By
Keith Carmona
Arizona Daily Wildcat
At last! Finally! Thank God!
After a monotonous summer of Major League Baseball, Tiger-Mania and SportsCenter highlights, autumn is around the corner bearing America's real national pastime - NFL football. So, your professional pigskin prognosticator is here to resolve all your gridiron quandaries.
Q: Can Kurt Warner prove that he's no one-hit-wonder?
A: The only way the Super Bowl MVP will go back to stocking mayonnaise and tampons at K-Mart is if he keels over. The Rams' core receiver unit of Holt, Bruce and Hakim is tops in the league. He just has to throw it up there, and they'll find a way to get to it.
Q: Will one of the two cyborgs from Penn State win the 2001 Rookie of the Year?
A: No, the world will be won on the West Coast. Barring his deportation and any midseason run-ins with the Contra-Costa county Sheriff's Department, Raider placekicker Sebastian Janikowski should take the award. With help from his personal dietitian and trainer David Wells, the "Polish Pounder" will be nailing 70-yarders and shaking any doubters.
Q: What can Wildcat fans expect out of rookies Trung Canidate and Dennis Northcutt?
A: Canidate doesn't posses the size to be a star running back, but his breakaway speed is phenomenal. The Rams will use him as a kick returner, where he could easily become the another Mel Grey, the Lions' special teams superstar. Playing for the Browns, Northcutt's chances at succeeding are already reduced. However, his main competition for playing time will be with ex-Los Angeles Ram Henry Ellard, who is nearly eligible for Social Security.
Q: Which rookie will win the 2000 Ryan Leaf Award for biggest bust?
A: An unimpressive offensive line will not be able to open up Mack Truck sized holes big enough for Ron Dayne to squeeze through. His preseason has been highlighted by a number of fumbles and not-so-spectacular two yard gains. Besides, the Giants haven't been able to run the ball since Rodney Hampton left.
Q: I've got first pick in my fantasy football draft. Who should I take?
A: Now that's a toss-up. It's always a good idea to take a QB early, but with how Edgerrin James dominated last year, Warner isn't necessarily a shoe-in. James will lead the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns, while Warner will accomplish the same feat in the air. So, flip a coin and make the pick.
Q: : Will the buy-a-championship tactics in Washington work or will St. Louis repeat?
A: Neither. Hoisting up the Lombardi trophy next January will be ... Al Davis. Last year, the Raiders boasted the second best offense in the league, to which they added star receiver Andre Rison. All eight of their losses were by a touchdown or less due to a kicking game that closely resembled that of the 1999 Arizona Wildcats. By adding Janikowski to a team already flaunting an arsenal of Rich Gannon, Tyrone Wheatley and Tim Brown, the silver and black attack's return to greatness is inevitable.
