Defending the Western Athletic Conference title and extending the nation's longest current winning streak (12) are two challenges for BYU in 1997.

This is familiar territory for Cougar Coach LaVell Edwards who, after 25 years at the helm, has helped BYU win 18 WAC crowns, defend 14 titles, and appear in 20 bowls. This year Edwards, who has a 228-81-3 record, returns 48 lettermen, 14 of whom were starters.

Gone are 30 lettermen, including WAC defensive and offensive players of the year, Shay Muirbrook (linebacker) and Steve Sarkisian (quarterback). Gone are All-WAC tight ends Chad Lewis and Itula Mili, who was also a first team All-American. These players led BYU to its first New Year's Day appearance, a fifth-place ranking and an NCAA record 14 wins (14-1).

But starters like Thorpe Award and All-America candidate Omarr Morgan lead the way for 1997. Morgan, a senior right cornerback, caught the game-winning interception at the Cotton Bowl, one of his five interceptions last season. Morgan also blocked four kicks.

Washington and Arizona State, the last two non-conference foes to beat BYU, start the Cougar season at home and on the road.

"I honestly believe this team has potential to be a top 20 team, but we have a tough beginning with Washington and ASU to find out how good we are," says Edwards, whose coaching staff remains intact for another season.

Washington held the Cougars to 14 yards rushing and ASU limited BYU to 97 yards in those defeats, but now the Cougars return with a running game.

The Cougars kickoff the 1997-98 season, Saturday, September 6 in Provo against Washington at 1:30pm.

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