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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 6-5 (5-3) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Dick Flynn Returning starters: 14 (offense 6, defense 6) Outlook The days of the high-flying Chippewa passing game aren't over, but it might be taking a bit of a sabbatical in 1999. Gone are two of the most productive receivers in MAC history (Reggie Allen and Bryan Schorman), so expect the offense to revolve around tough-running Eric Flowers. Being in the West Division will help the Chippewas, who can't afford to be derailed by a tough early stretch of games (at Syracuse, at Purdue, vs. Miami (Ohio), at Western Michigan). Offense While the team searches for new receivers, quarterback Pete Shepherd will do fine just handing off to Flowers. The 5-10, 200-pound running back was a first-team All-MAC performer last year, picking up 1,302 yards and 16 TDs on 292 carries. Flowers should expect to carry the ball well over 300 times. Shepherd, a junior who threw for 2,005 yards last season, needs to step up and lead the passing game as it goes through a transition. Rory Nevins and David Hannah, the projected starters at receiver, saw next to no action last year -- Nevins played in two games and caught one ball for five yards while Hannah missed all of last season and spring drills due to a torn quad muscle after catching one ball for four yards in '97. Plenty of balls should find their way to tight end Mark Swetz, the top returning receiver. Swetz (6-5, 220) nabbed 18 balls for 233 yards in '98. Three other starters return along the line, headlined by 6-7, 305-pound Matt Brayton who started as a freshman last season. Shepherd was only sacked seven times last season, and should receive similar protection this year. It's a good sign if: Nevins and Hannah step up to combine for 80 catches.It's a bad sign if: Flowers is forced to carry the ball too much early in the season, wearing him down before the schedule lightens up. Defense Most of the defense has yet to be determined. Replacing two starting linemen and two linebackers is a major chore, and Flynn doesn't want to rush any decision. Both ends return, but Gabe McMasters and Walter Jenkins combined for just 31 tackles last season. The threesome of Darnell Wilson, Jerry Stempien and Joe Adam were productive as backups a year ago and need to step up right away. Losing twin linebackers Jeremy and Jason Gold is a bigger void to fill. The pair tallied 180 tackles and eight sacks last year. Junior Abdullah Muhammed and sophomore Darvin Lewis step into the void. Muhammed looked good last year with 46 tackles, including nine for loss. The Chippewas do get back their leading tackler in safety Brian Legrieb, who recorded 129 tackles (including 86 solo stops). Legrieb also picked off two passes, proving he's a capable run supporter as well as a centerfielder in the secondary. Sophomore cornerback Tedaro France made waves as a redshirt freshman last year, earning all-MAC second-team honors while picking off three passes and breaking up 11 more. Wayne Dudley, who started at cornerback last year, moves over to rover to replace Shaun Williams and his 114 tackles. It's a good sign if: McMasters and Jenkins prove that last year's low numbers aren't indicative of their ability.It's a bad sign if: Legrieb's tackle total continues to lead the team. Special Teams Both kickers return. Punter Jake Kemp needs to boost his 37-yard average, while Paul Savich connected on 11-of-20 field goal attempts. Four of those misses came from 30-39 yards, however. -- Greg Collins |
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