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Dennis the Menace Oregon State ('98: 5-6, 2-6 Pac-10)
Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 05:47 PM
The Plot
Grabbed a big fish in former Miami Hurricanes and Seattle Seahawks coach Dennis Erickson, who wanted to stay in his native Pacific Northwest after being sacked by the Seahawks. Erickson has won wherever he has coached in the NCAA, from Wyoming to Idaho to Washington State to Miami.
The DirectorDennis Erickson -- first year; 113-40-1 overall
StarringRB Ken Simonton -- 5'7", 181-pounder rushed for 1,028 yards and 13 TDs as a freshman.QB Jonathan Smith -- Former walk-on threw for 1,347 yards in last four games of season. LB Jonathan Jackson -- Second in Pac-10 with 114 tackles in 1998.
Co-starringSS Terrence Carroll -- Physical free safety moves up to offer more run support.
And introducingDE DeLawrence Grant -- JUCO transfer is being penciled in on one side of the line.
Why it will workA proven coach -- with two national championships and NFL experience -- will do wonders for a team's confidence. There is some skill on the offensive side of the ball.
Why it won'tWith only 12 starters back, fewest in the Pac-10, even Erickson will need a couple years to build anything.
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