Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Game 4 at MISSISSIPPI ST. 7:30 p.m., Sept. 20 Starkville, Miss. The Gamecock rates the Opposition Passing: # # Rushing: $ # $ $ $ Pass Defense: # $ # # Run Defense: # § 0 § Overall: # § § § 2001 projected record: 8-3 Nickname: Bulldogs Head Coach: Jackie Sherrill (11th year) 2000 Record: 8-4 (4-4 SEC) 2000 vs. USC: Lost 23-19 in Columbia BY KYLE ALMOND THE GAMECOCK Mississippi State quarterback Wayne Madkin has won 23 games in his career. That’s more than Peyton Manning. Still, the senior signal-caller gets little publicity be cause he doesn’t put up big passing numbers. “You have to judge quarter backs not by statistics, but how many times they get the team across the goal line and how many times he can win,” MSU head coach Jackie Sherrill said. “Wayne demonstrated over and over he could do this.” Last year, Madkin won eighf games for the Bulldogs, who fin ished off a solid season with a win in the Blizzard — er, Independence Bowl. He’s hoping for more this year. “This is my final season here,” Madkin said. “Hopefully, we will be a part of something special and go out with a bang.” Offense Madkin has developed into a respectable passer, but running with the ball has always been his bread and butter. Last season, with help from backs Dicenzo Miller and Dontae Walker, MSU led the league with nearly 200 yards rushing per game. Look for the Bulldogs to pound the ball as usual, but Madkin should keep opposing teams hon est with his improved passing. Miller ran for 100 yards six times last season. Walker did it five times. Defense Only five starters return for the Bulldog defense, but with defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn, don’t expect them to let up. Dunn’s ag gressive schemes often wreak hav oc against opposing offenses. Senior defensive tackle Dorsett Davis anchors the line, and junior linebacker Mario Haggan is a run stuffer. All-American Fred Smoot is in the NFL now, but safety Pig Prather will cover up any mistakes ♦ SEE MSU, PAGE 4 Game 5 ALABAMA 7 p.m., Sept. 29 Columbia, S.C. Nickname: Crimson Tide Head Coach: Dennis Franchione (1st year) 2000 Record: 3-8 (3-5 SEC) 2000 vs. USC: Won 27-17 in Tuscaloosa The Gamecock rates the opposition... Passing: 0 § § Rushing: $ $ # 0 Pass Defense: £ £ # Run Defense: 0 0 0 0 Overall: # # 0 2001 projected record: 7-4 BY CHRIS FOY THE GAMECOCK Expectations are high again this season for the Crimson Tide. One wouldn’t think this was the same team that went 3-8 last season after starting out the season ranked third in the nation. But with new head coaqh Dennis Franchione run ning things, Alabama has its sights set on a bowl appearance. Franchione, formerly the head coach of TCU, likes what he has seen so far at Alabama. “The players have done a mag nificent job since I’ve been here,” Franchione said. “This is my sixth different opportunity to take over a program, and these guys have done the best job of any in transi tion. They have adjusted to us, the expectation level and other things in regard to building a team.” With a healthy defense and a possible solution at quarterback, the Crimson Tide could be back to old form already. Offense In what is probably the most un decided quarterback controversy ♦ SEE BAMA, PAGE 5 . !...-...... . .... ' 1 - New Hats for 2001 2001 Coaches Line Golf Shirts Dozen50f $14" * $1450 Coaches Nowin Stock COMPLETE x LADIES & KIDS LINE Gamecock changes VHHP r „ R, .ilHHF mttKf color in the sun SX?1250 MAGNETS Starting a, 53350 Tailgating & Game Necessities *»*■« Tables | Stadium Bag Seats, > ry the Latest Car Flags and $ 1 (J99 Blankets, Seat Cusions Magnets!! Dozens of Types and Pom Poms ga-Bl_I *° Choose From... Adairs Kids Chairs ^16S0 JEW™ fcrFlagS $450 Plates ^ rim<. Don't forget to come by each week and get your Nankinc FREE BEAT STICKERS & SCHEDULES! ;HMH| ■■ __Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10-6 • Closed Sunday ?8” & ?9°°