Barring some miracles on the road, Tech is probably not a serious contender for the South Division title. But with a few breaks at home, a talented Raiders team could improve their bowl slotting from a year ago. After previously saying he wouldn't request a redshirt season after missing 1999 with an injury, tailback Ricky Williams decided to ask for a fifth season. Shaud Williams, however, is not. Shaud Williams was the league's 1999 Freshman of the Year, but decided in the spring to transfer.
Tech needs out of the backfield.
He caught 52 passes for 228 yards last season. In a game expected to be an offensive shootout, only East Carolina came through in the first half with an assortment of trick plays and fancy running by Stokes. Tech rallied behind Kliff Kingsbury, who threw four touchdown passes, three in the second half to cut the Pirates' big first half lead. Inc. All rights reserved.