Booty Call

Louisiana State (’98: 4-7, 2-5 SEC)

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Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:36 PM

The Plot

The prospect of an SEC Championship in 1998 ended in a 4-7 ball of flames on the Bayou last season. After reaching as high as No. 6 in the polls, LSU's 28-27 loss to Georgia in Baton Rouge started a Tiger freefall -- one win in the final eight games. Now LSU coach Gerry DiNardo has the job security of a George Steinbrenner manager. Speaking of baseball, QB Josh Booty -- DiNardo's savior? -- rides into Baton Rouge after an unsuccessful five-year stint on the diamond.

The Director

Gerry DiNardo - fifth season; 30-16-1; 49-41-1 overall

Starring

RB Rondell Mealey -- No Kevin Faulk? No problem. Mealey will emerge as a star in '99. And for LSU's sake, he better.
WR Abram Booty -- It'll be just like playing catch in the backyard this season.

Co-Starring

CB Mark Roman -- Three-year starter at safety is moving to cornerback. The Tigers need the help there -- they were 109th of 112 in passing defense last season.
WR Larry Foster -- Had more '98 catches than any returning wide receiver in the conference.
DE Jarvis Green -- If he's healthy, he's a force. Had eight sacks last season, an LSU freshman record.

And introducing

QB Josh Booty -- The only man who has never taken a collegiate snap who needs no introduction. But after five years and a World Series ring in baseball, the elder Booty would like to earn some matching SEC jewelry as well.

Why it will work

LSU is too good for back-to-back seasons of misery.

Why it won't

Booty has as much success as he did in major league baseball. Defenses will be throwing him -- or Nall -- plenty of curves.

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