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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 3-8 (2-3) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Dave Arslanian Returning starters: 16 (offense 8, defense 7) Outlook A year ago at this time they were the defending Big West champs. But there was little left in the cupboard but memories, and first-year coach Dave Arslanian was tasked with rebuilding a team that returned just four starters on offense. This year there is additional experience and depth, and the traditionally strong defense. But when you stack it against an ultra-challenging non-conference schedule and a lineup of Big West foes that are improved the top of the league standings to the bottom, 1999 is not likely to be a season that goes down in the annals of Aggie football. Seven of the team's foes had winning records a year ago, four received bowl invites and two finished the year ranked in the top 10. That will provide a good measuring stick for the program's progress. The next step is again to put a team on the field against which other schools will measure their progress. OffenseLast year there were just four returning starters, and it showed. This season there are twice that many, and the on-the-job training created by the thin roster has created some much-needed depth. For all the balance, though, production will come from a few primary sources. Running back Demario Brown could be the best player at his position in the Big West. He averaged 94 yards per game a year ago in the Aggies' one-back attack, and those numbers were spiked by a 143.8 average in the season's final four games. Brown will find the path of least resistance to be paved by Mike Lindsay, a two-year starter at offensive guard, or 6-6, 297-pound tackle Ben Holbrook. Holbrook was felled by a broken leg in the spring, but he's expected to be at or near full strength for the opener. Jeff Crosbie turned in an outstanding spring to put the lock on the quarterback job, but not for lack of competition. The Aggies feature a three wide receiver set, but coaches must fill two of the three slots. One of them will go to sophomore Artavias Thompkins, who showed signs of being a big-play guy. Junior Ky Oday will provide a capable complement on the other side and Aaron Jones averaged 15.6 yards per catch last season. Bucky Orton is the team's tight end. A solid blocker, he had 21 catches for 190 yards in '98. Three of five starters from a year ago will suit up on the offensive line, giving the young skill position players the stability they will need to round into form. It's a good sign if: A young line plays like a cohesive unitIt's a bad sign if: Brown is asked to do too much Defense Whether it's the line, linebackers or secondary, the Aggies have a player who brings experience and leadership. But there isn't a lot of depth, which in some cases is more valuable than star power. Up front, end Caleb Smith will be a player that offenses must account for on every snap. But the loss of two all-Big West performers at the tackle positions will make man-to-man blocking a memory for the 6-4, 268-pound junior. Utah State will have to fill the big shoes of Big West Defensive Player of the Year Tony D'Amato, who posted a school record 170 stops last year from his linebacker position. Brent Passey could ease the transition with his skill on the outside. Last year he finished with 107 tackles, second on the team, en route to being named a first-team all-league selection. His opposite number, Blake Eagal, racked up 72 tackles in '98. Together the Aggies hope they can fill the void. That will be the theme in the defensive backfield, too, where the loss of big hitter Johndale Carty and coverage ace Craig Miller will force young players into the breach. Donald Dicko, who can play either strong or free safety, will assume Carty's role as the unit's enforcer -- likely at free safety -- while Tony Walker will draw an opponent's top receiver, as Miller did a year ago. It's a good sign if: Dicko develops into a threatening presence.It's a bad sign if: Key losses make the Aggies weak in the middle Special Teams Place kicker Brad Bohn is a bona fide offensive weapon. Last year he earned all-league status after kicking a Big West-record 24 field goals on 28 attempts last year, including a 51-yarder. He ranked second in the NCAA in field goals made per game. Four players will battle to claim punting chores following the departure of Jerry Arguello. -- John Crowley |
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