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Catfight Set to Kickoff '99 Season - Page 2

© Chuck Bednar

Eddie Robinson Classic: Kansas vs Notre Dame -- Don't believe the hype surrounding the Irish in 1999. Only four starters are back for Notre Dame on offense, and quarterback Jarious Jackson hasn't proven that he can run the show yet. No receiver on this team caught more than 15 passes last season, and only center John Merandi returns on the offensive line. Starting tailback Tony Driver is a converted safety, and only FB Joey Goodspeed saw considerable action out of the backfield last season. With a tough schedule to boot, Notre Dame lose their fair share of games this year.

But this won't be one of them. The Jayhawks have huge question marks across the board. The passing game will be their strength. Quarterback Zac Wegner, the 10th best passer in Kansas history, will be pushed by an even more talent prospect, junior college transfer Dylen Smith. Whoever starts will have a quality bunch of receivers to throw to, with possession receiver Harrison Hill and deep threat Termaine Fulton leading the attack. They should make it close, but ultimately the athletic ability of the Irish will prevail.

BCA Classic: Texas vs N.C. State -- Remember before last season, when Tennessee fans thought their team would actually play better with Tee Martin at quarterback than with Peyton Manning? Well, you sort of get the same vibes this season with the Longhorns. While Ricky Williams is gone, the Texas passing attack is in good hands. QB Major Applewhite, who threw for more than 200 yards in 10 consecutive games last year, is more than capable to win through the air. And there are a few potential stars in the receiving corps, lead by flanker Kwame Cavil. No one will replace Williams, but tailback Victor Ike could provide much needed explosiveness out of the backfield. Despite the Wolfpack's knack at delivering upset specials, this should be the first of many wins for the Longhorns this season.

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