COLLEGE FOOTBALL ’94 / MISSION CONFERENCE

Riverside

1993 RECORDS: 7-4-0 overall, 5-0-0 in the division

COACH: Barry Meier (record at Riverside, 91-54-1)

RETURNING STARTERS: Eight on offense, one on defense.

OUTLOOK: The Tigers are the clear favorites in the division thanks mostly to eight returning starters on offense. The Tigers will run the veer led by sophomore quarterback Maurice Lee. Lee threw only 26 times last season, completing nine, but six went for touchdowns. He also gained 263 yards rushing. The Tigers are as strong as ever at running back. Anthony Richardson (909 yards) returns and is joined by freshman DeSean Moore. Moore, who was the Maryland state 100-meter champion in high school, signed a national letter of intent with Syracuse but failed to meet its academic requirements. Meier said Moore is the most impressive freshman running back he has seen. Four of five starters return on the offensive line including center Steve Hill. Albert Simpson began last season on defense but switched to offense for the final seven games, all victories. “We’re optimistic and very impressed so far with our offense,” Meier said. “This is the first time since I’ve been here that the offense is ahead of the defense at this time of the year.” Meier is much less optimistic about his defense. But linebacker John Gumpf, who led the Tigers in tackles and earned all-conference honors, returns. He is one of the few experienced players back. The secondary is well-stocked with solid athletes but the real concern is along the defensive line, where only two players have collegiate experience. “Your success in this (conference) depends a lot on luck,” Meier said. “If you are lucky enough to stay away from injuries, you can do pretty well.”