GoldenEagle
05-07-2004, 02:30 AM
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Post-Spring Top 25: Taylor injury won't dog Georgia
</td></tr></tbody> </table> <table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td width="10"> </td> <td class="page"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td width="50">http://images.sportsline.com/images/author/257.gif</td> <td nowrap="nowrap"> May 5, 2004
By Dennis Dodd (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/columns/writers/dodd)
SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Tell Dennis your opinion! (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/columns/writers/dodd)
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</td></tr> </tbody> </table> <table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="10"> </td> <td class="page"> Couldn't bring myself to do it. As much as Mark Richt wants to poor-mouth his team.
<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="30%" border="0" align="left"> <tbody><tr valign="top" class="bg0"> <td colspan="2"> <center> Non-BCS Top 10 </center> </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 1. Louisville </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 2. Memphis </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 3. TCU </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 4. Utah </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 5. Boise State </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 6. Southern Miss </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 7. Toledo </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 8. Hawaii </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 9. Miami (Ohio) </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 10. Fresno State </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
As much as the injury to linebacker Tony Taylor was devastating. As much as LSU is defending SEC and co-national champions ...
Georgia is still No. 1. At least in the SportsLine.com Post-Spring Top 25. It can -- and will -- change this summer, but for now, the Dawgs have confirmed what most of us know:
The SEC is the best -- again. Five teams in the Top 25 are from the Southern football powerhouse: Georgia, LSU, Florida, Auburn and Tennessee.
Whatever team wins the conference, it's going to be a straight-up witch getting to the Sugar Bowl -- or Orange Bowl.
<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top" class="bg0"> <td colspan="4"> <center> Dodd's Post-Spring Top 25 </center> </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg1"> <td> Team </td> <td> '03 Record </td> <td> Pvs* </td> <td> Season Opener </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 1. Georgia (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/GA) </td> <td> 11-3 </td> <td> 1 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Ga. Southern </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Award winners all over the place -- David Greene for Heisman, Davey O'Brien etc. Fred Gibson for the Biletnikoff. David Pollack for the Nagurski. LSU is the defending SEC champ and co-national champ, but it comes together this year for the Dawgs. The biggest news of the spring was Taylor's season-ending knee injury in the spring game. Usually, that would have caused the Dawgs to slip out of the top spot, but once again, there is plenty of depth behind him. Unless more injuries hit, Mark Richt has no excuse for winning another SEC title and perhaps more. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 2. LSU (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/LSU) </td> <td> 13-1 </td> <td> 4 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Oregon State </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Marcus Randall is a better athlete at quarterback than the departed Matt Mauck but will play the same way. Coaches aren't sure about Randall's decision-making, so they will, at least initially, just ask him to manage games and let the rest of the offense win them. The Tigers lose the heart of their defensive line, their best receiver and quarterback. Any other team would be crying. The Tigers are reloading. The tiebreaker with Georgia might come down to that game being in Athens. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 3. Oklahoma (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/OK) </td> <td> 12-2 </td> <td> 3 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Bowling Green </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> The defense lost three All-Americans (Derrick Strait, Teddy Lehman and Tommie Harris) and might still be the best in the country. Tailback Kejuan Jones moved up the depth chart in the spring. That's before, of course, the arrival of prep superstar Adrian Peterson in the fall. Heisman winner Jason White will have plenty of support again. With the Big 12 being down slightly, the Sooners should waltz to the conference title. But isn't that what we said last year? </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 4. Southern California (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/USC) </td> <td> 12-1 </td> <td> 2 </td> <td> Aug. 28 vs. Virginia Tech </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> With the loss of Jacob Rodgers, Will Poole and Mike Williams (for now), USC can't be as strong. Can it? The offensive line was hurt by the loss of potential All-American offensive tackle Winston Justice, who ran into legal trouble. Defensive tackle Shaun Cody is moving to defensive end to take over for Kenechi Udeze. Quarterback Matt Leinart will be the odds-on favorite for the Heisman. Tailback Reggie Bush will have a breakout season. The Trojans will win the Pac-10 again, but another national championship? Right now, it's too much to ask. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 5. Miami (Fla.) (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/MIA) </td> <td> 11-2 </td> <td> 6 </td> <td> Sept. 6 vs. Florida State </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> The season is defined in the opener against Florida State. The rivalry gets ratcheted up even higher with both teams now in the ACC. Larry Coker cut out a lot of controversy by naming Brock Berlin the starter early in the spring. That doesn't mean Kyle Wright won't play (especially given Berlin's history). The 'Canes have lost 20 first-round draft choices in the past five years. It never seems to catch up to them. The season seems to hinge on a rebuilt defense (only four starters return) and Berlin's reliability. Don't count them out of the Orange Bowl. They are always sniffing around a national championship. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 6. Florida State (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/FLST) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 5 </td> <td> Sept. 6 at Miami (Fla.) </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> OK, so Darnell Dockett and Greg Jones are gone. TB Leon Washington and DLs Eric Moore and Chauncey Davis figure to rise up and become the next set of stars. On offense, Chris Rix must step up in his fifth year and be a difference-maker instead of a guy who just manages a game. The Seminoles will continue to feast on ACC opponents. If they get past Miami, the 'Noles miss Virginia Tech this year and have a chance to defend their title in the new ACC. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 7. Texas (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/TX) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 7 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. North Texas </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> We've been fooled before ranking the 'Horns near the top. Until they actually break through and beat Oklahoma, an annual top 10 spot is reserved for them, but there is no room at the very top. This might be the year. Mack Brown has to reload at receiver, but the defense is young and angry -- or should be -- after having 65 hung on it by the Sooners. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 8. Michigan (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/MI) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 9 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Miami (Ohio) </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> So John Navarre is gone, so what? Every Wolverines starter at quarterback since 1989 has made an NFL roster. Matt Gutierrez, who never lost a game as a high school starter at Concord De La Salle, is the leader in the clubhouse after the spring. Clayton Richard, a Parade All-American from Lafayette, Ind., is in the mix. So is Pennsylvania recruit Chad Henne, who will join them in the fall. Senior Dave Underwood seems to be the favorite to replace Chris Perry. You know Michigan will be big in the offensive line, serviceable at quarterback and nasty on defense. The Wolves go in as Big Ten favorites. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 9. Florida (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/FL) </td> <td> 8-5 </td> <td> 11 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Middle Tenn. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Looks like a breakout year for the Gators. Chris Leak was 6-3 as a freshman starter. The Gators beat both LSU and Georgia. With some more defensive consistency, Florida will be a factor in the SEC race. Coach Ron Zook probably has to win more than eight this year to keep Steve Spurrier's shadow from becoming a permanent presence on the sideline again. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 10. Kansas State (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/KST) </td> <td> 11-4 </td> <td> 8 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. W. Kentucky </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Significant doubt about the athleticism at quarterback. Dylan Meier is the favorite to replace Ell Roberson. Indiana transfer Alan Webb will resume the battle in the summer. Coach Bill Snyder was down on his team after the spring game. Still, the Wildcats are the favorites to win the Big 12 North and at least try to defend their 2003 conference championship. Heisman candidate Darren Sproles lost his mother to cancer in the spring, but he should ready to make a run at 1,800 yards (again) this fall. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 11. Louisville (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/LOU) </td> <td> 9-4 </td> <td> 19 </td> <td> Sept. 5 vs. Kentucky </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> All Stefan LeFors did was lead the Cardinals to a nine-victory season. But 2003 recruit Michael Bush was promised a shot at the job in spring practice. The nation's No. 2 prep quarterback, Brian Brohm, arrives in the fall. It could be a mess. It could be a sign of the deepest non-BCS team around. The Cardinals return 17 starters. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 12. Ohio State (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/OHST) </td> <td> 11-2 </td> <td> 15 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Cincinnati </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> A rash of legal problems has left Jim Tressel looking like John Cooper. The difference is Tressel has a little money in the bank with a national championship and those victories over Michigan. If not for that bad news, the Bucks would be in the top 10. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 13. Memphis (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/MEM) </td> <td> 9-4 </td> <td> 14 </td> <td> Sept. 4 at Mississippi </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Every single starter returns on offense, including one from 2002. Receiver Tavares Gideon returns after sitting out with an injury. Coach Tommy West is coming off a 9-4 bowl season (the first in more than 30 years) loaded to the gills. He signed the No. 1 class in Conference USA and got 13 of the top 21 players in Tennessee. Quarterback Danny Wimprine already owns 26 school offense records. Running back DeAngelo Williams (Conference USA player of the year) led the nation in all-purpose yardage and was fifth in rushing. The offensive line is four deep at every position. It's too bad Conference USA is being broken up, because it's rounding into shape with Louisville, TCU and the Tigers. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 14. Virginia (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/VA) </td> <td> 8-5 </td> <td> 12 </td> <td> Sept. 4 at Temple </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> We made the mistake of overrating the Wahoos last year. Believe the hype this year. Matt Schaub is gone, but the ACC's best defense will anchor a team that will benefit from Al Groh's aggressive recruiting. If the staff continues to work its magic, Virginia might actually get better at quarterback with Marques Hagans and Anthony Martinez. Wali Lundy could be the best running back in the ACC. Seven starters return. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 15. Texas Christian (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/TCU) </td> <td> 11-2 </td> <td> 10 </td> <td> Sept. 2 vs. Northwestern </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> It's time to stop passing off the Frogs as some sort of second-tier program. While deficient defensively, they came within a trip to Mississippi State of playing in the Fiesta Bowl last year. Coach Gary Patterson is a great motivator. Fourteen starters return, including eight on offense, where TCU will have to shine if it is going to chase that BCS berth again. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 16. Purdue (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/PUR) </td> <td> 9-4 </td> <td> NR </td> <td> Sept. 5 vs. Syracuse </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Quarterback Kyle Orton is an NFL prospect. Most of the talent is back on offense. The challenge for Joe Tiller will be building a Big Ten-level defense that returns only three starters. Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Michigan are all on the schedule. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 17. Maryland (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/MD) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 17 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. N. Illinois </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Terps have proved themselves among the elite in the ACC with 31 victories in the past three years. That won't change in the new ACC. A replacement must be found for quarterback Scott McBrien. Never underestimate Ralph Friedgen. Don't be surprised if he wins 10 again. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 18. Utah (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/UT) </td> <td> 10-2 </td> <td> 24 </td> <td> Sept. 2 vs. Texas A&M </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Biggest offseason "move" was keeping red-hot coach Urban Meyer. The Kings of the Mountain (West) follow a 10-victory season with the league's best recruiting class. Fifteen starters return, including quarterback Alex Smith. There won't be much fall off from a 10-2 season. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 19. Auburn (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/AUB) </td> <td> 8-5 </td> <td> 18 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. La.-Monroe </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> QB Jason Campbell will be playing for his fourth offensive coordinator in as many years. Al Borges, though, is a good one and should help Campbell to his greatest season. The tailback job is settled, with Cadillac Williams ready to run wild if the offensive line can stay solid. Four starters return. If the Tigers can avoid last year's 0-2 start, they should win eight again. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 20. Tennessee (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/TN) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 16 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. UNLV </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> A critical year for the Vols. LSU and Georgia have passed Tennessee as SEC powers. Casey Clausen is gone. The talent level of the receiving corps has dropped. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 21. California (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/CA) </td> <td> 8-6 </td> <td> 20 </td> <td> Sept. 4 at Air Force </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Don't laugh. Jeff Tedford is one of the top five coaches in the nation and put his name on the 2003 season as the only coach to beat co-national champion Southern California. He is the best teacher of quarterbacks in the country. Watch for QB Aaron Rodgers and his favorite target, Geoff McArthur, to keep improving. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 22. West Virginia (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/WV) </td> <td> 8-5 </td> <td> 25 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. East Carolina </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> The Mountaineers have a chance to be the Big East's new power. Kay-Jay Harris will replace Quincy Wilson at running back. The defense will be good enough for West Virginia to win the conference without the bother of Miami (Fla.). </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 23. Nebraska (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/NE) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 22 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. W. Illinois </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Folks seem to have forgotten the Huskers did win 10 last year. This will definitely be a transition year, but Bill Callahan should be able to milk seven or eight victories out of players recruited to play Frank Solich's system. The walk-on program has been gutted. Joe Dailey has to learn the West Coast. Kevin Cosgrove arrives from Wisconsin as d-coordinator to keep the Blackshirts tradition alive. 61,000 at the spring game couldn't wait to see the Midwest Coast Offense. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 24. Washington State (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/WAST) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 21 </td> <td> Sept. 3 at New Mexico </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> You can't dismiss three consecutive 10-win seasons. We keep hearing about all these losses and the Cougars keep responding. The pressure is on second-year coach Bill Doba to start winning with his players. So what's wrong with an 8-3 once in a while? </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 25. Minnesota (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/MIN) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> NR </td> <td> Sept. 5 vs. Toledo </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> The Gophers should get to their fifth bowl in the past six seasons under Glen Mason. Yeah, the Metrodome still sucks but as long as Mason is around, the school will be fighting for a new stadium and for yardage in the run-first offense. Watch out for Marion Barber III. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> * - Previous ranking indicates Dodd's Pre-Spring Top 25. </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top" class="bg0"> <td colspan="2"> <center> Nine just out of Top 25 </center> </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg1"> <td> Team </td> <td> Comment </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Boise State </td> <td> Not even a lock to win the WAC this year. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Connecticut </td> <td> Big East champs? </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Iowa </td> <td> Too much to replace. Fourth or fifth in the Big Ten. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Missouri </td> <td> Gary Pinkel making Brad Smith a pocket passer? </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> N.C. State </td> <td> It's T.A. McClendon's team now. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Okla. St. </td> <td> Josh Fields goes baseball. Pokes fall. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Oregon </td> <td> Rebuilding but Mike Bellotti is waaaay behind USC. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Toledo </td> <td> Rockets are this year's Miami (Ohio) in the MAC. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Va. Tech </td> <td> New league. Tougher games. Lost too much.</td></tr></tbody></table>
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Post-Spring Top 25: Taylor injury won't dog Georgia
</td></tr></tbody> </table> <table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td width="10"> </td> <td class="page"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td width="50">http://images.sportsline.com/images/author/257.gif</td> <td nowrap="nowrap"> May 5, 2004
By Dennis Dodd (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/columns/writers/dodd)
SportsLine.com Senior Writer
Tell Dennis your opinion! (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/columns/writers/dodd)
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</td></tr> </tbody> </table> <table width="100%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="10"> </td> <td class="page"> Couldn't bring myself to do it. As much as Mark Richt wants to poor-mouth his team.
<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="30%" border="0" align="left"> <tbody><tr valign="top" class="bg0"> <td colspan="2"> <center> Non-BCS Top 10 </center> </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 1. Louisville </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 2. Memphis </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 3. TCU </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 4. Utah </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 5. Boise State </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 6. Southern Miss </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 7. Toledo </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 8. Hawaii </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 9. Miami (Ohio) </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> 10. Fresno State </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
As much as the injury to linebacker Tony Taylor was devastating. As much as LSU is defending SEC and co-national champions ...
Georgia is still No. 1. At least in the SportsLine.com Post-Spring Top 25. It can -- and will -- change this summer, but for now, the Dawgs have confirmed what most of us know:
The SEC is the best -- again. Five teams in the Top 25 are from the Southern football powerhouse: Georgia, LSU, Florida, Auburn and Tennessee.
Whatever team wins the conference, it's going to be a straight-up witch getting to the Sugar Bowl -- or Orange Bowl.
<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top" class="bg0"> <td colspan="4"> <center> Dodd's Post-Spring Top 25 </center> </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg1"> <td> Team </td> <td> '03 Record </td> <td> Pvs* </td> <td> Season Opener </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 1. Georgia (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/GA) </td> <td> 11-3 </td> <td> 1 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Ga. Southern </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Award winners all over the place -- David Greene for Heisman, Davey O'Brien etc. Fred Gibson for the Biletnikoff. David Pollack for the Nagurski. LSU is the defending SEC champ and co-national champ, but it comes together this year for the Dawgs. The biggest news of the spring was Taylor's season-ending knee injury in the spring game. Usually, that would have caused the Dawgs to slip out of the top spot, but once again, there is plenty of depth behind him. Unless more injuries hit, Mark Richt has no excuse for winning another SEC title and perhaps more. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 2. LSU (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/LSU) </td> <td> 13-1 </td> <td> 4 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Oregon State </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Marcus Randall is a better athlete at quarterback than the departed Matt Mauck but will play the same way. Coaches aren't sure about Randall's decision-making, so they will, at least initially, just ask him to manage games and let the rest of the offense win them. The Tigers lose the heart of their defensive line, their best receiver and quarterback. Any other team would be crying. The Tigers are reloading. The tiebreaker with Georgia might come down to that game being in Athens. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 3. Oklahoma (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/OK) </td> <td> 12-2 </td> <td> 3 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Bowling Green </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> The defense lost three All-Americans (Derrick Strait, Teddy Lehman and Tommie Harris) and might still be the best in the country. Tailback Kejuan Jones moved up the depth chart in the spring. That's before, of course, the arrival of prep superstar Adrian Peterson in the fall. Heisman winner Jason White will have plenty of support again. With the Big 12 being down slightly, the Sooners should waltz to the conference title. But isn't that what we said last year? </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 4. Southern California (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/USC) </td> <td> 12-1 </td> <td> 2 </td> <td> Aug. 28 vs. Virginia Tech </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> With the loss of Jacob Rodgers, Will Poole and Mike Williams (for now), USC can't be as strong. Can it? The offensive line was hurt by the loss of potential All-American offensive tackle Winston Justice, who ran into legal trouble. Defensive tackle Shaun Cody is moving to defensive end to take over for Kenechi Udeze. Quarterback Matt Leinart will be the odds-on favorite for the Heisman. Tailback Reggie Bush will have a breakout season. The Trojans will win the Pac-10 again, but another national championship? Right now, it's too much to ask. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 5. Miami (Fla.) (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/MIA) </td> <td> 11-2 </td> <td> 6 </td> <td> Sept. 6 vs. Florida State </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> The season is defined in the opener against Florida State. The rivalry gets ratcheted up even higher with both teams now in the ACC. Larry Coker cut out a lot of controversy by naming Brock Berlin the starter early in the spring. That doesn't mean Kyle Wright won't play (especially given Berlin's history). The 'Canes have lost 20 first-round draft choices in the past five years. It never seems to catch up to them. The season seems to hinge on a rebuilt defense (only four starters return) and Berlin's reliability. Don't count them out of the Orange Bowl. They are always sniffing around a national championship. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 6. Florida State (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/FLST) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 5 </td> <td> Sept. 6 at Miami (Fla.) </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> OK, so Darnell Dockett and Greg Jones are gone. TB Leon Washington and DLs Eric Moore and Chauncey Davis figure to rise up and become the next set of stars. On offense, Chris Rix must step up in his fifth year and be a difference-maker instead of a guy who just manages a game. The Seminoles will continue to feast on ACC opponents. If they get past Miami, the 'Noles miss Virginia Tech this year and have a chance to defend their title in the new ACC. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 7. Texas (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/TX) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 7 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. North Texas </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> We've been fooled before ranking the 'Horns near the top. Until they actually break through and beat Oklahoma, an annual top 10 spot is reserved for them, but there is no room at the very top. This might be the year. Mack Brown has to reload at receiver, but the defense is young and angry -- or should be -- after having 65 hung on it by the Sooners. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 8. Michigan (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/MI) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 9 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Miami (Ohio) </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> So John Navarre is gone, so what? Every Wolverines starter at quarterback since 1989 has made an NFL roster. Matt Gutierrez, who never lost a game as a high school starter at Concord De La Salle, is the leader in the clubhouse after the spring. Clayton Richard, a Parade All-American from Lafayette, Ind., is in the mix. So is Pennsylvania recruit Chad Henne, who will join them in the fall. Senior Dave Underwood seems to be the favorite to replace Chris Perry. You know Michigan will be big in the offensive line, serviceable at quarterback and nasty on defense. The Wolves go in as Big Ten favorites. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 9. Florida (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/FL) </td> <td> 8-5 </td> <td> 11 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Middle Tenn. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Looks like a breakout year for the Gators. Chris Leak was 6-3 as a freshman starter. The Gators beat both LSU and Georgia. With some more defensive consistency, Florida will be a factor in the SEC race. Coach Ron Zook probably has to win more than eight this year to keep Steve Spurrier's shadow from becoming a permanent presence on the sideline again. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 10. Kansas State (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/KST) </td> <td> 11-4 </td> <td> 8 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. W. Kentucky </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Significant doubt about the athleticism at quarterback. Dylan Meier is the favorite to replace Ell Roberson. Indiana transfer Alan Webb will resume the battle in the summer. Coach Bill Snyder was down on his team after the spring game. Still, the Wildcats are the favorites to win the Big 12 North and at least try to defend their 2003 conference championship. Heisman candidate Darren Sproles lost his mother to cancer in the spring, but he should ready to make a run at 1,800 yards (again) this fall. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 11. Louisville (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/LOU) </td> <td> 9-4 </td> <td> 19 </td> <td> Sept. 5 vs. Kentucky </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> All Stefan LeFors did was lead the Cardinals to a nine-victory season. But 2003 recruit Michael Bush was promised a shot at the job in spring practice. The nation's No. 2 prep quarterback, Brian Brohm, arrives in the fall. It could be a mess. It could be a sign of the deepest non-BCS team around. The Cardinals return 17 starters. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 12. Ohio State (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/OHST) </td> <td> 11-2 </td> <td> 15 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. Cincinnati </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> A rash of legal problems has left Jim Tressel looking like John Cooper. The difference is Tressel has a little money in the bank with a national championship and those victories over Michigan. If not for that bad news, the Bucks would be in the top 10. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 13. Memphis (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/MEM) </td> <td> 9-4 </td> <td> 14 </td> <td> Sept. 4 at Mississippi </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Every single starter returns on offense, including one from 2002. Receiver Tavares Gideon returns after sitting out with an injury. Coach Tommy West is coming off a 9-4 bowl season (the first in more than 30 years) loaded to the gills. He signed the No. 1 class in Conference USA and got 13 of the top 21 players in Tennessee. Quarterback Danny Wimprine already owns 26 school offense records. Running back DeAngelo Williams (Conference USA player of the year) led the nation in all-purpose yardage and was fifth in rushing. The offensive line is four deep at every position. It's too bad Conference USA is being broken up, because it's rounding into shape with Louisville, TCU and the Tigers. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 14. Virginia (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/VA) </td> <td> 8-5 </td> <td> 12 </td> <td> Sept. 4 at Temple </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> We made the mistake of overrating the Wahoos last year. Believe the hype this year. Matt Schaub is gone, but the ACC's best defense will anchor a team that will benefit from Al Groh's aggressive recruiting. If the staff continues to work its magic, Virginia might actually get better at quarterback with Marques Hagans and Anthony Martinez. Wali Lundy could be the best running back in the ACC. Seven starters return. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 15. Texas Christian (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/TCU) </td> <td> 11-2 </td> <td> 10 </td> <td> Sept. 2 vs. Northwestern </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> It's time to stop passing off the Frogs as some sort of second-tier program. While deficient defensively, they came within a trip to Mississippi State of playing in the Fiesta Bowl last year. Coach Gary Patterson is a great motivator. Fourteen starters return, including eight on offense, where TCU will have to shine if it is going to chase that BCS berth again. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 16. Purdue (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/PUR) </td> <td> 9-4 </td> <td> NR </td> <td> Sept. 5 vs. Syracuse </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Quarterback Kyle Orton is an NFL prospect. Most of the talent is back on offense. The challenge for Joe Tiller will be building a Big Ten-level defense that returns only three starters. Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Michigan are all on the schedule. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 17. Maryland (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/MD) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 17 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. N. Illinois </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Terps have proved themselves among the elite in the ACC with 31 victories in the past three years. That won't change in the new ACC. A replacement must be found for quarterback Scott McBrien. Never underestimate Ralph Friedgen. Don't be surprised if he wins 10 again. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 18. Utah (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/UT) </td> <td> 10-2 </td> <td> 24 </td> <td> Sept. 2 vs. Texas A&M </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Biggest offseason "move" was keeping red-hot coach Urban Meyer. The Kings of the Mountain (West) follow a 10-victory season with the league's best recruiting class. Fifteen starters return, including quarterback Alex Smith. There won't be much fall off from a 10-2 season. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 19. Auburn (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/AUB) </td> <td> 8-5 </td> <td> 18 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. La.-Monroe </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> QB Jason Campbell will be playing for his fourth offensive coordinator in as many years. Al Borges, though, is a good one and should help Campbell to his greatest season. The tailback job is settled, with Cadillac Williams ready to run wild if the offensive line can stay solid. Four starters return. If the Tigers can avoid last year's 0-2 start, they should win eight again. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 20. Tennessee (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/TN) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 16 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. UNLV </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> A critical year for the Vols. LSU and Georgia have passed Tennessee as SEC powers. Casey Clausen is gone. The talent level of the receiving corps has dropped. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 21. California (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/CA) </td> <td> 8-6 </td> <td> 20 </td> <td> Sept. 4 at Air Force </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Don't laugh. Jeff Tedford is one of the top five coaches in the nation and put his name on the 2003 season as the only coach to beat co-national champion Southern California. He is the best teacher of quarterbacks in the country. Watch for QB Aaron Rodgers and his favorite target, Geoff McArthur, to keep improving. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 22. West Virginia (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/WV) </td> <td> 8-5 </td> <td> 25 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. East Carolina </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> The Mountaineers have a chance to be the Big East's new power. Kay-Jay Harris will replace Quincy Wilson at running back. The defense will be good enough for West Virginia to win the conference without the bother of Miami (Fla.). </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 23. Nebraska (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/NE) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 22 </td> <td> Sept. 4 vs. W. Illinois </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> Folks seem to have forgotten the Huskers did win 10 last year. This will definitely be a transition year, but Bill Callahan should be able to milk seven or eight victories out of players recruited to play Frank Solich's system. The walk-on program has been gutted. Joe Dailey has to learn the West Coast. Kevin Cosgrove arrives from Wisconsin as d-coordinator to keep the Blackshirts tradition alive. 61,000 at the spring game couldn't wait to see the Midwest Coast Offense. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 24. Washington State (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/WAST) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> 21 </td> <td> Sept. 3 at New Mexico </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> You can't dismiss three consecutive 10-win seasons. We keep hearing about all these losses and the Cougars keep responding. The pressure is on second-year coach Bill Doba to start winning with his players. So what's wrong with an 8-3 once in a while? </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td> 25. Minnesota (http://www.cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/teams/page/MIN) </td> <td> 10-3 </td> <td> NR </td> <td> Sept. 5 vs. Toledo </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> The Gophers should get to their fifth bowl in the past six seasons under Glen Mason. Yeah, the Metrodome still sucks but as long as Mason is around, the school will be fighting for a new stadium and for yardage in the run-first offense. Watch out for Marion Barber III. </td> </tr> <tr class="bg2"> <td colspan="4"> * - Previous ranking indicates Dodd's Pre-Spring Top 25. </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" width="100%" border="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top" class="bg0"> <td colspan="2"> <center> Nine just out of Top 25 </center> </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg1"> <td> Team </td> <td> Comment </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Boise State </td> <td> Not even a lock to win the WAC this year. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Connecticut </td> <td> Big East champs? </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Iowa </td> <td> Too much to replace. Fourth or fifth in the Big Ten. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Missouri </td> <td> Gary Pinkel making Brad Smith a pocket passer? </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> N.C. State </td> <td> It's T.A. McClendon's team now. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Okla. St. </td> <td> Josh Fields goes baseball. Pokes fall. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Oregon </td> <td> Rebuilding but Mike Bellotti is waaaay behind USC. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Toledo </td> <td> Rockets are this year's Miami (Ohio) in the MAC. </td> </tr> <tr valign="top" class="bg2"> <td> Va. Tech </td> <td> New league. Tougher games. Lost too much.</td></tr></tbody></table>
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