|
 |   |
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Multimedia Central Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities Work in Sports
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE |  |
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Focus on speed key to moving on up
'99: 3-8CoachAndy McCollum (second season, 3-8)Key offensive playersWes Counts, QB, Jr.The southpaw completed 63.8 percent of his passes while throwing for a school record 2,603 yards in 1999.
Jamison Palmer, TB, Sr.
Kendall Newson, WR, Jr.
Key defensive playersMario Kelso, FS, Sr.The Blue Raiders' top tackler in 1999 with 106 stops.
Keith Pauldo, LB, Sr.
Key newcomerDon Calloway, RB, Fr.He rushed for 6,365 career yards at Miller County High School in Colquitt, Ga., and was voted player of the year by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association. Throwback playerQuarterback Wes Counts is a tough, hard-nosed competitor who seems to always get the job done. He doesn't have a very strong arm and is not very fast, but is accurate with his throws because he knows how to play the game.21st century playerUnfortunately for the Blue Raiders, there are none on the 2000 roster.Fast FactMTSU's offense produced 24.7 points and 357.8 yards per game in 1999.OutlookThe Blue Raiders knew going into their first year in Division I-A that defense would be the key to success or failure. Playing at the highest level of college football and employing a new 3-4 scheme, Middle Tennessee won only three games. It was obvious that the biggest difference from I-AA to I-A was speed. Consequently, during recruiting and offseason workouts the emphasis was on improving in that area. McCollum also brought in Robb Rogers to install a new strength and conditioning program. McCollum believes great strides have been made on the defensive side of the ball. That will need to happen if the Blue Raiders want to win more than three games in 2000.--Stan Crawley
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
