Blake Anderson is glad to be home.

The Arkansas State Red Wolves coach said during Mondays press conference he prefers the opportunity.

“We love the opportunity to open at home,” said Anderson, who is 1-3 in openers. “ It is a great way to get the season started. There is a lot of excitement with pre-season rankings and what we are doing with the stadium.”

A-State and Southeast Missouri kickoff Saturday at 6 p.m. The game is on ESPN-Plus.

The Red Wolves opened at home against Montana State in Anderson’s debut and won 37-10. The only other home opener for Anderson was a 31-10 setback vs. Toledo.

The other two openers were at USC and at Nebraska last season.

“First game of the year you are still trying to find your identity” said offensive coordinator Buster Faulker. “The main thing we are worried about is going out there and executing at a high level. We want to play a good clean football game.”

This will be the second time the Red Wolves have opened the season against an FCS opponent.. In all, Anderson is 3-1 vs. FCS, with the lone loss coming to UCA in 2017.

““That one doesn’t get too far from our memory,’’ he said . “If it did, somebody around here would remind us, anyway.”

A-State is scheduled to open at home next season against SMU on Aug. 31, 2019.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Troy Elliott has returned to practice but Nour-Eddine Seidnaly will be the likely starter at right tackle. Lanard Bonner is the left tackle with redshirt freshman Andre Harris and senior Marvis Brown at the guard spots. Sophomore Jacob Still is the center.

TIGHT END: Faulkner said Javonis Isaac, 10 pounders heavier than last season is the front-runner at tight end and will share that time with freshman Reed Tyler. Faulkner added Isaac has always been a strong blocker and has improved his receiving skills. The third tight end, juco transfer Ross Painter will out for the season with a labrum issue.

FRESHMEN: Faulkner said Tyler and running back Marcel Murray will be the only rookies to play on offense while on defense, tackle Terry Hampton, linebacker Derrick Bean and safety Antonio Fletcher will see time, according to defensive coordinator Joe Cauthen. He also said freshmen cornerbacks Jevon Jones and Triston Anderson, both from Texas, could see playing time.

TAJHEA CHAMBERS: The DC said the redshirt middle linebacker sophomore will return to practice and could see time

this week. He expects Caleb Bonner to start at middle with freshman Bean the starter at will.

THE RUNNING BACKS: At least three, maybe four, running backs will see action. Warren Wand is the returning

starter with Armond Weh-Weh and Murray also expected to get carries. Jamal Jones would be the fourth RB to see time.