Power of Caring
  presented by CIGNA

USC backup QB a true team player

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Thursday September 30, 1999 11:20 AM

If there's a utility player of the year award in college football, I've got my candidate. John Fox of USC started at quarterback in 1997, then sunk down the depth chart behind Mike Van Raaphorst and Carson Palmer. Last season he played some tight end and on special teams. In the spring he switched to middle linebacker, all the while filling the role of emergency quarterback. Late in the opener against Hawaii, Fox called the defensive signals and after a punt, took off his gloves and stayed in the game to take some snaps. Now that Palmer has broken his collarbone and likely is done for the year, Fox's role has changed again. No. 2 quarterbacks don't play linebacker. But Fox isn't giving up special teams.

Clemson's Bowden wants quicker line

Last season, at Tulane, Tommy Bowden constantly bemoaned his offensive line that averaged less than 270 pounds per man. But the smaller, quicker line didn't stop Tulane from going 12-0. So Bowden tried the same thing this season at Clemson. His O-line averages just 259 pounds -- well below last season's Tiger front that averaged nearly 304 pounds. How has it worked out? Clemson's nimble blockers weren't nimble enough to slow down Virginia Tech defensive end Corey Moore, who rang up five hurries, two sacks and a touchdown against the Tigers. Bowden isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. He plans to recruit the quick guys who weigh 285. He knows they're out there -- his daddy has a bunch at Florida State.

Lubbock a tough trip for Aggies

Keep an eye on Texas A&M's visit this week to Texas Tech. Based on talent alone, the Aggies should romp. But funny things happen to Texas A&M in Lubbock. The Aggies have lost their last two -- and four of their last six -- at Jones Stadium. The last five games of the rivalry have been decided by no more than a touchdown. Texas Tech has had two weeks to get ready and it also has a cause. The local paper called for coach Spike Dykes to be fired. It says here that the Aggies will win, but don't let the records fool you. This game is the hidden gem of the week.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Ivan Maisel covers the college football beat and appears regularly on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN's College Football Preview.

 

Related information
Stories
Inside College Football Texas Tech's Ricky Williams out for season Week 6 Previews
Multimedia
Visit Multimedia Central for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.