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| | Monday, September 4 Dimel launches new air attack in Houston | |||||
| By Eric Crawford Special to ESPN.com Houston Cougars 1999 record: 7-4 (3-3 C-USA) Coach: Dana Dimel Returning starters: 10 (6 offense, 4 defense) Outlook Kim Helton guided the Cougars to their first winning season in three years but was fired at season's end because administrators were so excited about the opportunity to hire Dana Dimel, who led Wyoming to three straight winning campaigns. Now Dimel brings his one-back air show to the home of NASA, where he'll put QB Jason McKinley to work firing missiles to returning WRs Jerrian James and Orlando Iglesias, one of the nation's top WR duos. But there are concerns. Only two starters return on the offensive line and RBs Mike Green and Ketric Sanford are both gone with no clear replacement yet in sight. Dimel also must plug some gaping holes in the defense, which ranked 11th nationally last season but lost seven starters to graduation. No position was spared, but the secondary is of particular concern. Dimel will build around LB Wayne Rogers, and he has solid support at the position from Ryan Alvey and Waymond Ervin. At CB Will Pettis and Jason Parker should be solid, but the safety spot remains a question mark. With non-conference games against Rice, Texas, SMU and LSU the Cougars will be tested early. The offense could be explosive, but with so many key defensive losses, another 7-4 campaign might be asking too much. Keep an eye on ... WR Orlando Iglesias. He's got the name of a heartthrob singer, but his speed could have opposing defenses swooning by season's end. It's a good season if ... The Cougars can knock off either Southern Miss or Louisville at home and finish with a winning record. |
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