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Jack Bicknell III can point to many accomplishments during his first four seasons at Louisiana Tech. He's guided the Bulldogs to their first Associated Press Top 25 ranking, pulled an upset of Southeastern Conference champion Alabama, won the Western Athletic Conference championship and led Tech to a bowl game for the first time in more than a decade. OFFENSIVE KEYS: Tech is hoping McCown finishes his career with a flourish. The senior quarterback owns or is stalking several school passing records, but must shake off a tough 2002 season. Despite throwing for 3,539 yards and 19 touchdowns, he also threw 19 interceptions.The Bulldogs also must replace running back Joe Smith, who rushed for 1,216 yards and 16 touchdowns, and three starters along the offensive line. Tech likely will use a tandem of Ralph Davis and Ryan Moats in the backfield. Davis is a power runner in the mold of Smith. Moats is a quick, slashing-type runner who had a tremendous spring. Much of Tech's success will depend on the cohesiveness of an offensive line that must replace both tackles and the center. Sophomore Marcus Stewart was set to assume the center slot, but suffered a broken leg in the first scrimmage and will be out until fall practice. Tech must also get better production from its receiving corps, which except for senior Chris Norwood (61 catches 748 yards, four TDs), underachieved last year. DEFENSIVE KEYS: Tech struggled in the first year under co-defensive coordinator Rick Smith. He was hired just before spring drills, and coaches now admit that it was overly optimistic to expect the unit to adjust to Smith's 4-3 that quickly.A big and talented defensive front is expected to set the tone. Tackles Chris Van Hoy (6-foot-4, 293 pounds) and Lacorey Street (6-7, 314) have the size the Bulldogs like. However, coaches are looking for more production from the defensive ends, which produced just 4.5 sacks last year. The Bulldogs are counting on junior college signees James Atkins and Eddie Moss to provide a boost in that area. Although they lost four of their top seven linebackers, including all three starters, the Bulldogs believe this year's corps will be better. Senior outside linebacker Antonio Crow has the most experience, but junior middle linebacker John Nash enjoyed a strong spring. The secondary should benefit from a year of experience. Last season three of the four starters were first-year starters and all three -- cornerback Corey Brazil and safeties Michael Johnson and Lee Johnson -- return. SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior Josh Scobee is one of the nation's best kickers. He made 45-of-61 career field goals and was on the Lou Groza Award watch list last season. Punter Dustin Upton is solid, while Erick Franklin is the school's all-time leader in kickoff return yardage.FINAL ANALYSIS: Louisiana Tech will have the offense to compete with most of the teams on its schedule. The key, however, is for McCown to cut down on his 19 interceptions. The turnovers cost Tech at least two wins last season. Expect McCown, who enters this season as Division I-A's active career yardage leader, to bounce back in a big way. McCown needs the rebuilt offensive line and new backfield to develop quickly, as well as more consistent play from his receivers.The defense also must tighten up. Tech's defense allowed 35.5 points and 441.2 yards per game and had just five interceptions. The Bulldogs also gave up 57 plays of 20 yards or more, but coaches believe experience in Smith's defense, plus the influx of four key junior college signees, will make the defense considerably better. • Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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