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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 4-8 (played as Independent in 1998) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Joe Hollis Returning starters: 17 (offense 8, defense 7) Outlook Last year the Indians got a taste of the Big West, giving up 83 points in two non-conference meetings with their soon-to-be compatriots. Lack of familiarity was a factor then, and it will likely be a hindrance much of this season as they make their debut as a football-only member. While the schedule will require a period of adjustment, Arkansas State's high-powered offense should feel right at home in a conference that considers 50-point outbursts a solid Saturday's work. Last year's recruiting class is being called the best in school history. It shouldn't take long to find out if that's hyperbole or reality, as there won't be many redshirts handed out in '99. Offense Head coach Joe Hollis came to Jonesboro in 1996 after five seasons as offensive coordinator at Ohio State. While not blessed with the wealth of athletic ability that was commonplace in Columbus, he has fashioned an offense that is both potent and entertaining. Both characteristics are evident in quarterback Cleo Lemon. Although he was sacked a painful 36 times last year, he still managed to throw for 2,721 yards and 14 touchdowns. If Lemon is to better those numbers, his protection must improve, and the running game must find its legs. Replacing Lennie Johnson, the school's all-time leading receiver, is the first order of business. The likely candidate is Robert Kilow, who showed big-play ability before breaking his clavicle in the season's ninth game. Before the injury, Kilow caught 29 passes for 661 yards, including a 67-yard TD that hinted at his game-breaking potential. The top target is tight end Ron Teat, one of the best at his position in the country. Teat ended the 1998 season ranked seventh nationally among tight ends in receptions (28), fourth in receiving yards (430) and tied for fourth in touchdowns (five). For his career at ASU, Teat now has 61 career receptions for 887 yards and eight touchdowns, totals that have earned him the nickname, "The Receiving Machine." Tackle Patrick Birdwell is the line's best player, but he can't do it alone. Guard Jamie Pond and tackle Garrick Jones must step up in their second season as starters. If they can create some space for tailback Lamont Zachery, he should surpass last year's total of 558 yards rushing with little problem. It's a good sign if: Zachery can keep defenses honest with his running.It's a bad sign if: Protecting the quarterback continues to be an issue. Defense The team employs a 3-4 scheme, which highlights a good-news-bad-news situation. The good news is that all four starters return at linebacker; the bad, three new starters must be found for the line. Outside linebacker Michael Bailey had 90 tackles a year ago, a total that he'll need to exceed this season. Andy Henault and Segun Ajigbeda will anchor the inside. The pair combined for 131 stops. Up front, the only player with significant experience is McQuonzie Thomas, who saw time in a backup role. The unit's best player is strong safety Sean Mitchell. Although he's a bit undersized at 5-9, 190, he has started 20 consecutive games and posted a team-leading 126 tackles a year ago. While those numbers are nice, when a member of the secondary is a team's top tackler, it suggests that other positions aren't carrying a fair share of the load. If those totals come down, it should mean that the Indians have found some balance on that side of the ball. Senior Reggie Cooley brings a linebacker's mentality to the free safety position. That intensity will be important in a season that is expected to provide a stiff test for the Arkansas State secondary. It's a good sign if: An experienced linebacker corps stays healthy.It's a bad sign if: A rebuilt line struggles to mount a pass rush. Special Teams Punter Ryan Smith was invaluable last year; he sent an astonishing 74 punts skyward and averaged nearly 42 yards per kick. Thirteen of his punts were downed inside the 20. Nick Gatto is back at place-kicker for his junior season. The Indians will need him to be more of a scoring threat. Robert Kilow is a dangerous return man who is also likely to see a lot of time at receiver. Last year he averaged 26.6 yards per kickoff return. -- John Crowley |
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