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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 5-7 (4-4) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Mike Cavan Returning starters: 13 (offense 7, defense 5) Outlook Last season can be divided into two distinct halves for the Mustangs. The first half, when they lost four games, or the second, when they won five of their last eight. What will this season bring? For starters, it will feature talent on both sides of the ball and a newfound enthusiasm for college football in Dallas. Head coach Mike Cavan is one of the few drillmaster types left in the college game, and it was his no-nonsense approach that had as much to do with SMU's improved performance a year ago. This season he will maintain that disciplinarian theme. And SMU should maintain the pattern of improvement that could make it a conference contender before too long. Put it all together and they could be bowling for the first time since 1984. OffenseSenior running back Rodnick Phillips, a veteran offensive line, and rapidly maturing QB Josh McCown will put the pro-style offense in gear, confident with the knowledge that they operated it efficiently last season. Guard Jerry Chavira and tackle Trey Bandy (6-5, 295) anchor the right side of the front line. Chavira's status is iffy because of a troublesome back, however. Guard Austin Adami (6-3, 300) will return for another season as a starter alongside center Rich Nichols, who displaced eight-game starter Bill Holder, now Adami's backup. The right tackle is James McCarthy, a 280-pound sophomore who has shown lots of promise. McCown and Phillips form a quality tandem in the backfield. Phillis became the first SMU back to top 1,000 yards since 1985, and he could be helped by the addition of true freshman Kris Briggs (5-11, 210). McCown -- who had 619 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman -- shared time with Chris Sanders a year ago, but Sanders has left the team. He'll be backed up by junior Steve O'Neill, but talented freshman Kelan Luker could get some snaps. Damond Blueitt gives either quarterback a talented wideout to throw to. The 6-3, 205-pound senior will provide a deep threat or a possession target. Last year he posted 24 of his 37 catches in the final five games. Tony Newsome tops the depth chart as the other receiver. Sophomore Michael Brown is the tight end. It's a good sign if:McCown develops into a competent passer.It's a bad sign if: A talented class of freshman receivers doesn't deliver a starter. Defense An attacking style helped the Mustangs finish 14th in the country in total defense a year ago. The personnel to improve on that stat is back this season. First team all-WAC linebacker Jason Simonton (5-11, 235) is a true star in the making. He could be one of the best defensive players in the conference this year. He'll be supported on one side by Vic Viloria, who came on strong after a broken leg slowed the start of his season. The other outside position will be held down by 260-pound sophomore Kevin Aldridge. Defensive end Luke Johnson (6-1, 230) missed the last three games of '98 but returns healthy and primed for a big season. Junior Chase Schavrda will occupy the other rush end position. The tackles are Jerry Evans and Lute Croy, who is filling the spot designated for Alex Pahulu, who was knocked out for the year with a knee injury. Defensive backs Tracy Hart and Raymon Brown give the secondary some veteran experience. Hart will move from strong safety to cornerback and Brown will step into his spot. Sophomore Shane O'Neill will get the call at free safety and redshirt frosh Kevin Garrett will step in as the other corner. It's a good sign if: Viloria or Aldridge puts up all-WAC numbers along with Simonton.It's a bad sign if: An undeveloped secondary struggles to play as a unit. Special Teams The special teams will be bolstered by the return of punter Colin Vadheim, who was ranked 28th in the nation last year. Sophomore Adam Walterscheid will get his chance at placekicker. -- John Crowley |
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