1.
Oklahoma - If the old saying is defense wins championships
holds to form, then there it will be celebration time in
Soonerland this coming January.
2. Florida State - The Seminoles are overdue for
a renaissance, and with a rejuvenated Chis Rix, running
back Greg Jones coming back and a defense with something
to prove-watchout.
3. Auburn - This is Tommy Tubberville's best team
ever in Auburn. With linebacker Dontarrious Thomas the best
linebacker in the nation, the War Eagles could be BCS bound.
4. Miami - Wow how the mighty have fallen. Not! With
13 first round picks over the last 3 years one has to wonder
when the talent exodus will have an effect. Brock Berlin
takes over at quarterback.
5. Ohio State - Another strong defensive effort should
get the Buckeyes into the upper echelon. Watch out for DB/WR
Chris Gamble the best all-around player around.
6. Michigan - An offense that averaged 27.8 points
last season should be even more formidable. Michigan QB
John Navarre threw for 21 td passes last season.
7. Kansas State - The Wildcats who are always good
should be even better in 2003. All-purpose QB Ell Roberson
returns with a defense that looks too as stingy as last
season's unit, which gave up 11.8 points a game.
8. Texas - 15 starters returning, including some
of the country's top offensive skill players in wide receivers
Roy Williams, B.J Johnson and running back Cedric Benson.
Coach Mack Brown knows talent. Does he know BCS?
9. Oregon State - The Beavers have recruited well
the last few seasons. With QB Derek Anderson gaining valuable
experience last season and one of the best running backs
in the nation in Steven Jackson (1,656 yards rushing,15
TD's) back the Beavers could make a run for the Roses.
10. Georgia - The Bulldogs return two quarterbacks
who could start at almost any school in the nation, the
flashiest receiver in the league and a stout defensive line.
Can you say SEC title game?
11. Notre Dame - The Irish enjoy excellent leadership
with perhaps the nations best coach in Ty Willingham and
returning QB Carlyle Holiday. On defense the Irish return
eight starters on defense, including two defensive backs
(CB Vontez Duff, and S Glenn Earl) named to the Thorpe watch
list. Look for the Irish to continue their upswing from
last season.
12. Pittsburgh - The Panthers continue their resurgence
with QB Rod Rutherford who was stellar last season with
a 52% completion percentage for 2,783 yards and 22 TD's.
13. USC - After one of the best seasons in recent
memory for USC, all eyes are on the Trojans to see if this
apparent resurgence is for real. USC must find an adequate
replacement for departed Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer
and a dependable running back to go along with its great
defense.
14. North Carolina State - The Pack finished last
season ranked 12th in the final AP Top 25 as they finished
the 2002 campaign with a 17-7 win over Florida State and
a 28-6 Gator Bowl thumping over Notre Dame. QB Philip Rivers
is a legitimate Heisman candidate.
15. Fresno State - The Bulldogs are mad and loaded.
They return the majority of their roster intact including
the sensational Bernard Berrian at WR. Opening games at
Tennessee and Oklahoma will set the tone for the season.
16. Colorado State - One of the nations soundest
programs, Rams finished 10-4 last season. QB Bradlee Van
Pelt was the 2002 MWC Player of the Year returns along with
13 other starters.
17. Mississippi - Ole Miss returns 14 starters and
most of the prominent playmakers from a successful passing
game. Of course the focal point will be QB Eli Manning,
the school's career passing leader and Heisman candidate.
18. Texas A&M - No has ever questioned the coaching
acumen of Dennis Franchione. The Aggies return one of the
most dynamic new QB's in years in sophomore Reggie McNeal.
The wrecking crew defense is always stout.
19. Arizona State - The Sun Devils who surprised
last year will be prolific on offense with returning QB
Andrew Walter who passed for a school-record 3,877 yards
last season.
20. Penn State - The Nittany Lions dropped four games
last season, all by a touchdown or less, to teams who finished
in the top 15 of the final AP poll. Yes with returning QB
Zack Mills and legendary Coach Joe Paterno, Penn State will
be heard from this season.
21. Virginia Tech - Returning RB Kevin Jones has
Heisman hopes, and a run at the trophy isn't out of the
question if he stays healthy. Are you ready for another
Vick? Incoming freshman Marcus Vick has checked in.
22. LSU - The Bayou Tigers will be good. It's just
a question of how good. The running game and offensive line
look solid. The defense must step up.
23. Nebraska - The only issue is if this modest ranking
for the Cornhuskers is too high. But still Nebraska is Nebraska
and QB Jammal Lord, who set the rushing record for Nebraska
quarterbacks, is back. The Defense is a concern in Lincoln.
24. Washington - Huskies must wait for the coaching
mess to get cleaned up. Then the Huskies will show what
they can do with the most dynamic passing combination this
side of the Mississippi in senior QB Cody Pickett and WR
Reggie Williams.
25. Arkansas - The Running back position is deep
with Cedric Cobbs and De'Arrius Howard. Defense should create
plenty of turnovers with its speed and multiple schemes.
But Hogs must limit the big plays that hurt them last fall.
By Gary Olive |
