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Return to Paradise Minnesota ('98: 5-6, 2-6 Big Ten)
Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:34 PM
The Plot
There are so many reasons to expect continued mediocrity out of Minneapolis. So why think otherwise? One more touchdown against Michigan last year, one more field goal against Michigan State, and the Gophers are playing in their first bowl since 1996. This year, with all the key elements returning from a budding offense and an unusually favorable schedule, Glen Mason will likely be donning his sport coat for a holiday trip to Florida or Texas.
The DirectorGlen Mason -- third season, 8-17; 34-24-1 overall
StarringSS Tyrone Carter - All-American key in Gophers' strong run coverage.WR Luke Leverson - Explosive threat near certainty for 1,000-yard season.
Co-starringRB Thomas Hamner - Team's leading rusher three years going but yet to have super year.WR Ron Johnson - Emerged as Leverson's counterpart with 38 catches as a freshman. C Ben Hamilton -- Near flawless center has started freshman and sophomore seasons. QB Billy Cockerham - Potential star arm but will lose job if he can't limit INTs.
And introducingQB Asad Abdul-Khaliq - Prep-school standout might press Cockerham and Peserby if they struggle like last year.
Why it will workSolid run-stopping 'D' ideal for Big Ten play; Ohio, NE Louisiana, Illinois State, Northwestern, Illinois and Iowa ideal for bowl-qualifying six wins.
Why it won'tLeverson and Johnson only effective if someone can get the ball to them without being picked off.
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