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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 5-6 (3-5) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Bob Simmons Returning starters: 12 (offense 5, defense 5) Outlook This offseason, Texas coach Mack Brown called Oklahoma State the best 5-6 team in the country as evidence of the Big 12's overall strength. Pardon head coach Bob Simmons if he doesn't exactly consider it a compliment. The Cowboys were nearly bowl-bound last year. They held a 10-0 lead at Texas Tech but didn't score again and lost by two touchdowns. They lost at Texas on a field goal in the closing seconds, and ran out of time on the one-yard line in a seven-point loss to Nebraska. The season ahead represents the stoutest test of Simmons' career. There's little argument that he's assembled enough talent to make the Cowboys a factor in the Big 12 South Division. There's also little debate that another sub.-500 record this year, his fifth in Stillwater, could leave the natives restless. OffenseTony Lindsay, the Cowboys' junior quarterback, took two steps forward as a freshman (Big 12 freshman of the year) and one step back last season as a sophomore (7 TDs, 6 INTs). This year he must play well for the Cowboys to challenge for a place atop the division. He must also stay healthy -- there is no experience behind him because of the offseason departure of backup Chris Chaloupka. There is a wealth of talent and experience at running back. Last year's top two tailbacks Nathan Simmons (204 carries, 937 yards) and Jamaal Fobbs (89-409) will keep teams honest. If Fobbs can return to 1997 form, when he rambled for 846 yards, it will provide another dimension to the ground attack. Lindsay must also be accounted for after gaining 592 yards a year ago. Simmons underwent major knee surgery in the offseason but has told anyone who would listen that he is ready to go. The receiver position is in a state of flux. Two starters are gone, which means that Terrance Richardson must get to more balls than the 25 he caught a year ago. Ethan Howell had three TDs a year ago, and tight end Marcellus Rivers could become a legitimate scoring target in addition to being a fine blocker. New starters must be found on the line, too. The team's top lineman, guard Adam Davis, has yet to practice because of a knee injury suffered during summer workouts. Reynell Lavigne (6-1, 290) will be back at center while a quartet of redshirt freshman will battle for the other open spots. One player projected to start at tackle, Kevin Kemp, decided to transfer to Northeastern State in Tahlequah. Another, 6-4, 340-pound Lawrence Chamberlain, missed two-a-days while completing summer school work. He must work his way back into the lineup. Veterans Josh Lind and Andrew Golembiewski might be required to switch positions to make up for a possible hole. It's a good sign if: Simmons is completely recovered from knee surgery.It's a bad sign if: Lindsay doesn't bounce back to pre-1998 form.. Defense Last year the Cowboys were unable to stop people when it counted. They gave up 37 points to Texas, 52 points to Kansas State, 35 to Tulsa and 28 to Kansas. The were outscored 167-129 in the first half. Those numbers will need to be trimmed for this team to have a chance. The front seven represents the unit's best talent. The line will be counted on to mature quickly. Twelve sacks and the two players who posted them were lost to graduation, but a pair of redshirt freshmen appear capable of learning on the job. Kevin Williams and Thomas Glapion have tremendous potential, but Tanner Bruce and Zak Warner reside atop the depth charts at end. Senior Courtney Mallory (6-1, 290) is the only returning starter. He will be a steady presence at tackle. Typically, there are plenty of linebackers to go around, which may help offset the preponderance of youth on the line. Senior Jack Golden, who was redshirted last year, will join forces with Kenyatta Wright, one of the best at his position in the Big 12. Wright brings both speed and recklessness to the position.Tarrell Knauls will be back to start outside after posting five sacks last year. Raymond Cato will flank him at the other outside position. Evan Howell and Marcus Jones should start at cornerback, although Alvin Porter should push for a starter's role. Adam Edwards will man the free safety spot. It's a good sign if: Talented underclassmen create competition for starting spotsIt's a bad sign if: Wright's absence to start camp signals a possible leadership void. Special Teams Kicker Tim Sydnes has consistency and range. Last year he made 15-of-18 kicks. Punter Scott Elder was a find as a freshman last year, averaging 42 yards per kick. Look for Fobbs to handle kick returns. -- John Crowley |
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