CNN/SI - 1999 College Football Conference Previews - CNN/SI's Idaho team page

Dances with Wolves

Idaho ('98: 9-3, 4-1 Big West)

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Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:20 PM

The Plot

Last season a young and talented quarterback stepped into the spotlight and carried the team to a Humanitarian Bowl upset of Southern Miss. This season 10 starters return on offense and another eight return on defense, so it's likely the Vandals will be prepared to defend their Big West title.

The Director

Chris Tormey -- fifth year, 26-19

Starring

QB John Welsh -- Began '98 third on the depth chart, but by the end of the season he was the Humanitarian Bowl MVP.

Co-starring

WR Ryan Prestimonico -- Senior with big-play potential is the best of Idaho's returning receivers.
LB Chris Nofoaiga -- Led the conference with 11 sacks last season.
DT Falemao "Mao" Tosi -- Senior from Anchorage, Alaska, is a monster (6-foot-6, 270) at tackle.
RB Willie Alderson -- Played WR last season, but now that Joel Thomas is gone, Alderson is the front runner for the No. 1 RB job.

Why it will work

With most of the offense returning intact, the Vandals will be able to score with the best teams in the Big West, and the defense -- which ranked second in the conference last season -- returns eight starters.

Why it won't

Nevada won't exactly roll over. Plus, winning the conference title has its disadvantages -- Idaho won't sneak up on anyone in '99.

Our critics' review

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