| The Cats won six or more games for the third season in a row last year for the first time since 1931. They went on to lose to UCLA in the Sun Bowl in a dramatic high scoring thriller. HC Randy Walker has done a tremendous job in turning around this program in the seven seasons he’s been there, but unfortunately, he suffered a fatal heart attack on June 29 th and LB Coach Pat Fitzgerald has been installed as the new Head Coach. He inherits a talented team with playmakers on both sides of the ball. They’re loaded at the RB and WR positions, and boast one of the best O-Lines in the country. However, QB Brett Basanez has departed and someone new must step up to keep this high potent offense on cue. The defense can only get better with six starters returning, and it adds depth and talent in all three facets. Look for the unit to improve on the 34 PPG it gave up last season. Look for the kicking game to improve as well with the acquisition of highly touted K Stefan Demos.
The loss of HC Randy Walker will be very tough for this squad and the University to relinquish. He was an excellent coach and an even better person. The squad will either play out the string, or come at you on every down. Knowing what type of fire burned in HC Fitzgerald’s belly from his playing days you’d have to expect the latter. It’s possible for the Wildcats to be unblemished heading into their revenge bout with Penn State in Happy Valley. A win there and this could turn into a charmed season. Either way, look for the Wildcats to be a thorn in everyone’s side this season as they try to go bowling in back-to-back years for the first time in a decade.
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