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Alabama Weekly
July 25, 1998 -- Issue #3 -- Volume #1
Welcome to the third edition
of Alabama Weekly a weekly E-Mail Newsletter about Alabama football. The
purpose of this newsletter is to basically recap the weeks events that
has happened in Alabama Football and any important SEC news. Our goal is
to send out a new Newsletter every one to two weeks. We also hope to
have a "Fan's View" article weekly, if you have any
writing skills and would like to write an article please contact me.
The newsletter will be packed with Alabama Football news, information,
previews and much more.
We are now well over 400 subscribers to Alabama Weekly and
we continue to grow day by day. Last weeks newsletter was a big hit I
recieved many e-mails about it. Now that we have got this newsletter
started I will be writing a weekly section in the letter. Look for it
next week.
Hey BamaNation, look for this newsletter to get much better as we get
more into football season, right now their is not much news in Alabama
Football. Once we get into the 3-a-Day practices, that start August
14th, look for more articles and more news to report.
FEEDBACK
Please if you have any comments or questions or even suggestions PLEASE
send us a message, we would love to hear from you.
BAMA NEWS
Walker Commits to Tide
written by: JP
Bama lands their first commitment for the 1999 recruiting class. Jeremy
Walker a 6'3", 245, FB/LB/DE from Prattville, Alabama. Jeremy is
fully qualified and rated #6 in the Birmingham News Pre-Season Super
Dozen. Chose Alabama over Auburn, Florida, and Georgia.
Extremly slow week!!! Not much News at all!!!
National Outlook
written by: Jess Nicholas
If Alaska was once known as
"Seward's Folly," then what would preseason
college football predictions be known as? There was last year at the
Sporting News, where writers picked big things for the University of
Colorado; they subsequently finished 5-6, and have since had to forfeit
the five wins for using an ineligible player. Many writers (myself
included) favored last year's Alabama team to reach the SEC championship
game yet again, only to have the Tide fall flat with a 4-7 record. So
here I go, spitting in the wind, attempting to predict in July what
won't
be decided until January. Below are listed my Top 25, and under that, a
short description of each team.
1. Ohio State 14. Texas A&M
2. Michigan 15. Virginia
3. Kansas State 16. Washington
4. UCLA 17. Colorado State
5. Florida State 18. Notre Dame
6. LSU 19. Wisconsin
7. Florida 20. Texas
8. Syracuse 21. Southern Mississippi
9. Arizona State 22. Alabama
10. Nebraska 23. Virginia Tech
11. North Carolina 24. Kentucky
12. Penn State 25. Georgia
13. West Virginia
Honorable Mention: Mississippi State, Tulane, Michigan St., Wake Forest,
Central Florida
THE TEAMS
1. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
Eighteen returning starters, including one at the position I deem most
important for aspiring national contenders---quarterback. In fact, no
team without a returning starter at the position will ever find itself
in
preseason first-place in my book. Joe Germaine returns there for the
Buckeyes. Biggest question: Can John Cooper not screw this up?
2. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Defense, Defense, Defense. It won Alabama a National Championship in
1992, and it was the leading cause for glory for last year's Wolverines,
who shared the title with Nebraska. Only a loss to the Buckeyes stops
them from repeating. That, and having to replace the starting
quarterback. The running game looks solid, and it won't be as big of a
deal to replace Charles Woodson as some think.
3. KANSAS STATE WILDCATS
Head Coach Bill Snyder is one of the five best in the country, in my
opinion. He also has eighteen returning starters at his disposal,
including quarterback Michael Bishop, 35-1 as a starter so far in his
career. Their special teams are the best in the nation, and this will
likely be the year they knock off Nebraska. I wouldn't be surprised at
all to see this team in the top Alliance bowl for '98.
4. UCLA BRUINS
If I really had the guts, I'd pick this team to win it all. They've got
my favorite for the heisman trophy (QB Cade McNown), and they are a team
rolling on a 10-game winning streak and full of confidence. The biggest
problem will be replacing six defensive starters. Most people are
fixated on the fact that RB Skip Hicks is now in the NFL; well, there
was
a time when UCLA didn't have Skip Hicks, and they'll win without him in
'98.
5. FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES
It may be a little harder than usual for the Seminoles to stay close to
the top. They must replace a quarterback and six defensive starters,
and what's returning at quarterback is a 26-year old former pro
baseball player who is a total unknown and uncertain quantity.
Fortunately, they have great talent at the other offensive skill
positions, and Bobby Bowden has to count for something.
6. LSU BAYOU BENGALS
Losing Cecil Cooper hurt, but LSU has all the ingredients for a
contender: experienced quarterback, excellent running game, competent
receivers, and a good defense. However, they also have two distinct
liabilities: a tough schedule, and spotty special teams. This will
probably be the Tigers' best chance at glory for a while, so they'd
better make the most of it.
7. FLORIDA GATORS
The offense should be better than average, but the real strength will
be the front defensive seven. Look for a few visor-throwing episodes as
Steve Spurrier develops his quarterbacks, but overall, a one-loss
season will probably be the end result.
8. SYRACUSE ORANGEMEN
Big problem: Replacing seven starters on defense. Big asset:
Quarterback Donovan McNabb. If the Orangemen can get off to a good
start versus Tennessee and Michigan, only a road game against West
Virginia should stand in their way of a Big East title.
9. ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS
They surprised everyone in 1996, then overachieved their way to a 9-3
record last year. They face Notre Dame and BYU out-of-conference, and a
tough PAC-10 schedule to boot. Call it a hunch, but something tells me
we'll be hearing from the Tempe Terrors for a while to come.
10. NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
New head coach Frank Solich has the unenviable task of being the man to
replace a legend at head coach. He must also find eight new starters on
offense, and he's said that he would favor more of a passing attack
then has been previously used. Something just screams "9-2" to
me for
some reason.
11. NORTH CAROLINA TARHEELS
The biggest loss from the 1997 season was probably head coach Mack
Brown, who bolted to Texas. New coach Carl Torbush can rely on Dre Bly
on defense and Oscar Davenport under center. Still, less than half the
starters from last year's group return, and Torbush will certainly be
thankful for the banner recruiting classes of the recent past.
12. TEXAS A&M AGGIES
Lots of returning starters, an experienced quarterback, an experienced
coach, and only a few real tests on the schedule. Adds up to 9-2 and a
spot in the Big 12 Championship Game.
13. WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
I should know better than to overlook Head Coach Don Nehlen, but this
has to be the most overrated team in the preseason magazines. 5th in
Athlon? They have to play Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Miami, and Ohio
State, and I seriously doubt they'll come through that bunch unscathed.
At any rate, I certanly do not see a Top 5 program when I look at this
team.
14. TEXAS A&M AGGIES
Perception versus reality yields some interesting results. It is
unlikely
that R.C. Slocum's crew is really the 14th best team in the country, but
their likely record (8-3 or 9-2) will probably net them a finish
somewhere in this range. They do have an experieced quarterback,
however,
and their defense is strong. Could be a surprise team to move into the
Top 10.
15. VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
The more I look at the opener with Auburn, the more I want to pick the
Cavs. However, they are still a bit young to forecast superstardom. They
must also replace both kickers and find new receivers for Aaron Brooks
to
throw to. Still, a good club, with a chance to finish 2nd in the ACC.
16. WASHINGTON HUSKIES
Brock Huard is back at quarterback and will be a Heisman candidate.
However, there are seven offensive starters missing, and this team
underachieved last year as it was. Plus, I'm not that confident in the
coaching staff currently employed.
17. COLORADO STATE RAMS
Ten defensive starters, and they play in the WAC. That should about
cover it.
18. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
They weren't that far away last year, especially when Bob Davie learned
that he could really win if he relied on his rushing game. He'll have a
quarterback better equipped to run it this year (Jarious Jackson), and
Autry Denson returns. Only a devastating schedule keeps them from being
ranked higher.
19. WISCONSIN BADGERS
Ron Dayne is back, along with eighteen other starters, including both
kickers. Barry Alvarez knows how to win, and the team looks as if they
have a better understanding of what it takes to succeed than in recent
past. In addition, Ohio State rotates off their schedule. On,
Wisconsin...
20. TEXAS LONGHORNS
The Big 12's version of Alabama in 1997, Texas underachieved their way
to
4-7. The Longhorns have an advantage in that they have enough talent to
make a go of it, and Mack Brown seems much more in tune with the team's
image than did John Mackovic. Should be a bowl team.
21. SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI GOLDEN EAGLES
They didn't lose a Conference USA game last year, and I seriously doubt
they'll lose one this year. If they can win one of their non-conference
games (Texas A&M, Alabama, or Penn State), they will gain national
respect in addition to a bowl bid. Many think that Alabama is the
easiest
in that group, but I actually think they have a better shot at the
Nittany Lions. Still, I think they'll lose all three games.
22. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
If Alabama finishes 7-4 or 8-3, name recognition will be enough to carry
them into the Top 25. However, like Texas A&M at #14, I think this
is an
overrated position for the Tide. It will be an interesting year,
whatever
happens.
23. VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES
They'll have to stretch to get here, as this is a rebuilding season in
Blacksburg. Call it a combination of hunches, respect for head coach
Frank Beamer, and the fact that they play in the Big East.
24. KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Many teams will finish 7-4 or 8-3 this year. Few will have high-powered
offenses and a Heisman contender at quarterback. That is what's known in
marketing as a "pulling strategy," and the Kats will take the
hype at
over Couch, riding his popularity to a national ranking.
25. GEORGIA BULLDOGS
I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't make it, but I'd also not be
surprised to find them hanging around the 15-18 range either. They key
is
replacing all those offensive weapons, but in a year when predicting the
SEC is like throwing axes at mosquitoes, anything is possible. Coach Jim
Donnan will find a way to do something positive with this group.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS---they're not flashy, but they should finish
7-4 and could sneak in.
TULANE GREEN WAVE---high-powered offense, school tradition, and a coach
named Bowden. That, and a C-USA schedule.
MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS---many are predicting wild success, but they've
found a ton of ways to choke lately.
WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS---great quarterback. Besides, you have to have
at least one out-of-the-blue prediction.
CENTRAL FLORIDA GOLDEN KNIGHTS---If they lose every game they're
supposed
to lose, they'll still finish 8-3. In addition, they have a Heisman
favorite playing for them, and they'll get publicity-by-association. --
Jess Nicholas
SOUND CHECK
QUOTES FROM FANS, COACHES AND
PLAYERS
Coach Mike Dubose on the proposed scholarship reductions
''I know the movement is there, but we've got to stand up and
fight for what's right. Every time they cut a scholarship away, the
bottom line is that there's a young man who doesn't get a chance to get
an education.''
Tommy Ford (of Tide Pride) on the new stadium
"The view has changed, but it's going to be made up for by the
sound of the fans and the enthusiasm that the new seats will
bring."
Tyler Watts on being a QB at Alabama
''Now that I'm here, I'm not going to change who I am''
Scott Hunter on Tyler Watts
''I really like his prospects, he's virtually got it all. He's probably
further along, as a true freshman, than anyone Alabama has had at
quarterback in a long, long time -- at least since the days of Richard
Todd or Jeff Rutledge,''
Dennis "Soup" Campbell's Obligatory Bama Comment
"I LOVE BAMA !!! "
And all Bama's people said....
AMEN!!!
1998 ALABAMA SCHEDULE
09/05 Brigham Young Tuscaloosa (ESPN)
09/12 Vanderbilt Birmingham (JPSPORTS)
09/19 OPEN
09/26 Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
10/03 Florida Tuscaloosa
10/10 Ole Miss Tuscaloosa
10/17 E. Carolina Birmingham
10/24 Tennesse Knoxville, TN (CBS)
10/31 S. Miss Tuscaloosa
11/07 LSU Baton Rouge, LA (CBS)
11/14 Mississippi St. Starkville, MS
11/21 Auburn Birmingham
11/29 OPEN
12/05 SEC Championship
TTBA
TWO-DEEP ROSTER
written by: JP
OFFENSE
SE 7 Quincy Jackson (Sr.); 84
Shamari Buchanan (Jr.)
LT 60 Chris Samuels (Jr.); 78 Michael Barfield (Fr.)
LG 70 Jason McDonald (Jr.); 61 Todd Whitmore (Jr.)
C 74 Paul Hogan (So.); 55 Brooks Brodie (Sr.)
RG 75 Griff Redmill (So.); 69 Michael Moore (Jr.)
RT 72 Will Cuthbert (So.); 63 Sage Spree (Sr.)
TE 38 Shawn Draper (So.); 85 Rhett Crutchfield (Sr.)
FL 83 Calvin Hall (Sr.); Michael Vaughn (Jr.)
QB 12 John David Phillips (Sr.); 5 Andrew Zow (Fr.)
FB 30 Dustin McClintock (So.); 21 Montoya Madden (Sr.)
RB 37 Shaun Alexander (Jr.); 26 Arvin Richards (So.)
K 19 Brian Cunningham (Sr.); 15 AJ Diaz (So.)
DEFENSE
DE 34 Chris Hood (Sr.); 92 Shaun
Williams (Fr.)
DT 88 Kenny Smith (So.); 95 Sam Matthews (Fr.)
DT 90 Jamie Carter (Jr.); 51 Carlos Stennis (So.)
DE 91 Clint Waggoner (Jr.); 98 Reggie Grimes (Jr.)
LB 4 Steve Stanley (Sr.); 11 Chris Horne (So.)
LB 44 Travis Carroll (So.); 59 Chris Edwards (Sr.)
LB 48 Trevis Smith (Sr.); 43 Steve Harris (Sr.)
CB 25 Fernando Bryant (Sr.); 3 Michael
Feagin (Sr.)
CB 39 Antoine Hunter (Sr.); 13 Kecalf Bailey (So.)
SS 24 Tony Dixon (So.); 41 Marcus Spencer (Sr.)
FS 20 Kelviun Sigler (Sr.); 17 Warren Foust (Sr.)
P 40 Daniel Pope (Sr.)
DEPTH CHART
written by Jess Nicholas
The following is as complete a depth chart for Alabama as I can think
of. It
isn't what we had coming out of spring---rather, I believe this is what
it will look like before the BYU game. It is also not necessarily what
Alabama will have at the end of the season, and it does not account for
injuries.
OFFENSE
SPLIT END
1. 83 Calvin Hall Sr. 3VL 6-3 198
2. 84 Shamari Buchanan Jr. 2VL 6-4 200
3. 80 Jason McAddley Fr. RS 6-3 185
4. ## Sam Collins Fr. HS 6-2 180
WIDE RECEIVER
1. 22 Michael Vaughn Jr. 2VL 6-1 205
2. 25 Fernando Bryant Sr. 3VL 6-0 175
3. ## Eric Locke Fr. HS 5-9 180
4. ## Wes Allen Sr. Sq. 5-11 160
5. ## Dennis Bonga Fr. HS 6-3 190
FLANKER
1. 7 Quincy Jackson Sr. 1VL 6-1 180
2. 8 Tim Bowens Jr. 2VL 6-1 190
3. ## Freddie Milons Fr. HS 5-11 180
4. ## Reggie Myles Fr. HS 6-1 180
5. ## Wes Black Jr. Sq. 6-3 180
TIGHT END
1. 85 Rhett Crutchfield Sr. 1VL 6-4 250
2. ## Terry Jones,Jr. Fr. HS 6-4 245
3. 94 Joe Yount Fr. RS 6-4 255
4. ## Hunter Williams Fr. HS 6-5 255
(also, Shawn Draper or Clint Waggoner could move back from defense)
RIGHT TACKLE
1. ## Kendric Lott Jr. Tr 6-5 310
2. 63 Sage Spree Sr. 2VL 6-7 287
3. ## Bart Raulston Fr. HS 6-9 320
4. ## Chris Ray So. Sq. 6-2 265
RIGHT GUARD
1. 75 Griff Redmill So. 1VL 6-6 275
2. 70 Jason McDonald Jr. 2VL 6-6 320
3. 61 Todd Whitmore Jr. Tr 6-5 280
CENTER
1. 74 Paul Hogan So. 1VL 6-4 270
2. 55 Brooks Brodie Sr. 1VL 6-3 265
3. ## Marico Portis Fr. HS 6-3 300
4. 58 Ty Babcock So. Sq. 6-0 255
LEFT GUARD
1. 72 Will Cuthbert So. 1VL 6-6 300
2. 69 Michael Moore Jr. 2VL 6-4 303
3. ## Marico Portis Fr. HS 6-3 300
LEFT TACKLE
1. 60 Chris Samuels Jr. 2VL 6-6 290
2. 78 Michael Barfield Fr. RS 6-5 285
3. ## Ray Marshall Fr. HS 6-3 310
4. ## Lannis Baxley Fr. HS 6-6 280
QUARTERBACK
1. 12 John David Phillips Sr. 2VL 6-5 225
2. ## Tyler Watts Fr. HS 6-3 210
3. 5 Andrew Zow Fr. RS 6-1 210
4. ## Marc Mollicone Jr. Sq. 6-3 225
5. ## Luke Tucker Fr. HS 6-1 180
FULLBACK ***WHEN USED***
1. 30 Dustin McClintock So. 1VL 6-3 250
2. 21 Montoya Madden Sr. 3VL 5-9 220
3. ## Marvin Brown Fr. HS 6-0 245
RUNNING BACK
1. 37 Shaun Alexander Jr. 2VL 6-1 205
2. 26 Arvin Richard So. 1VL 5-7 165
3. 31 Adam Cox Fr. RS 6-1 220
4. ## Shontua Ray Fr. HS 5-10 190
5. 28 Shaun Bohanon So. Sq. 6-2 195
6. ## Ahmad Galloway Fr. HS 6-1 200
PLACEKICKER
1. 15 A.J. Diaz So. 1VL 5-11 180
2. ## Mark Wisniewski Fr. HS 6-0 180
3. ## Chris Kemp So. Sq. 5-9 180
4. 18 Brian Cunningham Sr. 2VL 5-9 175
-----------
DEFENSE
RIGHT TACKLE
1. 88 Kenny Smith So. 1VL 6-5 290
2. 95 Sam Matthews Fr. RS 6-6 283
3. 98 Reggie Grimes Jr. 2VL 6-5 290
4. 93 Shaun Williams Fr. RS 6-5 250
5. 50 Rob-E Staten So. Sq. 6-1 255
NOSE TACKLE
1. 51 Carlos Stennis So. Sq. 6-2 270
2. ## Cornelius Griffin Jr. Tr 6-4 280
3. 90 Jamie Carter Jr. 2VL 6-3 321
4. 67 Kelvis White So. Sq. 6-4 265
5. 64 Marquis Forge Jr. 1VL 5-11 260
LEFT TACKLE
1. 34 Chris Hood Sr. 3VL 6-3 285
2. 38 Shaun Draper So. 1VL 6-4 280
3. ## Jerome Moorehead Fr. HS 6-4 270
4. ## Dereck Sanders Fr. HS 6-5 240
END
1. ## Canari Knight Jr. Tr 6-4 250
2. 91 Clint Waggoner Jr. 2VL 6-6 235
3. 59 Chris Edwards Sr. 3VL 6-2 250
4. ## Theo Sanders Fr. HS 6-4 230
RIGHT LINEBACKER
1. 48 Trevis Smith Sr. 3VL 5-11 225
2. 47 Eddie Hunter Sr. 2VL 6-1 220
3. ## Darius Gilbert Fr. HS 6-2 210
4. ## Victor Ellis Fr. HS 6-2 215
MIDDLE LINEBACKER
1. 44 Travis Carroll So. 1VL 6-4 240
2. 89 Tito Smith Sr. 2VL 6-2 225
3. 53 Granison Wagstaff Sr. 2VL 6-2 235
4. ## Marvin Constant Fr. HS 6-3 255
LEFT LINEBACKER
1. ## Miguel Merritt Jr. Tr 6-2 215
2. 43 Steve Harris Sr. 3VL 6-2 240
3. 4 Steve Stanley Sr. 3VL 6-4 215
4. 11 Chris Horne So. 1VL 6-1 210
RIGHT CORNERBACK
1. 39 Antoine Hunter Sr. 1VL 6-1 200
2. ## Reggie Myles Fr. HS 6-0 180
3. 16 Chris Reier Fr. RS 5-9 175
4. 27 Marcus Slay So. Sq. 5-7 180
FREE SAFETY
1. 20 Kelvin Sigler Sr. 3VL 6-1 185
2. 35 Owen Winston Sr. 2VL 6-1 180
3. 19 Jason Jones So. 1VL 6-0 175
STRONG SAFETY
1. 24 Tony Dixon So. 1VL 6-3 210
2. 41 Marcus Spencer So. 1VL 6-2 200
3. 17 Warren Foust Sr. 2VL 6-3 220
4. 46 John Fielding Fr. RS 6-1 190
LEFT CORNERBACK
1. 25 Fernando Bryant Sr. 3VL 6-0 175
2. 13 Kecalf Bailey So. 1VL 5-9 160
3. 3 Michael Feagin Sr. 3VL 5-9 170
4. 10 Thomas Hill Jr. 1VL 5-10 185
PUNTER
1. 40 Daniel Pope Sr. 1VL 5-11 190
2. ## Brian Barlow Jr. Tr 6-1 180
3. ## Patrick Morgan Jr. Sq. 6-0 180
4. ## Lane Bearden Fr. HS ### ###
-------
FRESHMEN/JUCO BREAKDOWN
Playing (17) :
Locke,Milons,T.Jones,Portis,Raulston,Whitmore,Watts,Brown,
Ray,Griffin,Moorehead,Gilbert,Ellis,Myles,Lott,Knight,
Merritt
Redshirting(8) :
Collins,Marshall,Baxley,Tucker,Galloway,D.Sanders,Constant,
T.Sanders
Ineligible (5) :
Weeks,D.Jones,Monds,Morgan,Monroe
Of course, the above works only if we
find a way to get 26 players in.
That means someone (most likely Terry Jones,Jr.) would walk on, or
someone (most likely Luke Tucker,Lannis Baxley, or Ray Marshall) would
defer entry until January. -- Jess Nicholas
SEC Tidbits and Preview
written by: Jess Nicholas
SEC WEST SEC EAST
1. LSU 7-1 10-1 1. Florida 8-0 10-1
2. Alabama 5-3 8-3 2. Tennessee 7-1 9-2
Miss St 5-3 7-4 3. Kentucky 5-3 8-3
4. Ole Miss 3-5 6-5 4. Georgia 4-4 7-4
5. Auburn 2-6 5-6 5. USC 2-6 4-7
6. Arkansas 1-7 4-7 6. Vanderbilt 0-8 3-8
And now, for the predictions:
1. SEC Player of the Year: Tim Couch, QB, Kentucky
Few others could even come close. There is an outside chance that Kevin
Faulk of LSU, Terry Jackson of Florida, Jamal Lewis of Tennessee, James
Johnson of MSU, or Shaun Alexander of Alabama could contend for this
award, but it is unlikely. If you're determined to pick someone else,
make sure your pick only kicks in if Couch is injured.
2. SEC Coach of the Year: Hal Mumme, Kentucky
Believe it or not, the best chance for anyone else to win it will be if
Tennessee gets off to a strong start and Phillip Fulmer wins the award.
Tommy Tuberville of Ole Miss or Mike DuBose of Alabama could sneak in if
either finds a way to go 10-1.
3. SEC Freshman of the Year: Eric Locke, Alabama
Only Dennis Johnson of Kentucky will be more important to his team's
success, but the fact that Johnson is a trench-bound defensive lineman
and Locke is a punt return specialist and receiver means Locke will get
more face time on television.
4. Coach With The Hottest Seat: Brad Scott, South Carolina
I'm thinking that only a 6-5 record or better will save him, but
Gamecock
fans still wax poetic about the Cocks' bowl victory under scott. Gerry
DiNardo of LSU and Mike DuBose of Alabama are the closest to Scott.
5. SEC Offensive Player of the Year: Tim Couch, QB, Kentucky
SEC Defensive Player of the Year: Jevon Kearse, LB, Florida
A double no-brainer. Kearse could have been a Top-20 pick in the NFL
draft this past season. Lewis and Faulk are top contenders for the
offensive award; Jimmy Brumbaugh of Auburn, Travis Carroll and Fernando
Bryant of Alabama, and Kearse's teammate Ed Chester are probably the
tops
to challenge on the defensive side.
6. SEC's Top Runningbacks: Jamal Lewis, Tennessee James Johnson, MSU
Quarterback: Tim Couch, Kentucky
Offensive Linemen: Matt Stinchcomb, Georgia Jamar Nesbit, USC
Chris Terry, Georgia Chris Samuels, UA
Chad Clifton, Tennessee
Receivers: Zola Davis, USC Craig Yeast, UK
Tight End: Rufus French, Ole Miss
Defensive Linemen: Willie Cohens, Florida Ed Chester, Florida
Jimmy Brumbaugh, Auburn Anthony McFarland,LSU
Linebackers: Travis Carroll, Alabama Al Wilson, Tennessee
Jevon Kearse, Florida Jeff Snedegar, UK
Defensive Backs: Fernando Bryant, Alabama Fred Vinson, Vandy
Arturo Freeman, USC Champ Bailey, UGA
Specialists: Jeff Hall, Tennessee (Kicker)
Jeff Walker, Mississippi State (Punter)
-------------
And now, the Silly Awards:
MOST LIKELY TO SURPRISE US ALL: Georgia. On paper, there's no way they
can replace 90% of their offense and six defensive starters. Fortunately
for Jim Donnan, the game is not played on paper. If UGA gets past Ole
Miss and Kentucky, they'll be 9-2 and in the hunt again. Runner Up:
Auburn
MOST UNDERRATED HEAD COACH: Jim Donnan, Georgia. He won a National
Championship in a lower division while at Marshall, and after a season
getting used to the SEC, he went 9-2 and then landed the nation's best
recruiting class. Runner Up: Jackie Sherrill, MSU
MOST OVERRATED HEAD COACH: Gerry DiNardo, LSU. Until he took the LSU
job, his biggest two selling points were a mediocre record at Vanderbilt
and
the fact that he graduated from Notre Dame. If he dumps another game he
shouldn't, say to Ole Miss or Mississippi State, the boo birds will get
loud in the bayou. Runner Up: Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee
MOST UNDERRATED SEC PLAYER: James Johnson, RB, Mississippi State.
Alabama recruited him as a fullback, so he went to Starkville and ran
for 1,069
yards from the tailback slot. Guess he didn't want to be a fullback,
huh?
Runner Up: Deuce McAllister, RB, Ole Miss
MOST OVERRATED SEC PLAYER: Shaun Alexander, RB, Alabama. I love the kid
to death, but until he stops getting hurt and actually does it on the
field, all he has on his resume is one night in Baton Rouge when he
caught lightning in a bottle. Runner Up: Clint Stoerner, QB, Arkansas
BEST CHANCE FOR VANDERBILT TO WIN AN SEC GAME: Alabama. It's game two,
Bama will still be installing yet another new offense, and the Dores
always play Alabama tough. It will be up to the fans and the players to
make sure they don't let this happen. Runner Up: Believe it or not,
Tennessee.
SEC ASSISTANT COACH MOST LIKELY TO GET A HEAD COACHING POSITION: David
Cutcliffe, Tennessee, and probably at South Carolina for 1999. If it
ever happens, recruiting in Knoxville will get tougher that anyone could
imagine. Runner Up: Bob Stoops, Florida
TEAM MOST LIKELY TO FLOP: Auburn. They stand a legitimate chance of
starting the year 0-6. If they manage to return to the SEC Championship
game, I'll personally award Terry Bowden the Coach of the Year trophy.
Runner Up: Tennessee
FIRST TEAM TO CHANGE STARTING QUARTERBACKS: Mississippi State. Whether
Rob Morgan, Matt Wyatt, or Wayne Madkin, one thing is almost a
certainty: They'll each play, and they might each start a game. Spies
say the team
is best with Madkin under center, but that could change once JUCO Kelvin
Love gets to campus. Runner Up: Alabama
SEC INCOMING FRESHMAN MOST LIKELY TO MAKE AN IMPACT: Dennis Johnson,
Kentucky. How could he not considering what the Kats used for a
defensive line last year? Sheesh... Runner Up (tie): Eric Locke and
Tyler Watts,
Alabama
DARKHORSE TEAM THAT HAS THE GREATEST CHANCE OF AFFECTING THE SEC
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME LINEUP: South Carolina. They've got enough talent to
be respectable, and they have a legitimate chance to beat everyone in
their
division except Florida. If Florida stumbles against Tennessee, Alabama,
Georgia, or Auburn, South Carolina could have the deciding vote on who
goes and who stays. Runner Up: Arkansas
MOST LIKELY TO WIN IT ALL: LSU. Florida has the goods, but this could be
the Bengals' year, provided they keep their head in ALL ELEVEN games and
stick with what works---a ground-based attack at stingy defensive play.
-- Jess Nicholas
Newsletter by: JP of Alabama Game Day and Brett Young of BamaNation
Special Article by: none this week
Special Thanks to: Jess Nicholas for his articles and depth chart
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VOLUME I BACK ISSUES
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