Tulane
(11-0 record; Chris Scelfo, 1st game) |
BYU
(9-4 record; LaVell Edwards, 27th season) |
School's Bowl Record: 2-6
Coach's Bowl Record: 0-0
Last Bowl Appearance: December 1987 Independence Bowl (lost to Washington 24-12)
Record in Liberty Bowl: 1-1 (Last appearance December 1979 lost to Penn State 9-6) |
School's Bowl Record: 7-12-1
Coach's Bowl Record: 7-12-1
Last Bowl Appearance: January 1997 Cotton Bowl (beat Kansas State 19-15)
Record in Liberty Bowl: First appearance |
|
Offensive Stud |
|
Shaun King, QB, Jr. (221-326, 3,219 yards, 36 TDs, 6 INTs passing; 140 carries, 524 yards, 10 TDs rushing): Conference USA's player of the year and the nation's top-rated QB
|
Kevin Feterik, QB, Jr. (2,480 yards, 15 TDs, 5 INTs): The top-rated passer in the WAC will be counted upon more after the suspension of top rusher Ronney Jenkins.
|
|
Defensive Stud |
|
Michael Jordan, DB, Sr. (55 tackles, 7 pass break-ups): No, not him. He was the only Tulane defensive player on the first team all-Conference USA squad.
|
Rob Morris, LB, Jr. (139 tackles): Defensive player of the year in the WAC Pacific Division
|
|
Player to Watch |
|
P.J. Franklin, WR, Sr. (73 catches, 1,169 yards, 10 TDs): One of many players that makes King look unstoppable
|
Mike Rigell, WR, Fr. (15 catches, 284 yards, 4 TDs): Developing into a deep threat, averaging 18.9 yards per catch. Also has a kickoff return for a TD. |
|
Key Stats |
|
Tulane is second in the country in scoring offense, averaging 45.3 points per game.
|
Fifth in the nation in total defense, allowing just 273.9 yards per game, thanks in part to 40 sacks.
|
|
Surprise Stat |
|
They have allowed 162.5 yards per game in rushing, good for second in the conference but just 65th in the nation.
|
The Cougars have a minus-8 turnover differential and have only intercepted nine passes all season.
|
|
1998 Turning Point |
|
After an amazing perfect season, head coach Tommy Bowden departs to take the Clemson job.
|
Knocking off in-state rivals Utah and earning a spot in the WAC title game when the Utes' attempted game-winning field goal hit the upright.
|
|
Key to Victory |
|
King continues his hot play from the regular season. Also, coping with the loss of coach Tommy Bowden.
|
Stopping Shaun King, period.
|
|
Outlook |
|
After a magical year, there were plenty of disappointments -- relegated to the Liberty, Bowden's departure. However, they are playing an opponent of a similar level to those in C-USA and should finish the season 12-0.
|
The Cougars have a good defense, especially at stopping the run. However, that might not be enough to end the Green Wave's hopes at a perfect season.
|
