The key to a successful season, however, will be starting quarterback Chris Weinke. Weinke, a 6-5, 225-pound junior, completed 218 consecutive passes without throwing an interception last season. But he missed the final three games of the season with a neck injury, and his health is still a question. Florida State needs him to win.
KANSAS STATE (11-2) - It's kind of a shame that the Wildcats had such a terrific season last year only to suffer back to back losses, including that utterly pathetic performance against Purdue in the Alamo Bowl. I guess they were just getting fans ready for this season.
Only three starters return from the ninth-ranked offense of a year ago, and only one skill player (WR Aaron Lockett) is back in '99. There's a lot of shoes to fill, including (but not limited to) Heisman Trophy candidate Michael Bishop, All-Big 12 receiver Darnell McDonald, and the school's all-time leading rusher in Eric Hickson. The silver lining is the defense - which returns eight starters from a unit that led the Big 12 in run defense in 1998. With an easy schedule, including home games against Temple, UTEP, and Utah State, the Wildcats could be a Top 25 team in 1999. But don't look for them to be a serious contender.
OHIO STATE (11-1) - The Buckeyes almost did everything right last season. They got 11 wins. They beat Michigan. They reached a BCS bowl. But the preseason No. 1's lost to Michigan State and fell short of their goal for a National Championship. And for Ohio State fans, anything less than the best just isn't good enough.
The '98 team was perhaps the most athletically talented unit in all of college football, but the '99 Buckeyes will be without many of last year's leaders. Reggie Germany and Ken-Yon Rambo, who saw considerable playing time in '98, step in for Dee Miller and David Boston. With Joe Montgomery gone, Michael Wiley becomes the full-time running back. And even without standout guard Rob Murphy, the OSU offensive line is a force to be reckoned with.
