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Page 2
These kids should be able to get the job done on the field. They were ranked No. 7 in the BCS last season and whipped Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl. True, that was last season, but the team hasn't changed significantly. Just look at who this team has back for '99: the two-headed quarterbacking duo of Keith Smith and Ortege Jenkins; Pac-10 rushing leader Trung Candidate; and last season's conference leader in tackles, Marcus Bell. And while you might not know many named of this Wildcat defense yet, chances are you will before the end of this year. Especially keep an eye on the defensive line, where Young Thompson and Cory Kipp could emerge as stars quickly.
FLORIDA (10-2) - Steve Spurrier realized he might have been his own worst enemy last season, so at long last the alternating quarterback system has been ditched and Doug Johnson enters this season as "the man" in Gainesville. You can almost hear Johnson's sighs of relief. No more mind games, no more looking over his shoulder, and no more stalling offensive momentum by pulling Johnson for Jesse Palmer in mid-drive. It's in Johnson's hands alone now, and that can only help the Gators out. Johnson will have to be darn good. For starters, he is without a returning starter at any of the offensive skill positions. That's not necessarily all bad. Travis Taylor has already been labeled the next great Florida receiver, and redshirt freshman Earnest Graham should team nicely with sophomore Robert Gillespie to give the Gators a quick running attack. The entire offensive line is back, and the Gators start with Western Michigan and Central Florida before they play a real game (at home against Tennessee), so the offense should have plenty of time to warm up. But I'm not as quick to hand Florida their sixth SEC title of the decade as some publications, mainly because of their woes on defense. Only two starters are back, and they're both in the secondary (SS Rod Graddy and CB Bennie Alexander). And there isn't a single senior starting anywhere on the defense. You can't have a front seven this experienced and hope to win games against the Volunteers and Seminoles -- they'll just run you to death. I get the feeling there might be a few disappointed fans in Gainesville after this season's over.
The copyright of the article 1999 College Football Preview: Part II - Page 2 in NCAA College Football is owned by . Permission to republish 1999 College Football Preview: Part II - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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