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 Arizona not regretting tough start
Posted: Friday August 20, 1999 03:03 PM
Arizona’s preseason ranking is the highest its ever been, but an opening game against Penn State is staring the Wildcats in the face. Arizona offensive coordinator Deno Babers told me the Nittany Lions have the best defense he has ever seen in college football, and says they're better than the defenses of the last three NFL expansion teams. Arizona has no regrets in scheduling such a tough game right off that bat though. If the Wildcats win, they're a top two team. If they lose, they'll still be in the top ten with plenty of time to rebound.
Stormy scheduleThe Miami Hurricanes have one of the toughest schedules in the nation with Ohio State, Penn State and Florida State in the first five weeks. But don't feel sorry for head coach Butch Davis. Miami offensive coordinator Larry Coker told me Davis scheduled these teams on purpose, because the Canes have to play and beat the best to get their respect back nationally.Offensively, Miami is loaded. Coach Coker feels that Kenny Kelly has the chance to be special at QB. Miami has every offensive lineman back, three great receivers, and a talented tight end. It's a tough schedule, but Coker told me they feel they can win them all.
Vols have plenty to proveTennessee offensive coordinator Randy Sanders tells me the Vols are having no problems getting motivated after last year's national championship. He says Tee Martin is eager to prove that he can sustain his second-half success of last year over an entire season. Jamal Lewis wants to show that he can stay injury-free. And unheralded wide receiver Cedric Wilson is tired of hearing about the loss of Peerless Price. Sanders says Tennessee will miss fullback Shawn Bryson but will compensate by using two-back sets featuring a rotation of Lewis, Travis Henry and Travis Stephens.
Irish reshuffling offenseNew Notre Dame offensive coordinator Kevin Rodgers did wonders with Donovan Mcnabb at Syracuse. Now the Fighting Irish are wondering if he can do the same with Jarious Jackson. Rodgers told me the success of his offense will depend on Jackson's ability to handle what is thrown at him. Rodgers says he would like to start in the I-formation, but expand to include the true option, and three-wide receiver sets. With four offensive lineman gone and new tailbacks, it may be until mid season before we see the entire Notre Dame package.Maybe that's why Notre Dame chose to schedule an early home game against Kansas, before going on the road to face Michigan.
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