2001: 6-6, 4-4 in the Big Ten (tie for 4th)
Coach: Joe Tiller, 39-22 in five years at the school
Returning starters: 17 (9 offense, 8 defense)
Top returnees: TB Montrell Lowe (640 yd., 183 att., 4 TD);
QB Kyle Orton (107 com., 216 att., 1,105 yd., 49.5 pct., 4 TD; 7
int.); WR Taylor Stubblefield (73 rec., 910 yd., 2 TD); FS Stuart
Schweigert (98 tackles, 6 int.)
Outlook: Orton threw an NCAA bowl record 74 passes against
Washington State in the Sun Bowl, but he’s 0-3 as a starter.
So anointing him the “next Drew Brees” is a tad premature.
Depending on how he plays and the O-line progresses, this team could
be very good or mediocre. Tiller is a fine coach, so they should
go bowling for a sixth straight year.
Soundbite: “There’s an air of guarded optimism.
We have 17 starters back, but they are the same 17 that could only
win six games last year. Experience is important, and for that reason
I look forward to the season.” — Joe Tiller
