THE BAD
(71 - 90)
| 71) Vanderbilt 72) Tulane 73) Toledo 74) Missouri 75) Cent Florida |
76) W. Michigan 77) Boise St. 78) Kentucky 79) New Mexico 80) San Diego St |
81) Kansas 82) Wake Forest 83) N. Illinois 84) Cincinnati 85) MTSU |
86) Houston 87) Baylor 88) UTEP 89) Tulsa 90) La Tech |
71) Vanderbilt
2000 Record: 3 - 8 (1 - 7)
Returning Starters: 7 offense; 7 defense.
What's Good: Quarterback Greg Zolman (2,441 yds, 13 tds) is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and with leading receiver Dan Stricker (61 rec/994 yds, 5 tds) returning, the passing game should be strong. Also, running back Ray Perkins (459 yds) has great speed, giving the skill positions plenty of firepower.
What's Bad: Coach Woody Widenhofer has always prided himself on his team's defense, but they didn't get it done in key situations last year. With the loss of players like Jamie Winborn, Matt Stewart, and cornerback Jimmy Williams big plays might even harder to find for the defense.
Coach's Quote: These Commodores can't take anybody for granted, including the season opener against Middle Tennessee State. The bumpiest part of the trail's gonna be during the late September and October stretch of Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina. The Dores have some skill and a good quarterback, and they proved they can be tough when they nearly beat Tennessee 28 - 26 last season. But they also lost to Miami, Oh., and barely beat Wake Forest.
72) Tulane
2000 Record: 6 - 5 (3 - 4)
Returning Starters: 5 offense; 5 defense.
What's Good: The offense showed last season that it can explode, when it ranked 7th nationally with 453 yards per game. Senior quarterback Patrick Ramsey (2,833 yds, 28 tds) can sling it, and running back Mewelde Moore (890 yds, 2 tds) can scoot. Also wide-out Terrell Harris (64 rec/694 yds) showed last season that he has feature-receiver potential.
What's Bad: The defense was ranked 104th in the nation last season, and could have similar results this year, because of youth. All three linebackers are gone from last year's unit, which leaves some huge holes to fill. Most importantly, though, the "D" has to start playing with pride.
Coach's Quote: We're gonna learn a lot about the Green Wave when they meet LSU on September 1, 2001. If any potential shows up in that game, Tulane might end up alright this season. But chances are head coach Chris Scelfo's gonna lose that one, and possibly he next two as well, when he welcomes East Carolina and Central Florida to the Dome. If this team starts out 0 - 3, it's gonna be hard to right the ship.
73) Toledo
2000 Record: 10 -1 (4 - 1)
Returning Starters: 8 offense; 8 defense.
What's Good: Start with one of the best running backs in the country in Chester Taylor (1,470 yds, 18 tds), and add on returning quarterback Tavares Bolden (1,597 yds, 13 tds), and wide receivers Manny Johnson and Donta Green, both with starting experience, and it makes me wonder why I ain't picking them higher!
What's Bad: They only return two offensive linemen with starting experience, and they lost some big-time players on defense, in linebacker and leading tackler Kevin Rollins, rover Ira Singleton, and end DeJaun Goulde.
Coach's Quote: What was I thinking! These Rockets are gonna be mad, and they have the right. They went 10 - 1 last season, and knocked Penn State up the head, and they didn't make a bowl appearance. They're opponents better be ready to strap it on.
74) Missouri
2000 Record: 3 - 8 (2 - 6)
Returning Starters: 7 offense; 3 defense.
What's Good: There's good depth at the offensive skill positions. An injury to quarterback Kirk Farmer (669 yds, 3 tds) early last season, gave Darius Outlaw (1,391 yds, 9 tds) excellent experience. Farmer is listed first on the 2001 depth chart. The offense also returns leading rusher Zain Gilmore (632 yds, 7 tds), and leading receiver Justin Gage (44 rec/709 yds, 4 tds) along with tight end Dwayne Blakley (18 rec/211 yds). The line returns three seniors.
What's Bad: There were some real defensive lapses last season, when the Tigers ranked 88th in the nation in scoring defense, including a 62 - 9 loss to Clemson, and a 46 - 12 loss to Texas. This season they have to try and improve without All-American defensive lineman Justin Smith, who racked up an astonishing 28 tfl's for 128 yards.
Coach's Quote: New head coach Gary Pinkel has his work cut
out for him, and there's no relief on the schedule, which features
all the Big 12's best teams. They get Nebraska and Texas at home,
but that's small consolation when you have to head to K-State and
Colorado.
75) Central Florida
2000 Record: 6 - 4
Returning Starters: 4 offense; 6 defense.
What's Good: The Golden Knights have a fine quarterback in Ryan Schneider (2.334 yds, 21 tds). Schneider has some targets in Jimmy Fyzel (36 rec/606 yds) and Tavirus Davis (34 rec/445 yds). Tight ends Mario Jackson and Michael Gaines might be two of the best in the country. Running back Alex Haynes showed some talent in spring camp. The players they have returning to the defense include linebackers Tito Rodriguez (121 tackles, 10 tfls) and Willie Davis (83 tackles, 9 tls, 4 sacks), along with linemen Elton Patterson (88 tackles, 19 tfls, 10 sacks) and Josh McKibben (80 tackles, 14 tfls, 5 sacks). This team knows it can compete, with a four point loss to Georgia Tech and a win at Alabama.
What's Bad: Line depth is always a problem with teams that are new to Division I-A. Also, the Knights have to play some of their toughest games on the road at Clemson, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, and Arkansas.
Coach's Quote: UCF gets a lot of that Florida talent, and I look for them to beat somebody big again this year, like they did Bama last season, and I think Syracuse and Arkansas are ripe for the picking.
76) Western Michigan
2000 Record: 9 - 3 (7 - 1)
Returning Starters: 6 offense; 3 defense.
What's Good: Quarterback Jeff Welsh (2,537 yds, 15 tds) returns for his senior year, and the offensive line returns four starters including seniors Jeff Hinson and Matt Stover. The defense lost a bunch of players, but returns a lot of starting experience to the backfield in cornerbacks Joe Ballard (45 tackles, 6 defl) and Ronald Rogers (53 tackles, 4 ints), and free safety Jermaine Lewis (48 tackles, 8 tfls, 3 sacks).
What's Bad: The Broncos lost a ton from the nation's tenth ranked defense. They drop Marshall from this year's schedule, but head to Virginia Tech and Michigan on back to back weeks, and also have to play at MAC favorite Toledo.
Coach's Quote: The Broncos are stepping up the competition
with games at Michigan and Virginia Tech. They might have had a better
chance of winning those games last year, when they had one of the
stoutest defenses in the land. But Gary Darnell is a good coach and
he'll have them ready to play.
77) Boise State
2000 Record: 10 - 2 (5 - 0)
Returning Starters: 6 offense; 3 defense.
What's Good: Four out of five offensive linemen have starting experience, including senior tackles Peter Naumes and Matt Hill. The Broncos return leading rusher Brock Forsey (914 yds, 9 tds) to an offense that ranked second in the nation last season. There's experience at receiver, with Jeb Putzier (35 rec/592, 3 tds) and Jay Swillie (33 rec/552, 4 tds).
What's Bad: Quarterback Bart Hendricks is gone from one of the best offenses in the country, and will be replaced by Ryan Dinwiddle, who only has mop-up experience. The Broncos only return three players with starting experience on the defense, and will be extremely undersized on the defensive line.
Coach's Quote: Dick Koetter left Boise State for Arizona State,
leaving behind the remnants of a great offense, and new head man Dan
Hawkins most likely won't tinker much with what Koetter taught. Dinwiddle's
gonna be tested straight out of the gate with a road game against
South Carolina in the heat of Williams-Bryce. We're gonna learn a
lot about him then.
78) Kentucky
2000 Record: 2 - 9 (0 - 8)
Returning Starters: 8 offense; 6 defense
What's Good: Oft-spectacular/oft-deplorable quarterback Jared Lorenzen (3,687 yds, 19 tds) returns, as does leading rusher Chad Scott (611 yds, 4 tds), and leading receiver tight-end Derek Smith (50 rec/716 yds, 5 tds). The offensive line returns three players with starting experience.
What's Bad: The Wildcats had no defensive pride last season, and need to find some in 2001 under new head coach Guy Morriss. Morriss has hired defensive coordinator John Goodner from Cincinnati, and will try a 4 - 2 alignment designed to stop the run, which is imperative in the SEC East.
Coach's Quote: The Wildcats start with instate rival Louisville.
They get Florida at home, but play South Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi
State away. With NCAA sanctions hanging like a storm cloud, these
Wildcats are in for a tough fall.
79) New Mexico
2000 Record: 5 - 7 (3 - 4)
Returning Starters: 7 offense; 5 defense.
What's Good: The Lobos return starting experience at all the offensive skill positions. Quarterback Rudy Caamano (1,270 yds, 11 tds), running back Holmon Wiggins (727 yds, 5 tds), and fullback Jarrod Baxter (559 yds, 4 tds) round out the backfield. They also return four offensive linemen with starting experience, including an all-senior left side of B.J. Long and Jeremy Sorenson.
What's Bad: Starting receivers Ted Iacenda (28 rec/257, 2 tds) and Rob Caston (22 rec/301 yds, 1 td) are gone, and nearly the entire defensive backfield will be new from a defense that ranked a strong 17th nationally. The offense ranked a terrible 109th in the country, and needs to open it up in 2001, if the Lobos want success.
Coach's Quote: The Lobos have plenty of potential, and get
the MWC's best at home in Colorado State, UNLV, BYU, and Air Force.
If New Mexico can win a few of those toughies, they're gonna be looking
good, but it's gonna be a tall task.
80) San Diego State
2000 Record: 3 - 8 (3 - 4)
Returning Starters: 9 offense; 8 defense.
What's Good: The Aztecs return five players with starting experience to the offensive line, and five players with starting experience to the defensive front seven, including leading tackler at outside linebacker Jomar Butler (112 tackles, 9 tfls). The also return leading TFL man Will Demps (15 tfls).
What's Bad: The Aztecs ranked 108th in the country in rushing offense, and lost they're leading rusher in Larry Ned. They need to find more offensive balance if they want success in 2001.
Coach's Quote: With their first four games against Arizona at home, then away at Arizona State, Ohio State, and Colorado State, things could get off to a bad start for these Aztecs.
81) Kansas
2000 Record: 4 - 7 (3 - 5)
Returning Starters: 5 offense; 4 defense.
What's Good: Not a lot. The Jayhawks return three senior offensive linemen, and senior wide outs Harrison Hill (47 rec/591 yds) and Termaine Fulton (17 rec/255 yds, 3 tds) will give the new quarterback some targets.
What's Bad: The defense lost two of its top playmakers last year in linebacker Chaz Murphy and safety Carl Nesmith. They have to find a way to stop the run after ranking 98th in the country in rushing defense.
Coach's Quote: No coach's seat is hotter than Terry Allen's, and it ain't gonna get any easier in 2001, when he faces all the Big 12 brawlers, including games at Colorado, Kansas State, and Texas.
82) Wake Forest
2000 Record: 2 - 9 (1 - 8)
Returning Starters: 9 offense; 7 defense
What's Good: Four players with starting experience return to the offensive line, and there's some skill returning to the offense in quarterback James McPherson (1,324 yds, 3 tds), running back Tarence Williams (6621 yds, 7 tds), and leading receiver Ira Williams (45 rec/495 yds, 2 yds).
What's Bad: The Deacons are another team that doesn't have the horses on the defensive line to stop the run, where they ranked 100th in the country and gave up over 200 yards per game.
Coach's Quote: The Deacons get Georgia Tech and Clemson at home, but head to Tallahassee and Atlanta to play the other big boys. If you count those four as sure losses, that doesn't leave much margin for error, yet they still have to take on East Carolina and middle ACC teams. It's gonna be a long season in Winston-Salem.
83) Northern Illinois
2000 Record: 6 - 5 (4 - 3)
Returning Starters: 5 offense; 5 defense.
What's Good: Quarterback Chris Fenlen (1,857 yds. 11 tds) returns after finishing in the Top 30 in the nation in passing efficiency rating. Also, full back Alan Rood and running back Thomas Hammock (1,108 yds, 16 tds) return to the backfield.
What's Bad: The defense gave up nineteen passing touchdowns last year, and ranked 90th in the country in passing defense, and accounted for only 19 total sacks. Also, Fenlen needs to find some new targets, after losing 1,000 yard receiver Justin McCareins to graduation.
Coach's Quote: The Huskies head to Illinois and MAC powerhouse Toledo, but get Western Michigan and Marshall at home on the new turf. They need to find some receivers and some defensive pressure to survive in 2001.
84) Cincinnati
2000 Record: 7 - 5 (5 - 2)
Returning Starters: 4 offense; 5 defense.
What's Good: They have some excellent running backs in Ray Jackson (808 yds, 6 tds) and DeMarco McCleskey (500 yds, 4 tds).
What's Bad: The defense lost a lot of playmakers and the offense lost quarterback Deontey Kenner.
Coach's Quote: The Bearcats need Adam Hoover to emerge at quarterback and take control of the offense. Fortunately he has some good running backs to help him along the way. One hand giveth with home games against East Carolina and Louisville, while the other hand taketh away with away games against UAB and Memphis
85) Middle Tennessee
2000 Record: 6 - 5
Returning Starters: 5 offense; 4 defense.
What's Good: The Blue Raiders return a lot of skill on offense, in quarterback Wes Counts (1,536 yds, 8 tds), running back Dwone Hicks (1,277 yds, 19 tds), and receivers Tyrone Calico (47 rec/752 yds, 3 tds) and Kendall Newson (74 rec/945 yds, 5 tds).
What's Bad: There's little starting experience returning on either the offensive or defensive front lines.
Coach's Quote: The Blue Raiders are picked to win the Sunbelt
Conference, which doesn't mean a lot. The real test will come against
teams like Vanderbilt, Mississippi, and LSU. I think Vandy in particular
better look out.
86) Houston
2000 Record: 3 - 9 (2 - 5)
Returning Starters: 5 offense; 5 defense.
What's Good: On offense, the receiving corps is deep and talented with Brian Robinson (54 rec/586 yds, 4 tds), Brandon Middleton (16 rec/241 yds, 2 tds) and Orlando Iglesias. Also, second leading rusher Leif Penn returns to the backfield. Almost the entire defensive backfield returns.
What's Bad: The Cougars lost starting quarterback Jason Mckinley to graduation, and the defensive front seven returns little experience, and lost star linebacker Wayne Rogers.
Coach's Quote: The Cougars had trouble keeping teams out of the end zone last season, when they gave up an average of almost 34 points per game. With an experienced defensive backfield, they might be able to lower that number, but they still need to find help at quarterback and on the defensive front.
87) Baylor
2000 Record: 2 - 9 (0 - 8)
Returning Starters: 9 offense; 7 defense.
What's Good: The offense returns nine players with starting experience, including quarterback Greg Cicero (63%) who started 2 games in 2000 then broke his collarbone, receiver Reggie Newhouse (40 rec/629 yds, 4 tds), and tight end Andrew Obriotti. Also the offensive line returns four starters, three of whom are seniors.
What's Bad: Sure Baylor has nine starters returning to their offense, but they ranked last in the country in total offense in 2000, so maybe they need to put in the second string.
Coach's Quote: With out of conference games against New Mexico and Minnesota, and a typically brutal Big 12 schedule, these Bears need a huge improvement on offense if they want a chance at a .500 record in 2001. The key will be keeping Cicero healthy. With three seniors on the offensive line, maybe they can get it done.
88) UTEP
2000 Record: 8 - 4 (7 - 1)
Returning Starters: 6 offense; 7 defense.
What's Good: Wide receiver Lee Mays (1,110 yds, 15 tds) is one of the country's finest. Also, both offensive tackles have starting experience. Important because there will be a new quarterback this season. Also, leading rusher Chris Porter (681 yds, 5 tds) returns for his senior year.
What's Bad: The Miners are a throwing team, and they have a star in Mays, but they need to find a quarterback who can distribute the ball. Senior Wesley Phillips and freshman Jon Shaper are battling to replace Rocky Perez.
Coach's Quote: The Miners could challenge for the WAC title if they can find a quarterback. That's a BIG IF…
89) Tulsa
2000 Record: 5 - 7 (4 - 4)
Returning Starters: 4 offense; 4 defense.
What's Good: Quarterback Josh Blankenship, tight end Jarod Roach, and receiver Donald Shoals all return. Also, the defensive backfield returns three players with starting experience.
What's Bad: Only one player on the offensive line and one player on the defensive front seven has starting experience.
Coach's Quote: Tulse needs some help on defense if they want to take a shot at the WAC title. They need to be able to stop the run, which they couldn't do last season.
90) La Tech
2000 Record: 3 - 9
Returning Starters: 9 offense; 7 defense.
What's Good: La Tech returns five offensive linemen with starting experience. Also, all the offensive skill players return, including quarterback Luke McCown (2,544 yds, 21 tds), and running back John Simon (711 yds, 4 tds).
What's Bad: Tech's defense ranked 106th in the country last season, and there's no reason to expect that they'll be any better in 2001.
Coach's Quote: This will be a typical La Tech team: They'll score points in bunches, but give up even more. They're gonna scare some of the big boys, though, with games against Kansas State and Auburn.