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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 7-5 (4-4) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Spike Dykes Returning starters: 15 (offense 7, defense 6) Outlook Running back Ricky Williams spent much of last season unwillingly cast in the role as "the other" Ricky Williams. And for years, in a state where the schools in College Station and Austin have battled for Texas football bragging rights, that "other" status has been a label worn by the Texas Tech program. This year the Red Raiders think they're prepared to give the same answer as their Heisman Trophy candidate: No more. Coach Spike Dykes has guided his team to a division championship or a runner-up finish in each of the past six seasons. He's also taken them to a school-record four straight bowl appearances. Last season's 6-0 start showed the Red Raiders that they have the elusive combination of talent, coaching and, yes, tradition that's necessary to compete each week in the Big 12. A depressing slide in which they lost five of six and closed the year with an uninspired effort in the Independence Bowl demonstrated that the line between success or failure is thin. OffenseWilliams returns as the nation's fourth-leading rusher after gaining 1,582 yards and scoring a team-leading 13 TDs. He added 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason, training with a consultant to Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman in preparation for an expected 300-carry season. But he's not the only back teams will have to prepare for. Freshman Shaud Williams, a 5-8, 180-pound bundle of speed and power, is destined for stardom. The Texas prep star posted three consecutive 2,000-yard seasons before becoming the next stud Tech back, following Williams, Bam Morris and Byron Hanspard. Tech coaches view Shaud Williams as someone who can add another dimension to the offense. He will also see time returning kicks or possibly lining up as a slot receiver. The line is solid, with tackle Jonathan Gray guard Curtis Lowery holding down the left side 350 and 325 pounds, respectively. Center Kyle Sanders is a promising player as a 305-pound sophomore. Matt Heider is penciled in as the starter at right tackle, a position that was weakened by the unexpected retirement of Steve McFadden. McFadden started eight games a year ago before undergoing a late-season appendectomy, which caused him to miss the Independence Bowl. Dan Martin will take over at right guard. Rob Peters is a returning starter at quarterback, but he missed all of spring practice while recovering from surgery on his throwing hand. The 6-foot-3 senior passed for 1,269 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago. The team's second-leading receiver is back in the fold but Derek Dorris did not crease the end zone with any of his 28 catches. Junior Tim Baker impressed with nine catches and a touchdown in the final four games of '98. Tight end Kyle Allamon is a capable target in the red zone. The 6-3 senior is already one of the best blockers at his position in the Big 12 and could develop into a sound receiver. It's a good sign if: Peters is completely recovered from hand surgery.It's a bad sign if: Ricky Williams has to carry the load in the backfield. Defense Dykes makes no bones about being concerned about his defense. But while he can't replace an all-American like Montae Reagor, he can count on a solid nucleus of upperclassmen with considerable playing time. With the losses on the defensive line at nose tackle and end, linebacker is a position that will be asked to carry more of the load. Middle linebacker Kyle Shipley is capable of such a request. Only four Big 12 players registered more tackles a year ago than the 6-2, 235-pound senior's 112 stops. Undersized Keith Cockrum (6-2, 205) must take advantage of his speed to get to the quarterback, as does Tim Duffie, who is expected to start on the outside. The line suffered a bit of a setback with the continuing shoulder problems of tackle Kris Kocurek. The 6-5, 295-pound junior underwent offseason surgery to both shoulders and will not be ready to start the season. Last year, aside from Reagor, Kocurek was the team's best playmaker on the line. Sophomore Detwill Williams sits behind him on the depth chart. Rush end Taurus Rucker is back and ready, however. The Red Raiders will need him to take his play to another level to make up for the line's losses to graduation and injury. Several redshirt freshmen may be asked to contribute soon. The development of free safety Kevin Curtis has allowed John Norman to move to linebacker. Curtis, who has added 10 pounds to his 6-2 frame, is one of two new faces in the secondary. Former walk-on Oscar Solis is the veteran of the group at cornerback. He will pair with first-year starter Anthony Marlborough, who will rely on his speed while he gets acclimated to his role. Strong safety Regan Bownds brings a hard-hitting attitude that sets the tone for the entire group. It's a good sign if: Norman's move to linebacker adds speed to the unitIt's a bad sign if: Replacements are not found to fill vacancies on the line. Special Teams Chris Birkholz made 16 field goals after walking on last season, capped by a 53-yarder in a seven-point loss to Texas. His job is secure. But punter Brian Roberson, who averaged 39 yards a kick last year, will be challenged by Eric Rosiles. -- John Crowley |
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