007.

Since his arrival at Arkansas State, Hansen has thrown for at least 200 yards in 14 consecutive games including four games with 400 yards or more.

Seven Players Return to the Yellowhammer State

Arkansas State will see a total of seven players returning to the state of Alabama including the return of a former area high school star.

Former Pickens County High School standout Caleb Bonner was a second team all-state selection at running back after leading the Tornadoes to the Class 1A state championship game in 2016.

Bonner is now a sophomore linebacker with the Red Wolves as he has posted 20 career tackles in his college football career.