COLUMBUS, Ohio -- About two hours before kickoff Saturday, Arkansas State filed down the ramp in the southwest corner of Ohio Stadium, circling around the Block O at midfield.
Smack dab in the middle of the century-old cauldron, not yet filled with 100,000-plus in scarlet and gray, there was legitimate hope.
It was not a wish and a prayer. Perhaps it was manufactured, but the Red Wolves genuinely believed they could play with the No. 3 team in the nation -- maybe even return to Jonesboro as winners.
"We can play with anybody," wide receiver Champ Flemings said.