Talk is cheap.
Action isn't.
On Thursday Arkansas State University announced its action plan for the new football offices and practice facility that will be built in the north end zone of the soon-to-be-renamed ASU Stadium.
The price tag is $22 million.
But even larger than the price tag is the commitment that the school is making to football. It speaks volumes. It shouts to the rest of the state and the region: "We are A-State!"
It is significant.
A 1982 graduate, it is easy to say, this is not my ASU. Well it is. It will always be. But it is a new day in Jonesboro.
We have heard this talk and the worn out phrases of "next level" and "Boise State of the South" for months now. If that is going to happen, this is the first step.
Recruits have mentioned the new facility when interviewed about their commitment or their visits. We now see the reality.
Here is a look at that reality:
http://www.arkst.com/board/index.php?topic=55147.0
Even more impressive is the promise the $22 million facility will be from Red Wolf Club funds. Seems the RWC is heading into new territory as well.
It is indeed a promising day for the school's football program and its supporters.
If ASU is going to improve its status in the world of college football this is the next step.

Some thoughts on the Oregon Trail disaster

First off, the scaries moment in last night's game with the Oregon Ducks was not the first half when Oregon did what it wanted, but  was Ryan Aplin appeared to hurt his hand in the third quarter trying to make a tackle after an apparent turnover.
The play that was later ruled an incomplete pass. More importantly, Aplin finished the game.
And so did the Red Wolves.
I have never been one who took pleasure in saying "we won the second half."
Oregon is good. Very good. Maybe the fastest team I've ever witnessed. At least I hope they are that fast and ASU is not that slow. We are going with the first premise that the Ducks are that fast. And probably as fast as anyone in the country. Their fate will be decided how well they play on the offensive and defensive lines.
If they win the national title it will the second time in three years ASU started the season against the eventually national champ. After an angry first half, I stopped hating Chip Kelly so much in the second half when he allowed ASU to make the score respectable.
-- I do like this offense. And I like some of the weapons. The RBs look solid, the receivers very good. Want to see D Griswold get more action. He moves well for a big man.
--ASU will be a lot better team in a month, when we have the most important game of the season against Western Kentucky at home in the Sun Belt opener.
I expect ASU will be 2-2 at that time and that game could be the turning point of the season.
--At the end of the day in Eugene, and the beginning of the morning in Arkansas, the final score and the stats will make folks who did not watch that it was a decent game. Those numbers should also help with the computer rankings, etc ...
I don't think computers watch TV. For ASU's sake, let's hope not.