Thanks to first-year head coach Jack Bicknell III and record-setting quarterback Tim Rattay, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs completed arguably the most successful season since joining the Division I ranks in 1989. With an 8-3 record, the school's first appearance in the Associated Press Top 25 and a memorable 29-28 win over eventual-Southeastern Conference champion Alabama, Tech took giant steps towards moving up the Division I ladder.

And as if the accomplishments on the field weren't enough, the Bulldogs and Louisiana Tech were also aided by the October 1999 announcement that the school would be making an all-sports move to the Western Athletic Conference starting in the fall of 2001.

Heading into the 2000 season, Head Coach Jack Bicknell and company must find a way to replace one of the most prolific passers in NCAA history in the NFL-bound Tim Rattay. With his departure, Tech loses a three-year starter who totaled over 12,000 passing yards and 115 touchdowns during his career, while leading the nation in total offense for the past three seasons.

"You can never totally replace a quarterback the caliber of Tim Rattay," Bicknell said. "I don't care if you have another All-American waiting in the wings, Tim brought so many different special qualities to the table every time he suited up. However, I am pretty confident in Brian's (Stallworth) ability to step in and pick up where we left off."

Also gone is the bulk of an offensive line which allowed only 23 sacks in over 600 pass attempts during the 1999 season, including All-American Joey Chustz (drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round), Robert Skapura, David St. Marie and Rob Koontz.

However, the Bulldogs do return six starters on the offensive side of the football, including its record-setting receiving corps of Sean Cangelosi, Delwyn Daigre, James Jordan and John Simon, who became the first Division I foursome to each catch 60 or more passes in the same season.

"No doubt one of our strengths entering this season is our receivers," Bicknell said. "All four of those guys have played for at least two seasons and are very experienced and very good at what they do. Brian should have plenty of targets to throw to this year."

Defensively, Tech must also suit up an entire new line after graduating all four interior linemen. However, Bicknell does have the majority of his linebacking corps and secondary returning to give some experience to the defensive unit.

"We have some young guys we have moved up to the defensive line from their linebacking positions," Bicknell said, referring to sophomores Brandon Avance, Curtis Randall and Gerome Wallace. "I really think they will help us there, as well as some of our junior college transfers we have coming in."

The Bulldogs linebacking corps should be the strength of the Tech defense with the return of seniors Quincy Stewart and Brian Bradford and the addition of junior college signee Mondale Bates.

Tech's special teams unit must look to replace a number of specialists as kicker Kevin Pond, punter and holder Caleb Price, and deep snapper Damon Harrington all graduated.

"I am really excited about this season," Bicknell said. "You look at who we have coming back and the schedule that we will face and you can't help but get excited ... and maybe a little nervous."

So with the memories of 1999 behind them and the likes of Kansas State, Penn State, Auburn and Miami looming ahead, Louisiana Tech readies for the season minus a number of "old" veterans; however, the cupboard is far from bare -- the Bulldogs still have a few bones left. Offense

Over the course of the past four seasons, Louisiana Tech has become one of the most exciting and explosive offensive collegiate programs in the country as the Bulldogs have utilized four- and five-wide receiver sets to attack opposing defenses.

During the past four years, the Bulldogs' offense has averaged at least 31 points per game while ranking in the Top 10 in the country in total offense and passing offense.

The wide-open attack has allowed Tech to post wins over the likes of Alabama (twice), California and Mississippi State, while also gaining national recognition as one of the premier passing offenses in the nation.

Quarterback
When you lose a quarterback like Tim Rattay, who finished his three-year career ranked No. 2 in NCAA history in passing yardage, total offense and passing touchdowns, you would think there might be some concern about replacing him.

Not as far as Bicknell is concerned. Entering this season the quarterback position at Tech is actually one of the certainties as junior Brian Stallworth (29-of-49 for 476 yards, 3 touchdowns) takes over the reins. Stallworth (6-1, 210) has seen his share of action during his first two seasons, including tossing the memorable 28-yard scoring strike with :02 remaining to defeat Alabama last year.

"Brian is not a rookie," Bicknell said. "He's been doing this for three years and biding his time. He understands (the offense) a great deal. He can still do a lot of the same things Tim did, maybe not quite the accuracy of Tim right now, but Brian is going to be a really good quarterback. I've always wanted the threat of my quarterback pulling the ball down and running if he has to, and that's something Brian gives us that Tim didn't."

Stallworth, who saw limited action as a freshman (9-of-14, 91 yards), played in seven games for Tech in 1999, including his first career start against UL-Lafayette when he led the Bulldogs to a 41-31 win.

However, the backup quarterback role is a little more up for grabs. Behind Stallworth a battle is ensuing for the backup spot between junior Phillip Deas (6-0, 202), sophomore Andy Robinson (6-3, 234) and red-shirt freshmen Maxie Causey (6-4, 195) and Henry Young (5-11, 190). Deas, a transfer from North Carolina and prep standout at Evangel High School in Shreveport, was thought to be the No. 1 backup before undergoing off-season back surgery that has hindered his progress.

If Deas is unable to play in 2000, Causey is the odds-on-favorite entering the season as the West Monroe, La., native impressed the Tech coaching staff with his efforts during the spring. With the exception of Deas, none of the three remaining quarterbacks has ever thrown a pass in a college game.

"As physical as the college game is you always have to be concerned about your starting quarterback being injured," Bicknell said. "I know we have some quality depth at the position, but I am a little concerned about the lack of experience."

Wide Receiver
No matter who is airing it out for the Bulldogs in 2000, one thing is for sure -- he will be throwing to one of the top receiving corps in the country. Tech returns its top five receivers from last year, including four guys who caught at least 60 passes (the first time in Division I history that feat had been accomplished).

Seniors Sean Cangelosi (62-943-10 TDs) and James Jordan (81-824-11), and juniors John Simon (79-757-2) and Delwyn Daigre (77-1,084-9) ran over, through and around opposing defenses last season and look to possibly improve on those numbers this year.

"They are definitely the strength of this team," Bicknell said. "And what is so impressive is the fact they are not complacent coming off last year. These guys have been working extremely hard in the off-season."

Not only did all four receivers break into the Tech record books in 1999 for season and career bests, but the foursome also ranked in the Top 30 in the nation in receptions per game and three of the four ranked in the Top 50 in yards per game.

Cangelosi (6-4, 210) and Jordan (6-1, 230) give Tech quarterbacks some big physical receivers, while Daigre (5-11, 205) is the team's best deep threat.

However, Bicknell said he plans on using Simon in the backfield and inserting junior Allen Stark (18-272-2) as the fourth wide out. Stark (6-2, 192) has deceiving speed and led the Bulldogs with an impressive 15.1 yards per catch average in 1999.

Senior Faheem Ali (5-11, 192), 13 catches for 131 yards, and sophomore Corey Berlin (5-11, 175), five catches for 41 yards, are expected to see plenty of playing time in the Bulldogs four- and five-receiver sets.

Tight End
Senior David Newman (11-102-3) is Tech's starting tight end for the third consecutive season. Newman (6-6, 244), who caught 20 passes for 245 yards and four touchdowns in 1998, provides a big target over the middle for the Bulldogs.

Sophomore Major Richmond (6-3, 222) played in all 11 games for Tech as a true freshman in 1999, while snaring two passes for 29 yards. Richmond, who saw action on the Tech special teams units as well, will be counted on to be more involved in the Bulldog offense this season.

"I feel really good about those two guys," Bicknell said. "We just have to find a way to get them more involved in the offense. They both provide us with big, physical targets."

Harry Frank (6-7, 255), who was moved over from the defensive line, will serve as the third tight end in 2000.

Running Back
Although the running game struggled at times in 1999, Bicknell feels he has plenty of weapons to jump-start the attack in 2000.

With three-year starter Bobby Ray Tell gone, all-everything John Simon (5-9, 192) will provide the Bulldogs with a dangerous weapon out of the backfield, as he moves over from his wide receiver spot of last year. Simon, who also returns punts and kickoffs for the Bulldogs, was Tech's second leading rusher in 1999 with 134 yards on 30 carries, while also catching 79 passes.

"He gives us that threat out of the backfield that we need," Bicknell said. "Obviously, we will also use him to catch passes out of the backfield, especially screens. He is a tremendous weapon because he can run very well and catch very well, and he has a knack for making you miss."

With Bicknell dedicated to improving the Bulldogs running game this season, a number of Tech running backs should see action. Behind Simon, Bicknell will also look for sophomores Corey Addison (5-11, 222), Author Jefferson (5-7, 188) and junior Terrence Jefferson (5-5, 173) to contribute to the running game.

Addison, who rushed 17 times for 33 yards and two touchdowns in 1999, will probably be used as in short-yardage situations, while both Arthur Jefferson (21-44-2) and Terrence Jefferson (no attempts) will be used during three- and four-receiver sets. Terrence Jefferson played in the defensive secondary in 1999, but made the switch during spring practice and showed flashes of really coming on in the spring game.

"I think we have more quality depth at this position than we have had in quite some time," Bicknell said. "Last year there were times we needed to run the football, and we couldn't. We shouldn't have that problem this season."

Sophomore Kenneth Nickerson (5-10, 201) could also see some action in the talented Tech backfield.

Offensive Line
Maybe the most inexperienced area for the Bulldogs entering the 2000 season is the offensive line where Tech lost four of the five starters to graduation, including All-American Joey Chustz (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Robert Skapura (Arizona Cardinals).

Junior Randy Richard (6-4, 305) returns to anchor the Tech offensive line, which has been one of the top pass-blocking groups in the country over the past three seasons, allowing only 23 sacks in over 600 pass attempts in 1999.

But in order for this year's group to continue the success, Bicknell knows a number of young players have to step up.

"I actually feel pretty good (about the line), but I'm an optimistic guy anyway," Bicknell said. "I think we have excellent talent up there. I think some guys will have to step up. There is something to be said when you are with the first team; you have to rise up and meet the challenge. If we have guys that will do that, then we will be fine."

In addition to Richard, sophomore Logan Hulett (6-5, 281), who missed all of last season because of back surgery, looks ready to regain his old form. Senior Terrance Sykes (6-5, 270), and sophomores Damian Lavergne (6-6, 341) and Shannon Babineaux (6-3, 302) could also emerge as starters as all three saw plenty of game action last season which should help their progression. Redshirt freshman Michael Gilmore (6-4, 295), sophomore Shawn Murff (6-3, 281) and senior Selby Brown (6-3, 270) are also making a push for a starting role.

Bicknell also said that Thomas Coury (6-4, 355) and Tywoin Breaux (6-6, 320), two junior college transfers who signed late, could also see plenty of action when they arrive this fall.

"One thing we have to do a better job of this year is being able to line up and knock people off the football when we want to run," Bicknell said. "It doesn't matter how good your running backs are if they don't have holes to run through. We just have to adopt the attitude that no one can stop us."

Defense
Under the guidance of Bicknell and new defensive coordinator Tom Masella, the Bulldog defense improved drastically in 1999 from prior years.

Criticized in the past for giving up the big play, the Bulldogs gave up only one pass play of 50 yards or longer the entire season and only one run of 30 yards or longer.

Playing against some of the top offensive teams in the country, including Florida State, Alabama, Texas A&M and Southern California, the Tech defense held its own and gave the Bulldogs a chance for victory. Thanks mainly to Masella's simplification of the defensive strategies, Tech improved in almost every statistical category from 1998.

Tech returns five starters on the defense this season, including All-Independent candidates Bobby Gray, Quincy Stewart, Brian Bradford and Michael John Lenard.

And although slightly undersized, Louisiana Tech's defensive unit in 2000 has the potential to be one of its best in years.

Defensive Line
Entering the season, Tech's biggest question mark on defense is replacing the entire front four from 1999, including two down lineman (Otis Pitts, Jarrett Procell) who signed free agent contracts with NFL teams.

Bicknell feels he has players with the potential to step right in and contribute, but knows it won't be easy.

"We have some guys who really need to step it up and work hard," Bicknell said. "They need to get bigger and stronger and more experienced. It's a little too early to know who and how we are going to do that."

Bicknell has moved two of his top athletes to the defensive line as sophomores Curtis Randall (6-2, 218) and Brandon Avance (6-3, 236) make the move from playing linebacker last season. Randall (19 tackles, 9 solo) and Avance (22, 10) both saw significant playing time last season which should help them this year.

In addition to those two, senior Michael Boone (6-2, 250), juniors Foster Bradberry (6-3, 223) and Moses Love (6-3, 268), sophomores Carlin Thomas (6-3, 235) and Gerome Wallace (6-1, 229) and redshirt freshman Quincy Myles (6-2, 308) are all poised and ready to make an impact. Boone (5,4), Bradberry (10,5) and Thomas (19,9) all played in at least nine contests for the Bulldogs in 1999, while Thomas made two starts early in the season.

Bicknell said he also feels a number of guys in this season's recruiting class can help immediately, specifically junior college transfers Clint Ellsworth (6-4, 270) and Jamie Nichols (6-3, 290).

"I really feel like this is an area where we could have more depth than we've ever had, depending on how some of these guys step up," Bicknell said.

Linebackers
Perhaps the strength of the Bulldogs defense last year was the linebacking position, where two of the three starters return for another season. Although Tech did lose leading tackler Damon Harrington to graduation, both seniors Quincy Stewart (6-0, 203) and Brian Bradford (6-0, 210) return to anchor this year's group.

"They did a great job for us last year," said Bicknell about Stewart (112,59) and Bradford (52,24). "They can both run and they are both tough, and so we feel real good about them."

Newcomer Mondale Bates (6-1, 230) has caught Bicknell's attention since arriving on campus, as the junior college transfer made play after play during spring drills, and should likely get the nod at middle linebacker.

Freshmen Antonio Crow (6-0, 210), Sheldon Pearl (6-1, 219) and Jonte' Price (5-11, 208), sophomores Thadrick Love (5-11, 191) and Andrius Vitto (6-2, 205), and juniors Jason Owens (5-11, 215) and Blake Smith (5-10, 220) will also see plenty of action. Vitto (4,1), Smith (3,1) and Owens (21,6) all made contributions to the Tech defense in 1999.

"We are a little undersized here, but we were last year too and no one really lined up and ran it down our throat," Bicknell said. "We are undersized on defense overall, but the one thing we can do is run, and I would rather be fast and undersized than the other way around."

Secondary
The Tech secondary will once again be tested this season but looks to have all the ingredients of a tough, hard-nosed unit.

Led by sophomore free safety Michael John Lenard (6-0, 202), who has already become known for his ferocious hits, and junior rover Bobby Gray (6-1, 211), the Bulldogs replace only one graduating senior in Fredrick Lewis.

The 1999 Bulldog secondary finished the season ranked 32nd in the nation in pass efficiency defense with a rating of 112.3, while allowing only one pass play of 50-plus yards all season.

Gray (85, 52) and Lenard (70, 45) will roam the Bulldog secondary as both players are legitimate candidates for preseason and postseason honors.

Junior Montoya Gipson (6-1, 203) will back up Gray, while Rod Pernetter (5-10, 190) and either Kerry Davis (5-10, 169) or Willie Sheppard (5-9, 200) will start at the corners.

Lenard (70,45), a second team All-Louisiana selection as a freshman, Pernetter (29,25), Davis (22, 17) and Sheppard (43,31) all started at times for Tech in 1999.

"We have some guys who can really play back there," Bicknell said. Juniors Curtis Speller (5-11, 185), Jason Olford (5-10, 177) and senior Quincy Davis (5-10, 192) will provide depth in the defensive backfield. Quincy Davis (15,11) saw playing time in all 11 games for the Bulldogs in 1999.

"All those guys can play," Bicknell said. "I think we have some quality depth in the secondary, and hopefully it will show up when the season starts."

Special Teams
Over the past several years, the Louisiana Tech special teams units have seen plenty of ups and downs. However, under the direction of Paul Tidwell, the Bulldogs seemed to turn the corner in 1999 and should continue to improve in 2000 if a few newcomers step up.

Tech's placekicking duties have been shaky since the graduation of Marty Kent three years ago. And with the departure of Kevin Pond, who struggled due to injuries the last two years, the Bulldogs will look for a replacement.

Last year Bicknell tried to use a kicker-by-committee approach to solve some of the problems, and at times it paid off. However, the consistency desired was never evident as Pond (8-for-11 FGs, 39-47 XPs) had his troubles, while now-departed freshman Josh Storrs (1-1 FGs, 3-4 XPs) was too inexperienced to carry the load.

This year Bicknell hopes that someone will step forward among sophomore Ross Bernal, junior Trent Wierick and true freshman Josh Scobee. However, between the three of them, Wierick is the only one who has had any experience kicking field goals or extra points in live college games.

Wierick, who was injured most of last year, converted 6-of-6 field goals and 42-of-46 extra points during the 1998 season. Bernal was used solely on kickoffs last season for his patented sky kicks.

"Those guys are just going to have to battle it out," Bicknell said. "I really hope someone steps forward because I don't want to have the same situation as last year."

The punting duties are also up for grabs as walk-ons Billy Morgan and Tommy Hebert are the two candidates for the job, looking to replace the graduated Caleb Price.

"Hopefully one of these guys will be able to fill the void left by Caleb," Bicknell said.

John Simon, Sean Cangelosi and Arthur Jefferson will handle the kickoff and punt return duties this season. Simon returned nine punts for a 6.3-yard average and 15 kickoffs for a 24.7-yard average, ranking 21st in the country in that department.

Cangelosi returned 13 punts for a 6.7-yard average. "John has proven he can return kicks," Bicknell said. "He's just an excellent athlete who can make you miss and a threat when the ball is in his hands."

Under Tidwell's guidance, the Bulldogs became one of the best kick blocking and coverage units in college football in 1999. Tidwell's special teams unit blocked five kicks (three punts, one field goal attempt and one extra point) in 1999, while allowing only 17 of 43 punts to be returned for an 8.9 yard per return average.