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| | Sunday, September 3 Bulldogs prepare for final season as independent | |||||
| By Scott Brown Special to ESPN.com Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 1999 record: 8-3 Coach: Jack Bicknell III Returning starters: 10 (5 offense, 5 defense) Outlook The Bulldogs not only have to replace QB Tim Rattay, who led the country in total offense the last three seasons, they also have to rebuild their offensive and defensive lines, Oh, yeah, they also make early season trips to Penn State and Kansas State in successive weeks. Gee, that sounds like fun. The offense will once again rely heavily on spreading the opposition with four- and five-receiver sets. Stallworth assumes the controls of the passer-friendly offense, and Bicknell does not expect a major drop-off at quarterback. Stallworth is battle-tested -- his 28-yard touchdown pass with two seconds left in the game propelled Tech to a 29-28 upset of Alabama last season -- and he is a threat to run. The biggest reason for optimism when it comes to the passing game is the return of four receivers who caught over 60 passes apiece last season. James Jordan and Delwyn Daigre lead this deep and talented bunch. Guard Randy Richard is the only returning starter on the offensive line. The defensive line will again be an area of concern with no returning starters. Junior college transfers Clint Ellsworth (6-foot-4, 270-pounds) and Jamie Nichols (6-3, 290) are expected to provide immediate help there. Quincy Stewart (112 tackles last season) leads the ball-hawking linebackers who are the defense's biggest strength. The secondary picked off just 12 passes last year, but Tech is hoping for a big year from hard-hitting free safety Michael J. Lenard. Keep an eye on ... RB John Simon. The all-purpose performer will log the majority of his time in the backfield after catching 79 passes for 757 and rushing for 134 yards and 30 carries in 1999. The 5-9, 192-pound junior will still be an integral part of the passing game, but Tech also hopes he improves a running game It's a good season if ... Louisiana Tech posts a winning season in its last season as an independent (Tech begins play in the WAC in 2001). The schedule, which also includes trips to Auburn and Miami (Fla.), is just too tough to expect the Bulldogs to crack the top 25 and challenge for a bowl game again this season. Scott Brown covers UCF for Florida Today |
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