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Cat People

Arizona ('98: 12-1, 7-1 Pac-10)

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Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 04:38 PM

The Plot

The Road to BCS Payday Team searching for its first Rose Bowl appearance may have to wait yet another year -- but only because the Wildcats could have a date in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, this season's championship game. With eight starters returning on each side of the ball from a team that lost only to UCLA last season, Arizona is poised for the best season in school history.

The Director

Dick Tomey -- 13th year, 84-52-4; 147-98-7 overall

Starring

LB Marcus Bell -- Led conference in tackles last season.
RB Trung Canidate -- Has averaged 51.7 yards on 15 career rushing TDs.
QB Ortege Jenkins -- Somersaulting half of quarterback combo (see: Washington, 1998).
QB Keith Smith -- Completed 68.5% of his passes last season.

Co-starring

WR Dennis Northcutt -- Needs 19 more catches to top Arizona career list.
LB DaShon Polk -- Second-team All-Pac-10 pick should assume bigger role.

Why it will work

The Wildcats were one game away last season and have loads of experience -- and talent -- coming back.

Why it won't

Arizona won't be able to stand the heat of expectations. Oh, and preseason No. 1 Penn State is the opening opponent in Pigskin Classic.

Our critics' review

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