Tito Rodriguez and Tony Hardman. UCF has had two straight winning seasons, but no bowl interest due mostly to the fact that it s an independent program. Big games with Clemson, Syracuse, Virginia Tech and Arkansas will decide their bowl fate. Last year the Spartan offense averaged more than 400 yards per game. Expect an even more explosive offense in 2001 as nine starters return including RB Deonce Whitaker who rushed for 1,577 yards last year.
Defense is another story.
Consistency needs to be established this season. Upset victories over Stanford and TCU showed the Spartans true potential last year, but lopsided losses to Fresno State and Nebraska showed just how far this team still needs to go. The Cardinals looked like two different teams in 2000. After an 0-4 start, Ball State won five of its last seven games to close out the season on a positive note. Seventeen starters return in 2001 and a lighter non-conference schedule should help the Cardinals stay healthy heading into MAC play.