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Spring wrapup Looking back at top stories, ahead to fall's top battles
In reality, the season known as spring lasts almost another two months. But as far as true football fans are concerned, it was over as soon as the last coach whistled in the troops 'til August. We'll have the rest of the summer to debate the merits of various Heisman candidates and propose names for Seattle's new bowl-game-formerly-known-as-Oahu (how about the Decaf House Blend Bowl?). For now, let's review some of this spring's most interesting developments, grouped conveniently into three lists of six (why not?) for your perusal.
Top six questions that remain unresolvedIn truth, there are a million questions out there. That's why they play the games. Nonetheless ... 1. Who are Oregon State's receivers? In the wake left by (unfortunate) new Cincinnati Bengals Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are several decent wideouts, but, so far, no true game-breakers. 2. In what shape is Nebraska's offense? Last year's top two I-backs are gone and Eric Crouch hasn't thrown since the Alamo Bowl. That left the ball this spring in the hands of backup QB Jammal Lord, who might not even see the field much this fall. 3. Does Antonio Bryant have his head screwed on straight?
Athletically, the Pittsburgh junior is the nation's top returning receiver. But mentally, following two spring suspensions, one wonders whether he'll help or hurt the Panthers. 4. How exactly will this Antwaan Randle El/receiver thing work?Going into spring, Indiana coach Cam Cameron said Tommy Jones would be the primary QB, letting super-athlete Randle El focus on receiver. But they pretty much split duties in the spring game, with Randle El, not surprisingly, looking superior. 5. What's the deal with Penn State? JoePa's loyal followers assume they'll regain their rightful spot among the nation's elite this year. But an outsider looking at the Nittany Lions' rather ordinary roster wouldn't be that crazy to predict an encore of last year's 5-7 campaign. 6. Why do more and more schools keep adopting those awful new-age uniforms? You know the ones -- BYU, Oregon. Now Washington is the latest to take the Nike-sponsored plunge into playing football in space suits.
All-Spring TeamHere are six little- or never-before-used players who, based on their spring performances, will make major impacts this fall: Willis McGahee, RB, Miami: As if the 'Canes aren't already loaded in the backfield ( Clinton Portis, Najeh Davenport ), the redshirt frosh McGahee looks too good not to get carries. Brandon Hance, QB, Purdue: The sophomore put up Drew Brees -like numbers during the Boilers' scrimmages -- which is good, considering that's who he's replacing. Kelley Washington, QB/WR, Tennessee: This Marlins farmhand showed up practically unannounced after four years away from football and instantly became the Vols' top offensive threat. Seneca Wallace, QB, Iowa State: Sage Rosenfels was ISU's most talented QB in years, but the mobile, athletic juco transfer (see Bishop, Michael ) Wallace may ultimately one-up him. Albert Poree, CB, Georgia Tech: A Notre Dame transfer, Poree brings a level of speed and physicality the Jackets had previously been missing at corner. Tony Pape and Demetrius Solomon, OLs, Michigan: The sophomores have shown the necessary ability to step in for NFL draftees Jeff Backus and Maurice Williams as UM's starting tackles.
Top six fall QB battlesIdeally, you want to come out of spring with a clear No. 1. For those who don't ... there's this list. P.S.: Texas is deemed ineligible this year. 1. Florida: Only under Steve Spurrier would the reigning SEC title game MVP ( Rex Grossman ) have to fight for his job. And, based on spring, it would appear Brock Berlin is winning. 2. Kansas State: A year ago, backup QB Ell Roberson was the most popular player on the team. Now that his time has finally come, he may be supplanted by hot shot juco transfer Marc Dunn. 3. Oklahoma: If you have to replace the Heisman runner-up, it's nice to have options. Both Nate Hybl and Jason White looked good this spring, though the Georgia transfer Hybl may have a leg up. 4. Virginia Tech: This particular replacing-a-legend audition looks murkier. Grant Noel is No. 1 despite a 13-of-32, six-sack spring game performance. Look out for freshman Bryan Randall come two-a-days. 5. Ohio State: Unimpressive two-year starter Steve Bellisari still holds the edge, but Scott McMullen, Craig Krenzel and Rick McFadden all remain in the mix. 6. Kentucky: Jared Lorenzen set six NCAA freshman passing records last season, but new coach Guy Morriss says the hefty QB's lead over backup Shane Boyd is only "slight."
One silly little quote can do all this?In a recent interview about the upcoming season with the Panama City News Herald, Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, in town for a golf tournament, mentioned almost in passing, "Clemson will be tough, and I believe Georgia Tech might be the team to beat in the conference this year." No big deal if any other coach was saying it, but Bowden was referring to a league, the ACC, his team has won every year since joining it in 1992, accumulating a 70-2 record in doing so. It didn't take long for the quote to make it to the pages of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, sending Tech fans and local sports radio hosts into a tizzy. Is the old man being serious? Or just sending a smoke screen at his rivals? George O'Leary's crews have tested the Seminoles the past couple seasons, falling just 41-35 in 1999 and 26-21 last season. Bowden has seen up close Tech's FSU-caliber receivers, including star Kelly Campbell. And he knows the Jackets return 16 starters this year at the same time the Seminoles must replace 14 of their own. But two factors still weigh heavily in Bowden's favor. For one, it remains to be seen what effect the departure of offensive mastermind Ralph Friedgen to Maryland will have on Tech. And also, the teams' Sept. 15 game will be played in Tallahassee, where the 'Noles haven't lost in a decade.
Worth notingAfter two years sparring with Josh Booty, Rohan Davey finally has the LSU quarterback job to himself, and it shows. "You wouldn't think Rohan Davey is a guy who would jump up and catch you by surprise, but he's really had an outstanding spring in terms of his level of play and making the guys around him better," said coach Nick Saban. ... Minnesota already has two capable quarterbacks in Travis Cole and Asad Abdul-Khaliq, but it was a third, sophomore Benji Kamrath, who stole the show at the Gophers' spring game, completing 11-of-22 for 215 yards and three TDs. ... Massilon, Ohio native Justin Zwick, one of the nation's top QB prospects for next year, was among those visiting with Ohio State coach Jim Tressel on the field prior to Saturday's spring game. ... One of the smallest players on the field during Washington State's spring game was also the most impressive: 5-foot-8, 154-pound freshman CB Jason David, who coach Mike Price called the "MVP" for his role in several big stops. CNNSI.com's Stewart Mandel will offer his latest Offseason Beat notes regularly from now till Kickoff 2001. If you have questions, comments, ideas or scoops for the Beat, click here.
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