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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 12-0 (6-0) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Chris Scelfo Returning starters: 11 (offense 8, defense 3) Outlook Chris Scelfo inherited a loaded team when he took over when Tommy Bowden left. Too bad it was just for one game -- the Green Wave's 41-27 win over BYU in the Liberty Bowl, the final resounding note in Tulane's perfect season. Now reality sets in for Scelfo: all-everything quarterback Shaun King and eight defensive starters are gone. No one is expecting Tulane to repeat its success of last season, and Scelfo got off on the right foot by keeping the staff intact until after the bowl game. The new coach has been honest when approaching this season: "One thing our players have to realize is that most of the players that won that bowl game aren't here anymore," Scelfo said. Offense Filling the gaping hole left by King's departure won't be easy. After all, he accounted for an astounding 49 touchdowns last season. King's replacement might not be just one body. Sophomore Patrick Ramsey is a true pocket passer with size (6-3, 226 pounds) and will start, but expect redshirt freshman Derrick Joseph, a hometown prep star, to see time running Tulane's option attack. Joseph can be an elusive runner, a skill Ramsey doesn't possess. Scelfo, who also acts as the team's offensive coordinator, is sticking with the three-receiver set but will mix it up at times. JaJuan Dawson (74 catches, 1,030 yards, 12 TDs) returns at wideout to lead a talented group that has speed in excess. Kerwin Cook came on strong in Tulane's final three games, catching 19 passes for 389 yards and four touchdowns, including four receptions for 123 yards and a score in the Liberty Bowl. Toney Converse, who shared running back duties the past two seasons, takes over full time at tailback. Converse rushed for 982 yards and eight TDs last season. Four starters return on the line plus the Green Wave get the services of Charles Caldwell back. Caldwell, slated to start in '98, missed the season due to academic problems. Top-notch sophomore Corey Sewell will move from tackle to guard, giving Caldwell his old spot back. It's a good sign if: The experienced offensive line continues its strong play as new weapons are worked into the offense.It's a bad sign if: King's shoes can't be filled by two men. Defense Tulane faithful might be worried about replacing eight starters, but the defense should be better than expected because three of last season's top four tacklers are back. It's not like last year's squad was putting the screws to many teams -- opponents averaged 24.6 points per game. Mitch Mouton (27 tackles in '98) has the most experience among four new starters on the defensive line. Redshirt freshmen Kenan Blackmon and Roxie Shelvin are slotted to step into the starting lineup. Linebackers Sedric Clemons and Jerry Phillips, two returning starters, will have to emerge as team leaders. After starting 10 games in the middle last year, Clemons is moving outside because of his superior speed. If the new men up front can't get enough pressure on the quarterback, the linebackers will be forced to blitz more and the corners will be left on islands. Tim Carter saw plenty of action as the first corner off the bench last season; this year, he could be the star of the unit. Sam Knight returns at safety but isn't assured of a starting spot. Corey Jones and Meldon Barnes are pushing Knight for playing time. It's a good sign if: The cornerbacks are strong enough in man-to-man coverage to allow the rest of the defense to take some chances.It's a bad sign if: Tulane can't find the athletes along the defensive line to put enough pressure on opposing teams' quarterbacks. Special Teams Tulane had the league's best kicking game last season, but new faces are needed all around for '99. Sophomore Casey Roussel might handle placekicking and punting duties. Mighty mite John Wilson (5-5, 166) likely will return punts and kicks. -- Greg Collins |
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