It's not something the Carnegie Mellon football players and staff talk about. There are no motivational messages tacked up on the wall. But everyone connected with the program knows about it. Embraces it, too.

It is The Streak.

The Tartans, who put on pads for the first time yesterday, enter this season with 33 consecutive non-losing seasons that includes a 7-4 record last year.

"It's a wonderful streak we have going," coach Rich Lackner said. "They [the players] don't want to be the ones to have it end on their watch. These young men love to be challenged in the classroom and on the football field."

The Streak appeared to be in jeopardy last season when the Tartans lost four games in a row -- the first time that has happened since Lackner became the coach in 1986 -- and dropped to 2-4. But they won their final five games, capping the resurgence with a 21-20 victory against Gettysburg in the ECAC South Championship.

"We do talk about winning five in a row," said Lackner, whose offensive coordinator Rich Erdelyi and defensive coordinator Terry Bodnar have been on the staff since 1986 and have helped to guide the Tartans to a 238-82-4 record, nine University Athletic Association titles and two appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs. "I hope the momentum [from last season] carries over."

The Tartans will have a new look on offense this season with a bevy of running backs trying to ease the loss of Travis Sivek, the school's all-time rusher, and Robert Gimson, No. 3 on the career list. Also gone is fullback Colby Whitman, the team's third-leading rusher last season.

"Were we spoiled the past four years? The answer is yes, but that doesn't mean someone can't come along and break their records," Lackner said.

"We didn't exactly shut it down recruiting-wise while they were here. We're going to have to see how it shapes out. This is a different group and a different team."

The players expected to fill the void are David Babcock (207 yards), the top returning rusher, Anthony Ruzga and Ryan Phillips.

Lackner said it's possible the Tartans will open up the offense behind quarterback Phil Pantalone, a veteran who was a catalyst for the late-season winning streak

"We hope we can expect some more from Phil," Lackner said. "He's the son of a coach, so he knows the game. We're going to put a lot on Phil."

The anchors of the offensive line are Brian Freeman, a three-year starter and two-time All-UAA performer, and Curtis Meyer.

The defense has seven returning starters led by senior cornerback John Scholl. The biggest question marks are at outside linebacker, where the Tartans will have two new starters.

"We have some capable kids coming up through the system," Lackner said. "Until we figure out what our offensive personality will be, we'll rely on a solid defense to keep us in games."