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Falling Down Colorado State ('98: 8-4)
Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:12 PM
The Plot
Rode a wave of excitement in '97 to an 11-2 season and returned -- with a gaggle of starters -- to finish a disappointing 8-4. After losing 14 starters from the '98 team, '99 looks like a rebuilding year for Rams.
The DirectorSonny Lubick -- seventh year, 49-23; 70-42 overall
StarringRB Kevin McDougal -- Limited to seven games last season (547 yards) because of hamstring and shoulder injuries, but hopeful of returning to '97 form, when he had six 100-yard games and ran for 1,111 yards.
Co-starringDE Clark Haggans -- Four sacks shy of breaking Brady Smith's school record of 29.OT Blane Saipaia -- Most experienced returning offensive lineman will switch from tackle to center full-time -- and the success of the Rams' offense will have a lot to do with his transition.
And introducingQB Matt Newton -- Ryan Eslinger's backup in '98 threw for 246 yards (18 of 29) and, after a good spring, won the starting job for '99.Why it will workThe defense returns a nice complement of starters. On offense,McDougal is one of the best RBs in the conference.
Why it won'tMcDougal is also one of the most injury-prone RBs in the conference and can't win games by himself. It's tough to ask an inexperienced QB to carry the balance of the load.
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