Members of Arkansas legislature push for Arkansas-Arkansas State game
With the advance of Arkansas State football during the past couple years, some supporters – in the legislature – think it’s time for the Red Wolves to start a rivalry with their in-state brethren Arkansas.
Reps. Andy Mayberry (R-Hensley) and Harold Copenhaver (D-Jonesboro) have co-authored a bill in the Arkansas House of Representatives that would require Arkansas State and the Razorbacks to play one game at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on an undisclosed date.
The proceeds from the game would go to charity.
To test the fan waters on such a “rivalry” game, ArkansasASUBenefit.com was set up to gauge fan interest. Voting for or against the game closed last Saturday and 51.8 percent of the people who voted wanted the game. Meaning the bill will continue to float its way through bureaucratic red tape. It started with the House Education committee and has since been moved to the House Rules committee.
It’s been awhile since legislature has prompted a football game, though many, especially recently, have tried. A Missouri legislator threatened to halt Kansas-themed Missouri license plates unless Missouri and Kansas rekindled its rivalry. A bill was proposed in the Texas House of Representatives to get Texas and Texas A&M to play again. Neither bill came to fruition.
In the past two seasons, Arkansas State has posted 10-3 records, the second-best seasons in school history. However, both of those teams immediately lost their coaches after their achievements. Current coach Bryan Harsin will have big shoes to fill.
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