From collegefootballnews.com:

1. Ohio State - While the Buckeyes will most likely get tripped up by Wisconsin or Michigan, there's no reasonable rationalization for putting
anyone else number one to start the season. You can find chinks in the armor of any of the other elite teams, but Ohio State gets EVERYONE back. O.K., so Mike Doss, Andy Gtoom and Matt Wilhelm are gone, but the defense and special teams aren't going to skip a beat. All eleven
starters return to the offense.
Relative strength: defensive line Relative Weakness: secondary
Star of the team: Sophomore RB Maurice Clarett Key game: October 11 at
Wisconsin

2. Miami - On raw talent, no one comes close to touching this team. The
question will be if that talent can turn into a cohesive team and can be
as clutch as past Miami teams were under Ken Dorsey. There might
questions all over the place on offense, the defensive line and the
kicking game, but as this program showed last year with its secondary,
weaknesses can quickly become strengths.
Relative strength: secondary Relative Weakness: defensive line
Star of the team: Junior TE Kellen Winslow Key game: Nov. 1 at Virginia
Tech

3. Texas - This Texas team isn't quite as talented as last year's
monster, but that might not be a bad thing. Maybe what Texas needs is to
feel a little bit like the underdog even if it isn't. With the nation's
best receiving corps and one of the best secondaries to go along with
the talent everywhere else, it's very possible this is the group that
will take Mack Brown and all the Longhorn fans where they want to go.
Relative strength: receivers Relative Weakness: offensive line
Star of the team: Senior WR Roy Williams Key game: Oct. 11 vs. Oklahoma

4. Oklahoma - The defense will be one of the best in recent college
football history if all the parts come together. Don't forget though,
this great D couldn't handle Oklahoma State or Texas A&M last year. The
offense will be fine, but it'll miss running back Quentin Griffin more
than most people think. Given time to prepare, there's no better big
game coaching staff than OU's, so they should be spending this
off-season making absolutely sure that the defense doesn't have to win
every game.
Relative strength: defensive back seven Relative Weakness: quarterbacks

Star of the team: Junior DT Tommie Harris Key game: Oct. 11 vs. Texas

5. Auburn - This is a veteran team overloaded with talent to burn at
several positions. Led by one of the better running back corps in recent
college football history and two sensational linebackers in Karlos
Dansby and Dontarrious Thomas, Auburn should be the favorite to win the
SEC title. .
Relative strength: running backs and linebackers Relative Weakness:
special teams and kicking game
Star of the team: Senior LB Dontarrious Thomas Key game: Oct. 25 at LSU

6. Virginia Tech - Head coach Frank Beamer has his best team since the
1999 juggernaut. The defense is experienced, deep and very, very
talented. The offense gets almost all of its key components back with an
expected upgrade in overall firepower helped by the experience of
receiver Ernest Wilford, quarterback Bryan Randall and running back
Kevin Jones working behind a solid line. Oh yeah, there's also Marcus
Vick waiting to explode on the college football world.
Relative strength: defensive line Relative Weakness: receivers
Star of the team: Junior RB Kevin Jones Key game: Nov. 1 vs. Miami

7. USC - Does any team have lines as good as USC has? The offensive line
has the best offensive tackles in America, while the defensive line,
known as Wild Bunch II modeled after the great line of 1969, has five
NFL caliber players. These lines will have to dominate until many of the
young and talented players are able to fight through their inexperience.
.
Relative strength: offensive and defensive line Relative Weakness:
running backs
Star of the team: Sophomore WR Mike Williams Key game: Sept. 27 at
Arizona State

8. Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh has a nice mix of superstars like receiver
Larry Fitzgerald and defensive end Claude Harriott and solid,
experienced producers like cornerback Shawntae Spencer and linebacker
Lewis Moore. There's no glaring weakness on this team, but the offensive
line could use a bit of work.
Relative strength: running backs Relative Weakness: linebackers
Star of the team: Sophomore WR Larry Fitzgerald Key game: Nov. 8 vs.
Virginia Tech

9. Kansas State - While there are some holes to fill and some new stars
need to emerge, Kansas State should be the favorite to win the Big XII
North. The hope will be for everything to come together in time to get
to the title game. If the defense can become nearly as strong as it was
last year and the offense can avoid injuries to key players, this could
finally be the Big XII title year that Wildcat fans have been waiting
for.
Relative strength: linebackers Relative Weakness: receivers
Star of the team: Senior QB Ell Roberson Key game: October 4 at Texas

10. Maryland - If the Terps can stay healthy, then the sky's the limit.
There are plenty of lettermen and great depth returning to most
positions, but there could be problems if injuries strike at quarterback
or on the lines. The Terps are loaded at linebacker, defensive back and
running back and have the depth to withstand some problems there.
Relative strength: secondary Relative Weakness: defensive line
Star of the team: Senior FS Madieu Williams Key game: Sept. 6 vs.
Florida State

11. Georgia - This Dawgs are loaded with young talent and could be
something out of this world in 2004. There aren't many seniors and while
the Bulldogs will lose one or two players early to the NFL, Georgia fans
can think national title in a few years. How will the whole ring-gate
thing work out?
Relative strength: quarterbacks Relative Weakness: linebackers
Star of the team: Junior DE David Pollack Key game: Nov. 1 vs. Florida

12. Tennessee - Tennessee is a program that reloads, but there's no
accounting for the type of injuries that the Vols suffered last year.
The talent is there this season to outathletic most teams, but the
potential is also there for another four loss regular season if it can't
pull off a couple of very, very tough road wins.
Relative strength: running backs Relative Weakness: receivers
Star of the team: Senior FS Rashad Baker Key game: Sept. 20 at Florida

13. Wisconsin - Barry Alvarez has had some great teams in Madison
winning three Rose Bowls over the years, but this could be his best team
yet. He's never had a receiving corps like this one or a defensive front
seven with as much talent as this team has. He also has a loaded
backfield and a solid kicking game.
Relative strength: receivers Relative Weakness: secondary
Star of the team: Junior RB Anthony Davis Key game: Oct. 11 vs. Ohio
State

14. LSU - The Tigers might have the best lines in America to go along
with a receiving corps that would blow away anyone in a 4x4 relay. Yes,
Nick Saban has amassed some outstanding talent able to bring his top
recruiting classes along quickly to provide better overall depth than
the program has seen in years. With so much talent and so many all-star
candidates, there's no reason the Tigers can't win its second SEC
championship in three years.
Relative strength: offensive and defensive lines Relative Weakness:
special teams and kicking game
Star of the team: Junior WR Michael Clayton Key game: Oct. 25 vs.
Auburn

15. North Carolina State - There are great young recruits coming in and
head coach Chuck Amato has shown no fear when it comes to putting
freshmen in prominent roles. The Wolfpack might have the best
quarterback, running back, wide receiver and secondary in the ACC to go
along with talented depth developing at several key spots.
Relative strength: quarterbacks Relative Weakness: defensive line
Star of the team: Senior QB Philip Rivers Key game: Nov. 15 at Florida
State

16. Michigan - It might not be the most exciting offense in college
football, but it could be among the most effective with a veteran
quarterback, big receivers, an emerging star back and one of the best
lines in America. The defense has to overcome the loss of several
big-time players, but Marlin Jackson and Carl Diggs are good foundations
to build around..
Relative strength: offensive line Relative Weakness: linebackers
Star of the team: Junior CB Marlin Jackson Key game: Nov. 22 vs. Ohio
State

17. Virginia - The ACC is far stronger, the Cavs have a difficult road
slate, and everyone's going to be gunning for the new star of the
conference. Don't be surprised if they have a bit of struggle getting to
nine wins again, but they should still be in the hunt for the ACC title
with Florida State and Georgia Tech coming to Charlottesville. With all
of the young talent, head coach Al Groh has this program on the verge of
being a powerhouse.
Relative strength: linebackers Relative Weakness: receivers
Star of the team: Senior QB Matt Schaub Key game: Nov. 1 at NC State

18. Oregon State - This isn't the most physical team in college
football, but it's athletic and they can flat out fly. Steven Jackson is
the type of franchise back you design a whole offense around.
Quarterback Derek Anderson has raw skills and could be an All-Pac 10
performer this season with one of the fastest receiving corps in college
football. The defense needs to avoid injury and must find a way to equal
the run defense of last year.
Relative strength: receivers Relative Weakness: secondary
Star of the team: Junior RB Steven Jackson Key game: Nov. 11 at Oregon

19. UCLA - The offense will be balanced and might not be looking for the
home run on every other play. The defense will be the opposite with an
attacking scheme using various blitzes. Many might not be paying
attention to the Bruins, but this has to be considered one of the
sleeper teams for the Pac 10 title.
Relative strength: running backs Relative Weakness: quarterbacks
Star of the team: Senior DE Dave Ball Key game: Oct. 4 vs. Washington

20. Florida - For all of those Gator-haters out there, this might be the
final season for a while to enjoy the Florida program at a less-than-BCS
level. Why? Talent, talent and more talent. That's what the Gators have,
but they're short on experience. This year should be a lot like last
season with a few spectacular performances to get everyone riled up to
go along with a few major clunkers.
Relative strength: offensive line Relative Weakness: linebackers
Star of the team: Senior CB/WR Keiwan Ratliff Key game: Sept. 20th vs.
Tennessee

21. Notre Dame - Even though head coach Ty Willingham always thinks his
teams should win, this Irish team doesn't have BCS talent when compared
to the top programs in the country. While they can certainly play with
the big boys, they're still a couple of big recruiting classes away from
being one of the elite teams.
Relative strength: linebackers Relative Weakness: offensive line
Star of the team: Senior LB Courtney Watson Key game: Sept. 13 at
Michigan

22. Alabama - Can Alabama really crank out a great passing offense? The
pieces of the puzzle are there to do it, but Brodie Croyle has to become
an instant player and his receivers must shine. If that doesn't work,
Mike Shula can fall back on the running game with a great offensive line
to run behind.
Relative strength: offensive line Relative Weakness: receivers
Star of the team: Junior OG Justin Smiley Key game: Nov. 22 at Auburn

23. Purdue - The Boilermakers were close to a huge 2002 season losing
all six games by a touchdown or less and could've won all six with the
exception of one big play in each game. The team was young and still
learning, but there are no excuses going into this season. If the
offensive line comes around and is at least adequate, there's no reason
Purdue can't win the Big Ten title, or at least come extremely close.
Relative strength: receivers Relative Weakness: offensive line
Star of the team: Senior FS Stuart Schweigert Key game: October 18th at
Wisconsin

24. Missouri - Everyone knows about star quarterback Brad Smith, but the
Tigers also have stars of the future like running back Damien Nash,
safety Dedrick Hamilton and slew of young defensive linemen to build
around for the future. Mizzou recruits, fans and opposing Big XII
coaches realize that this is a program that has the potential to do some
big things. Now it has to go out and get it done.
Relative strength: offensive line Relative Weakness: receivers
Star of the team: Sophomore QB Brad Smith Key game: Nov. 8 at Colorado

25. Florida State - Sure there are stars like Greg Jones, Kendyll Pope
and Michael Boulware who'll be gone next season, but the Noles might
only need a season before players like linebacker Ernie Sims, running
back Lorenzo Booker and receiver Craphonso Thorpe become among college
football's new superstars. Quarterback Chris Rix is only a junior, and
the entire offensive line will return for 2004. Seminole fans will have
to be patient for a year, hope the storms blow over, and then everything
could be back to normal.
Relative strength: linebackers Relative Weakness: offensive line
Star of the team: Senior LB Michael Boulware Key game: Sept. 6 vs.
Maryland


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[ June 12, 2003, 08:21 AM: Message edited by: m1 ]

Florida State at #25 -- when was the last time they were ranked so low? -- I'm guessing before they entered the ACC. With MD, UVA and NC State all ranked higher, looks to be a competitive season.

I hope the OSU @ Wisconsin game lives up to its expectations. There's already clamoring for tickets over on one of the Badger boards.

It's great seeing Auburn way up there -- esp. for all War Damn Eagle guys here on outsports! (Sorry GJ!)

Thanks, Buck. I'm actually pleased to see us at #20 - most polls haven't even had us in the top 25. But the analysis is right on. If Gator fans can be patient enough to get thru another 8-5 season and let Zookie develop these new guys, we can expect a return to greatness next year. We've got the talent, just gotta let it grow.

should be a very interesting year with some very good teams and some great match ups.
My Canes will be very good and I think Brock Berlin will really step up and be a very good QB.

I agree, az. As much disdain as I have had for Miami in the past, they kinda grew on me last year, what with the whole Dorsey/Stifler thing. Brockie will do you well -- just hope that he has an uncharacteristic off day on Sep. 6. wink

I am surprised to see my Horns ranked this high. Most have us 7-8. We have a completely unproven QB ready to start, and worse, an all-universe, hot shot red-shirt freshman as the backup. Can you spell controversy again?

With OU's incredible defense, it'll be tough to get past them again. That will be 4 in a row to them and that is almost always fatal in Austin. We'll see.

Jamie,
Miami has a rough schedule this year playing 5 of your top 25 team. @Pitt in November at night, @Va Tech in November at night, @ FSU, and UF and Tennessee at home. It is gonna be tough for them to perform as well as they did last year and you know the Canes dont usually play well in the cold.

Doc! Great to hear from ya! So - is it too early to pray for snow in Miami on Sep 6? :cool:

I think that this particular poll is off the mark, but then again, the whole point of polls is to spark discussion. However, if I hear one more bowl proponent say that Div IA college football doesn't need a playoff because the MNC (Mythical National Championship) was meant to be decided by poll controversy, well, I'm just gonna have kittens...

Gay Goters!

Auburn has incredibly tough schedule schedule this year. I appreciate the ranking but not sure if we are worthy of it. We have great running backs, talented receivers...but we are still suspect at QB. The defense love the corners so that's going to hurt some as well with our inexperience at that position.

Forget the preason, Let's Play Ball!

What? No Ducks? :mad:

I think the Ducks will rebound from their late season collapse last year. The QB situation is still not se. I think Kellen Clemmens will win the starting nod over Jason Fife. The running game will be interesting without Onterrio.

Nope. The yella uniforms blinded the sportswriters.

wink

You callin' us yella, Gay-tor? Watch it...or I'll sick Poe on you wink

NOW YOU'VE GONE TOO FAR, QUACK-MEISTER! eek!

That's ok - at least I'm not a parent of a middle school child in Alachua County, Florida:

http://www.sbac.edu/~kms/Faculty.htm

"Karma - it's everywhere you're going to be"

:cool:

Where are the naysayers who said the ACC wasnt a football conference?? 4 teams in the top 25.
Ahhhh cant wait til Miami, BC, and the 'Cuse come and join the fun.

Wow, a Preseason Top 25 without Nebraska!! Simply amazing, it has to be the first time in my lifetime for this to occur!! At least, my alma mater, Texas is listed at #3!! They have a grueling schedule though, so I don't know how long they will be there!!

Yup, first time in my lifetime too (that I remember, at least) without Nebraska in the pre-season Top 25. Interestingly, these folks pick the Huskers nationally at #30 (dangerously close to those yellow uniformed Ducks) -- but #4 in the Big XII North behind K-State, Colorado and Missouri. Should be an interesting season. Is Aug. 30th here yet?

Here's ESPN's Top 25 -- once again Auburn's in the top 5, UVA and Maryland higher than FSU ... Nebraska not around ...

No. 1 Oklahoma
No. 2 Miami
No. 3 Ohio State
No. 4 Auburn
No. 5 Michigan
No. 6 USC
No. 7 Texas
No. 8 Virginia
No. 9 Virginia Tech
No. 10 Kansas State
No. 11 Georgia
No. 12 Maryland
No. 13 Arizona State
No. 14 Pittsburgh
No. 15 Florida State
No. 16 NC State
No. 17 Purdue
No. 18 Washington
No. 19 Tennessee
No. 20 Notre Dame
No. 21 TCU
No. 22 Texas A&M
No. 23 Iowa
No. 24 Wisconsin
No. 25 Oklahoma State

Link to article.

[ June 10, 2003, 08:39 AM: Message edited by: DCBucky ]

Hmmm....interesting. Georgia's overrated, Florida's underrated, and there's gonna be some 'splainin' to do in Tallahassee (not just around the Bush dinner table wink ).

I understand why my guys are getting short shrift preseason-wise, but I still miss seeing 'em in preseason rankings. Oh well, I'd rather climb up than have to hold on to a top spot.

gj

I guess it's evidence of how big FSU's past success has been that when they are still in rebuilding mode there is so much attention brought to it. Even Miami's off years didn't get that much attention, and they have more national titles! Same with Nebraska!

No, there does not need to be any 'splaining in Tallahassee, except at the Bush dinner table.

I paid for UCF season tickets today. Go Knights! Hey, we get two nationally televised games this year - the opener at VaTech, and in November (on a Wed. night) at home vs. Marshall. Quarterback Ryan Schneider is on the Heismann watch list, and Atari Bigby is on the Nagurski watch list.

Ya know, success is great, but the real reason I'm a college football fanatic is the atmosphere. Having been to games in Tallahasse and Gainesville, I'll tell you that those places are only fun when the home team wins. At UCF games, we have a great time, win or lose.

Am I in the minority on this?

Jim

Depends on the answer to the real question: How's their band?!

The band is awesome! Need I say where their director got his education....?

The Florida Public Conservatory and Sports Book?

Get em Gaytoretee.

Just got my copy of The Sporting News College Football Preview today and it could very well be the only publication in the country picking Auburn #1. Yep!?! eek! Here is The Sporting News Preseason Top 25:

1. Auburn
2. Ohio State
3. Oklahoma
4. Michigan
5. Miami, Fla.
6. Southern California
7. Kansas State
8. Texas
9. Washington
10. Virginia
11. Georgia
12. Purdue
13. Louisiana State
14. Florida State
15. Virginia Tech
16. Tennessee
17. Maryland
18. Colorado State
19. Pittsburgh
20. Notre Dame
21. Fresno State
22. Oklahoma State
23. North Carolina State
24. TCU
25. Wisconsin

That musta made Aubie do the Snoopy dance...

That makes Aubie NERVOUS. The last time we were ranked #1, it was the SI jinx and we bombed.

Hey, let's face it, the people at the Sporting News are smart; put Auburn # 1 and those stupid rednecks will fly to California to buy the last copy of that issue!

Not that I'd have a problem with that... wink

With Maryland, Virginia and NC State ranked so highly (sorry FSU) and Miami, Va Tech, Syracuse and BC set to join in 2005 (or so it appears), the claims of the ACC being a weak football conference may soon be a thing of the past.

Now if Lou Holtz can only perform more of his magic in Columbia and get USC's offense untracked (to go with their usually stellar defense) then the 'Cocks may just give UT, UGA, and the Gators (sorry GJ wink ) a run for their money in the SEC East -- even if we do have to play the Vols and Dawgs on the road....if JC QB transfer Mike Rathe is everything they claim and the Gamecocks young RB tandem plays up to their potential (geez, I hate that cliche ) then the rest of the SEC will not look forward to facing the 'Cocks again.

That's just it -- you guys always do. The team that looks past you guys gets a big wakeup call.

Hey, you know the UF-USC game is in Columbia this year. I can't go to the UF-UK game in Lexington, so Columbia is the closest that my beloved reptiles will be to DC. And - I've never been to a game in El Cucaracha. My str8 grrl buddies and I had talked about going. Think about it!

gj

speaking of the SI jinx any theories on this year's cursee ... I'm guessing Kansas St.

2 more polls and still no sign of the DUCKS :mad:
That's ok, we'll lay low & sneak up on people just like the old days. And those yellow uni's are just for special occasions!

Now there's an idea for an entertaining road trip, GJ (just watch out for those state troopers in their unmarked Mustangs in Carolina on I-95 -- yes, I speak from experience ...and of course you'll be entertained for a couple hundred miles by all those billboards to stop and see "Pedro" at South of the Border ).

El Cucaracha ha?....can't say I've heard Cola. town or Williams-Brice Stadium referred to in those terms before -- it's probably another one of your always entertaining originals....just don't be too disappointed when Zookie's Gators are left hanging their heads -- even if it will be game 11 for both teams by the time they meet on Nov. 15th -- do you suppose the SEC East title may be at stake?

I'm sure some of the young southern gentlemen in SC may be able to help a few of your cute Gator boys heal their wounds. wink

At least all the bars in Five Points are always jumpin, though, especially when the 'Cocks win!

[ June 19, 2003, 03:48 PM: Message edited by: gamecock ]

I'm guessing "El Cucaracha" refers to the stadium. When I was at FSU and we played USC all the time (remember the old Metro Conference), we called it "The Dead Crab". The way the lights stick out from the upper deck does look like a crab (or roach) on it's back.

Jim

Yep, I was referring to the lighting arrangement at Wms-Brice. But it's not a slap, just a friendly jibe. I hear that it's a cool place - apparently so did the filmers of "The Program."

I'll talk to the grrrlz this weekend about a road trip, and gamecock, you and I can discuss at the 7/16 happy hour.

Gay Goters!

CNNSI chimes in with its Spring Top 25:

1. Ohio State
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas
4. Miami
5. Virginia Tech
6. North Carolina State
7. Auburn
8. Kansas State
9. Michigan
10. Washington
11. Georgia
12. Pittsburgh
13. Southern California
14. Florida State
15. Maryland
16. Virginia
17. Tennessee
18. Purdue
19. Arizona State
20. Oklahoma State
21. Louisiana State
22. Texas A&M
23. Wisconsin
24. Notre Dame
25. Missouri


CNNSI's Top 25 Analysis

compiling the 9 presasons top 25's that I have (my own included) these are the results so far

1. Ohio St.
2. Oklahoma
3. Miami
4. Texas
5. Auburn
6. Michigan
7. K-State
8. USC
9. Vir. Tech
10. Pitt
11. Georgia
12. Maryland
13. N.C. State
14. Washington
15. Tennessee
16. Virginia
17. LSU
18. Florida St.
19. Wisconsin
20. Purdue
21. Notre Dame
22. Oregon St.
23. Arizona St.
24. Oklahoma St.
25. Florida

40 teams recieved mention, 14 were in all 9, 3 were in 8/9, and another 3 were in 7/9

[ June 24, 2003, 03:56 PM: Message edited by: Breesboy ]

Is it August 30th yet? I am so ready for we'll get back to talking about football and not about Ricky Martin's damn "girlfriend".

Girrrlfriend, you can say that again!

66 more days!

GatorJ

Aubie and GJ - add this link to your favorites:

Count down to College Kick-Off!

(you'll find me in Morgantown, West Virginia then -- ON WISCONSIN -- btw, Jamie, the UW Band will not be on this road trip)

Ahhh...

Finally, Pitt get some recognition for the great job Walt Harris is doing.... a few top 10's too, needless to say, I'm just all giddy....

Big conference or not, go Panthers!

And Miami doesn't want to be in the same division as FSU? Awwwww... wah wah cry baby. Maybe they should have tried to make peace with their Big East co-members first, before turning their backs on them.

Yes, I'm just a jaded thing..... heeheheheeee

evil too

Oooo.. the new WVU uniforms do look nice by the way....

pittkid

I agree cant wait for college football!!! nothing against the baseball fans but to me this is most boring time of the year for sports.

Should be a great season. GO CANES : )

OK -- It's July 1 -- that means we can now say:

"College football kicks off next month!!!"

Although the portion that follows this quote is a bit misguided, I'll heartily agree with the quote. Last football-free month!

CHOMP!

good reply Jamie : ) best of luck to the Gators
they are going to need it when they play the Canes : )

LOL, we're going to need it!

BTW, don't you think that Brock Berlin is a welcome addition to those otherwise-icky orange-and-green uniforms?

and now it's CBS Sportline's turn (the "Previous" ranking was their post spring top 25 list):

1. Oklahoma: Jason White's two reconstructed knees are less and less a factor. Bob Stoops says this is the best offensive line he has had. We hear the defense is salty too.
Stock: Steady. Previous: 1

2. Auburn: The deepest stable of running backs in the nation. Word is, the Bengals are negotiating a trade for a Corey Dillon backup.
Stock: Rising. Previous: 2

3. Ohio State: What do you do when all 11 offensive starters are back from the national championship team? Brag.
Stock: Steady. Previous: 3

4. Kansas State: Bill Snyder is used to running anti-Heisman campaigns. Ell Roberson will just have to prove himself on the field. What a concept!
Stock: Steady. Previous: 4

5. Virginia Tech: The Pac-10 just called and wants to expand. The Hokies are interested.
Stock: Rising. Previous: 6

6. Miami: It was a hard decision but after deliberate discussions with the trustees and having conducted due diligence, Miami felt this was a ranking it couldn't pass up. No. 6 was a better geographic fit for its athletic program. It enjoyed its stop at No. 5 in the last top 25 and wishes Virginia Tech well at that spot.
Stock: Rising. Previous: 5

7. Georgia: Selling those SEC championship rings shouldn't cost the Dawgs eligibility. The NCAA realized that the jewelry is theirs and the players can do whatever they want with it. It's the Elizabeth Taylor Theory.
Stock: Rising. Previous: 7

8. Texas: Chance Mock is a huge NASCAR fan, which figures. The Longhorns' new quarterback will be causing a lot of collisions with his running ability.
Stock: Steady. Previous: 11

9. Michigan: Swallow hard, doubters -- John Navarre is considered one of the best quarterback prospects in next year's NFL Draft.
Stock: Rising. Previous: 15

10. Pittsburgh: Where to next for the Panthers? Winning the Big East just once would be a good place to start before asking that question.
Stock: Dropping. Previous: 8

11. NC State: Virginia and Maryland at home. That's enough for The Chest to win his first ACC title.
Stock: Steady. Previous: 10

12. Maryland: The Terps are so physical, the entire defense was arrested outside a College Park club recently for flexing.
Stock: Rising. Previous: 21

13. USC: Take the defense and Norm Chow replacing a Heisman quarterback against the field.
Stock: Rising. Previous: 17

14. Virginia: Only eight senior starters. For other programs that would be disaster. For Al Groh, that means a 2004 ACC title.
Stock: Rising. Previous: 12

15. LSU: Michael Clayton is the SEC's best player. He might even mix in some time at receiver.
Stock: Steady. Previous: 19

16. Notre Dame: Julius Jones is back. Suddenly, 10 wins looks doable -- again.
Stock: Rising. Previous: 16

17. Wisconsin: Ten straight years of 1,000-yard rushers. Barry Alvarez, we know, can coach defense. This is the Big Ten dark horse.
Stock: Rising. Previous: NR

18. Texas A&M: Aggies are a year away -- from wondering whether Fran will stay.
Stock: Dropping. Previous: 9

19. Washington: It's never a good thing when a program doesn't have a coach on July 1. Offensive coordinator Keith Gilbertson is technically only running the office while the Rick Neuheisel thing runs its course.
Stock: Dropping. Previous: 13

20. Arizona State: Defense a huge question mark and, as we all know, you need huge players to overcome huge punctuation.
Stock: Steady. Previous: 14

21. Oklahoma State: Does it really matter where the Cowboys play Oklahoma?
Stock: Steady. Previous: 23

22. Tennessee: Coming off the school's worst record in 15 years (8-5), all Phillip Fulmer has to do is win a national championship.
Stock: Steady. Previous: 24

23. TCU: Gary Patterson's defense is why none of the previous 22 teams will even consider traveling to Fort Worth for something other than a rodeo.
Stock: Rising. Previous: NR

24. Florida State: Until Chris Rix starts waking up for exams and stops missing receivers, we're not sold. Book 'em fourth in the ACC.
Stock: Dropping. Previous: 22

25. Alabama: Mike Shula has never run a program (never mind one on probation) and is coaching players brought in two coaches ago.
Stock: Dropping. Previous: 18