Indiana Gazette from Indiana, Pennsylvania • 22

College Football C-4 Sunday. August 18, 2002 2002 College Football preview Year of the quarterback II This season's roster of signal-caters, such as Rex Grossman of Florida, may be one of the best in colege football history, surpassrig even the famed Class of '83. 1 Games to watch Games most likely to have national title Implications. Is perfection a possibility? I Texas vs. Oklahoma at Dallas, OcL 12 Florida State at Miami OcL 12 Rex Grosgman Miami at Tennessee Nov.

9 APTop25 The lop twenty-five teams In The Associated Press preseason college football poll. 1. Miami 2. Oklahoma 3. Florida SL 4.

Texas 5. Tennessee .6. Florida 7. Colorado 8. Georgia 9.

Washington 10. Nebraska 11. Washington St. 12. Michigan 13.

Ohio SL 14. LSU 15. Oregon 16. Virginia Tech 17. Louisville 18.

Michigan St. 19. Marshall 20. Southern Cat 21. Maryland 22.

South Carolina 23. Texas 24. Penn SL 25. Wisconsin Hurricanes-still have star power; By RICHARD ROSENBLATT AP Football Writer Brett Romberg was showing off his charru pionship ring, a gaudy piece of jewelry he and his Miami teammates picked up after winning the national title last season. i "1 hope to have another one of these next year, by the way the Hurricanes' center said of the $800 gold ring with a "Perfect Storm" inscription signifying last season's 12-0 record.

At Miami, the talk is of national title repeat, not Big East Conference champion re-; peat. So what if the Hurricanes had play-; ers drafted by the NFL five in the first round? Miami has star power nearly everywhere, beginning at quarterback with Ken Dorsey, among the preseason Heisman Tro; phy favorites. "If there's a better quarterback you know of, I'd like you to tell me who it is," Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni said. 'They'll be a great team. They'll be among the elite of college football again." Miami is the No.

1 preseason pick in both the AP media poll and the USA Today ESPN coaches poll. The Hurricanes own the nation's longesL winning streak 22 games and are heavy favorites to take another Big East crown. The goal, of course, is the Bowl Championship Series' tide game the Fiesta Bowl at Tempe, on Jan. 3. "We're all here to win a championship," undefeated coach Larry Coker said as he be gins his second season.

"This is a new ycaii This is us. We're going to be remembered for what we do this year; On defense, the 'Canes are led by line; backer Jonathan Vilma and linemen William Joseph and Jerome McDougle. From top to bottom, the Big East might not be as powerful as the Big 12 and SEC but commissioner Mike Tranghese points out his league has gone 8-2 In bowls the past two seasons the best marie among the major conferences. The Hurricanes aren't a lock, though, not with sleeper Boston College out to avenge last year's near miss and Syracuse and Vir- ginla Tech always a threat Miami's close calls last season came at BC (18-7) and at Virginia Tech (26-24). Look for coach Tom O'Brien's BC Eagles to soar under fiery quarterback Brian St: Pierre, who led the league with 25 touchy down passes last season two more than Dorsey.

Don't discount coach Frank Beamers Heisman hopefuls Some players who have put up big numbers and are worthy of Heisman consideration. Rex Grossman, QB. Florida, Jr. Ken Dorsey, QB, Miami, Sr. Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall, Sr.

Chris Simms, QB, Texas, Sr. Jason Gesser, QB, Washington State, Sr. 2001 winner-Eric Crouch, Nebraska Coaches on the hotseat Ron Zook, Florida He just arrived, but a few early losses will make life tough for Steve Spurrier's replacement. Dana Dimel, Houston Cougars enter season with a 15-game losing streak. Bobby Wallace, Temple In his four years, Owls have 12 wins.

Kevin Steele, Baylor -A 6-27 record in three years, plus 0-24 in Big 12 play, don't bode well. Florida at Florida State Nov. 30 Sound familiar? Eli Manning, QB, Mississippi Son of former New Orleans Saints QB Archie; brother of Indianapolis Colts' QB Peyton. Dan Klecko, DL, Temple Son of former New York Jets DLJoa Kellen Winslow IL TE, Miami Son of former San Diego Chargers TE Kellen. Jarrett Peyton, RB, Miami Son of former Chicago Bears RB Walter.

Jones is academically ineligible. A year to remember, says quarterback Cailyle Holiday: "So many things happened in that one year that don't even happen to a team for a whole Also looking to rise for anotlier national title run are Florida State, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. The Seminoles lost four games for the first time since 1986, ending a 14-year run of Top 5 poll finishes and 10-win seasons. But with most -of his players back, including quarterback Chris Rix, coach Bobby Bowden is counting on returning to the title game for the fourth time in five years. "We're going to be very disappointed if we don't get right back into the middle of that fight," Bowden says.

Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas all blew chances to play for die national crown in an incredible late-season sequence. First the 2000 champion Sooners were knocked out of the chase with a loss to Oklahoma State, then the Longhorns lost to Colorado in the Big 12 title game, and the Volunteers fell to LSU in the SEC title game. Oklahoma is ready to go again, with perhaps the most fearsome defense in the country anchored by tackle Tommie Harris and end JimmyWilkerson. "We've got a chance, but we're not much on all this preseason stuff," coach Bob Stoops says, referring to his team's No. 2 ranking.

With Heisman hopeful Chris Simrns back at quarterback, along with running back Cedric Benson and wide receivers Roy Williams and BJ. Johnson, Texas won't have problems scoring. All the 'Horns need to do is beat Oklahoma on Oct. 12, and they'll be in the tide hunt. At Tennessee, the pass-catch combo of Casey Clausen to KeUey Washington has the VolNation thinking SEC tide, especially with nine games in-state.

Two big games are at home against Florida and Miami. The Vols' motto this season: "Unfinished business. The reason? A 31-20 loss to LSU in the SEC title game. "We've got something to prove," Clausen says. "To gel to that point and not get it done just talking about it sets a spark in me." Florida hopes to maintain the glory days after Steve Spurrier's departure for the Washington Redskins.

Former Gators assistant Ron Zook takes over. And no matter how much he talks, travels and tries to outwork Spurrier, Zook knows the score. "It obviously comes down to wins or losses," he says. makes no difference what people say now." By RICHARD ROSENBLATT AP Football Writer Larry Coker calls No. 1 Miami's schedule daunting, yet absolutely believes his defending national champions are poised for another perfect season.

"No doubt it can be done, and we feel like we can win every game," Cokcr says of a schedule that includes powerhouses Florida, Florida Slate and Tennessee. "Is that realistic? Maybe not But if wc win every game it's a no- -braiiicr we're going to Tempe In the crazy world of the Bowl Championship Series, winning 'em all seems to be the safest way to gain entry to the national tide game. This season, the BCS championship game will be in the Fiesta Bowl at Tempe, on Jan. 3. Perfection will be tougher to come by in 2002.

Teams are playing 12 games instead of die usual 11 because the NCAA allows it when there's an. extra Saturday between the I.abor Day weekend and Nov. 30. More than a dozen teams are playing 13 games courtesy of "preseason and a few, like Nebraska, could end up playing 15 games. "It sure makes it tougher for learns to go Coker says.

Despite the return of only 10 Starters, Miami rests its repeat hopes on the accurate arm of quarterback Ken Dorscy and a defense led by hard-hitting linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Nebraska is simply thinking about winning any game: The Huskers arc trying to forget humiliating losses at the end of last season 62-36 to Colorado and 37-14 to Miami in (he Hose BowL With Jammal Lord replacing departed Hcisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch at quarterback, Nebraska opens Aug. 24 against Arizona Slate. "1 think we're a football team that will be coming back with a purpose," Huskers coach Frank Solich says. Nebraska isn't the only team trying to restore the glory days.

Notre Dame tops the list. Tyrone WiUinghain arrived from Stanford to lake over a once-grand football team that has fallen mightily. A 5-6 season led to the firing of Bob Davie, which led to the embarrassing resignation of his replacement, George O'Leary, five days into the job. Six players left die team, including three who were expelled after a woman said she was raped. Quarterback Malt LoVecchio transferred, and leading rusher Julius Rising stars Projected to be a star last season, he didn't disappoint with 17 tackles lor losses.

Agile but massive (6-3, Nebraska in the Threw lor 1,669 WJQ yards and nine Y-3 TDsandmay endupasthe E. schcoTsbest rM lunnrhgQB(187 I yards, three kMrtL-JI TDs). Led Lions Zack tofhewiisinlasl Mills RoseBowlput Back tor his sophomore season, he dspiayedthe poise ofaveteran with 2,734 yards and 24 TDs. He can pass his way Ho the Heisman Trophy chase. this 6-a 220- poundurior atop many Jonathan defensive Vilma ptayerofthe LB Chris Rix QB Florida SL 288) tackling Tommie machine is an Harris All-American in DT the making.

Oklahoma QB seven names alter 04 start. Penn State Miami SOURCE: Associated Press At least he has Heisman runner-up Rex Grossman back. The junior led the nation in passing 3,896 yards and 34 TDs. Looking for surprise teams? Try Georgia Tech in the ACC, Boston College in the Big East, Michigan State in the Big Ten, Texas in the Big 12, Arizona in the Pac-LO, and Georgia in the SEC. This could be a strong year for quarterbacks.

In addition to Dorsey, Simms, Rix, Clausen and Grossman, there's no fewer than a dozen other big guns out there, in cluding Washington State's Jason Gesser, Marshall's Byron Leftwich, Louisville's Dave Kagone, Mississippi's Eli Manning, Louisiana Tech's Luke McCown and Boise Stare's Ryan Dinwiddle. Look West for the best running back in the country Oregon's On-leirio Smith, who topped 1,000 yards last season in the Ducks' 11-1 Other top runners include Texas' Benson, Wisconsin's Anthony Davis, LSU's LaBrandon Toe-' field. Virginia Tech's duo of Lee Suggs and Kevin Jones, and Col orado's trio of Chris Brown, Bobby Purify and Marcus Houston. Pac-10 rivals Cal and Stanford both have new coaches Jeff Ted-ford aL Cal, Buddy Teevens at Stanford. Other schools with new coaches include Indiana (Gerry DiNardo), Kansas (Mark Mangino), Navy (Paul Johnson) and Vanderbilt (Bobby Johnson).

Miami opens the season with -As longest winning streak at 22 games; Duke has the longest losing streak at 23 games. Forecasting the season by fours By RICHARD ROSENBLATT AP Football Writer Formidable foursomes for 2002: Heisman Fab Four 1. Ken Dorscy, QB, Miami 2. Chris Simms. QB, Texas 3.

Jason Gesser, QB, Washington State 4. Dave Kagone, QB, Louisville IGth-rankcd Hokics, either. AlUiough quarterback Grant Noel's healing left knee has him iffy as die season nears, Tech has perhaps die nation's best ruruiing back tandem in Lee Suggs recovered from a knee injury and Kevin Jones, who ran for 957 yards as Suggs' replacement. Team capsules, in predicted order of finish: MIAMI: Despite losing seven offensive starters, the 'Canes have capable replace-merits to complement Dorsey (2,652 yards, 23 TDs) Carlos Joseph and Vernon Carey at the tackles, Willis McGahee and hopefully a healthy Frank Gore in October at RB and Kellen Winslow son of NFL Hall of Famcr Kellen Winslow, at TE The defensive front seven may be the best in the nation, but the secondary is entirely new: Toughest games are at Florida (Sept. 7), State (Oct.

12) and at Tennessee (Nov. 9). BOSTON COLLEGE: With St. Pierre, the Eagles should pass more this season with the loss of star RB William Green. However, RB Derrick Knight could turn into a pleasant surprise.

Dan Koppen anchors a solid line protecting Sl Pierre (2,016 yards, 25 TDs) DL Antonio Garay is healthy after recovering from a neck injury late last season Music City Bowl win over Georgia ended 22-game losing streak against ranked teams Tough' games are early: vs. Stanford (Sept. 7), at Miami (SepL 21) and vs. Virginia Tech (OcL 10). VIRGINIA TECH: Hokies hopes hinge on health of Noel and Suggs.

Without a star WR; Suggs and Jones could see plenty of action Bryan Randall and freshman Marcus Vick brother of Michael are the backup QBs Defense that usually ranks among the nation's best has six new starters Non-league games are tough: vs. LSU (Sept. 1), vs. Marshall (Sept. 12), at Texas (Sept 21).

SYRACUSE: Orangemen finally set at QB with H.J. Anderson (1,123 yards passing, 245 yards rushing). Other dian Nick the rest of the offensive starters arc new DE Dwight Freency is gone, but six defen-' sive starters return, including LB Clinton Smith Among non-league opponents arc RYU and Auburn on the road and North' Carolina at home Tough closing run; againsiVirginiaTcch, BCand Miami. PITTSBURGH: Panthers ended '01 on a six-game winning streak, and return eight starters on offense. QB David Priestley and WR Antonio Bryant aren't among them.

Four tough road games at Syracuse, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech and Miami could turn season into a disappointment QB is a question with shaky passer Rod Rutherford and sophomore Pat Hodcmy competing. TEMPLE: Owls going to a spread and could scare a few opponents as nine starters return, including WR Scan Dillard for a big season from RB Tanardo. Sharps Defense is led by DTDE Dan Klecko, son of former New York Jets star Joe. Klecko Oregon State, Miami and South Carolina arc among first four opponents. WEST VIRGINIA: QB Rashced Marshall-must adjust to the spread offense or the Mountaineers arc in for another long season even with RB Avon Cobourne returning Wisconsin and Maryland are among non-league opponents.

RUTGERS: Coach Greg Schiano's second, -season unlikely to be worse than his first (2-9). Yes, the Scarlet Knighis have 16 starter' bade from last season, but diat may not be a good thing An experienced Ryan Cubit re-, turns for his sophomore season at QB, and the best player is TEL.J. Smith. phy had been handed out at the Downtown Athletic Club since its inception in 1935, but was moved to a midtown hotel last year after the DAC was damaged in the Sept. 1 1 terrorists attacks.

4. Bob Davie: Fired Notre Dame coach will work as an ESPN analyst mis season after five years guiding the Fighting Irish. He spent 25 years in die coaching game. Tough road to Tempe Yes, the road to the BCS national title game in die Fiesta Bowl on fan. 3 goes through the state of Florida.

The problem for Miami, Florida and Florida State is whether one can find a way out of the Sunshine State without a loss or two, or more. Herewith, some of the nation's toughest schedules: 1. Florida State: Sure the Seminoles play in one of the weaker BCS conferences, hut how about this non-ACC lineup: vs. Iowa Stale (in Kansas City), at Louisville, at Miami, home to Notre Dame and Florida. 2.

Miami: For the Hurricanes to repeat, they must overcome games at hated rival Florida, at Tennessee and home to Florida Slate. 3. Florida: Welcome back to The Swamp, coach. Ron Zook replaces Steve Spurrier and faces this: Home to Miami, LSU, Auhurn and South Carolina; away against Tennessee and Florida State. There's also Georgia in Jacksonville.

Cheers. 4. Iowa State: Coming off their second straight bowl season, the Cyclones will find it tough to return lo the postseason. Road games are at Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas Slate and Colorado. Nebraska visits Ames, and the season opener is against Florida State in Kansas City.

Easy street 1. Oklahoma: Without K-Slate and Nebraska on the schedule, the Sooners have a three-game season home to Colorado, al Texas and vs. Texas in Dallas. Non-Big 12 games include UTEP, South Florida and Tulsa. 2.

Washington State: Here's why many arc picking the Cougars to win the Pac-iO home games against their toughest foes, USC, Oregon and Washington, and a non-league lineup that includes Nevada, Idaho and Montana State. Biggest threat: at Ohio State. 3. Michigan State: Eieht home carries, in 3. Bobby Wallace, Temple: In his four years.

Owls have 12 wins. 4. Kevin Steele, Baylor: A 6-27 record in three years, plus 0-24 in Big 12 play, don't bode well. On the rise 1. Georgia: In coach Mark Richt's second season, the Bulldogs have the talent to beat Florida and Tennessee and make it to the SEC tide game.

Think QUs here, as in SEC freshman of the year David Greene and freshman D.J. Shockley. 2. Boston College: These guys beat the Dawgs in the Music City Bowl, and QB Brian St. Pierre is sitting on a breakout season.

3. Penn State: Two straight losing seasons for the first time under Paterno, has the Lions ready to rebound. With sophomore QB Zack Mills directing the "Zack Attack," there should be happiness in the valley again. 4. Georgia Tech: The Georges are gone coach O'Leary and QB Godsey, but the Yellow Jackets have an NFL coach in Chan Gailey and a fine replacement at QB in AJ.

Suggs, a transfer from Tennessee, Sinking 1. Nebraska: Hcisman winning QB Eric Crouch is gone, I Iuskers' defense allowed 99 points in last two games of '01, and the schedule presents road problems Penn State, Iowa Stale, Texas and Kansas State. There are also home dates wilh Texas and Colorado. 2. UCLA: Bruins lost four of their last five after 6-0 start, and slow, afoot QB Cory Paus doesn't look like the answer.

Tough non-league games, too: Colorado State at home, Oklahoma State on the road and back home against Colorado. 3. Virginia Tech: QB Grant Noel's injured knee is still a question, and RB Lee Suggs is coming off knee surgery. There's no standout WR, and the defense has holes to fill. 4.

Fresno State: No QB David Carr, no chance to make a splash like last year. Sidelined 1. Lcc Evans, WR, Wisconsin: A knee injury in spring practice will keep him out until Oct 5. at the earliest. Evans set a Big Ten receiving record with 1,545 yards in '01.

2. Frank Gore, RB, Miami: Out until October at the earliest as he recovers from right knee injury. Ran for 562 yards and five TDs in 0I. 3. Julius Jones, RB, Notre Dame: Irish's leading msher the past two years is academically ineligible.

4. Bo Sciafc, TE, Texas: Out for the season with knee problems. The replacements 1. Nebraska: QB Jammal Lord for Hcisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch Lord, a 6-2, 210-pound jtuiior, is a run-pass threat in the best tradition olHuskerQBs. He was 5 of 8 for 65 yards passing, with 83 yards and two TDs rushing in '01.

2. Oregon: QB Jason Fife for Joey Harrington a rugged 6-4. 224-pound rcdshirt junior, Fife played in two games last season, completing 6 of 9 passes for 71 yards. 3. Miami: IT Carlos Joseph for Outland Trophy winner Bryant McKinnic A C-6, 322-pound rcdshirt sophomore, Joseph played sparingly in eight games as McKinnies backup.

4. North Carolina: DE Issac Mooring for Lombard! Award winner Julius Peppers A 6-3, 272-pound junior, Mooring played in all 13 games last season and had 21 tackles and two sacks. Sound familiar? -1. Eli Manning, QB, Mississippi: Son of former New Orleans Saints QB Archie; brother of Indianapolis Colts' QB Peyton. 2.

Dan Klecko, DL, Temple: Son of former New York Jets DLJoc. 3. Kellen Winslow II, TE, Miami: Son of former San Diego Chargers TE Kellen. 4. Jarrclt Payton, RB, Miami: Son of former Chicago Bears HQ Waller.

Transfers 1. A.J. Suggs, QB, Georgia Tech From Tennessee): Siartcd four games for Vols in 2000 before Casey Clausen took over. Will start for Yellow Jackets. 2.

Justin Fargas. RB, USC (from Michigan): Played on Trojans' scout team last year after three injury-plagued seasons at Ann Arbor. Joins talented backficld that includes Sultan McCullough. 3. Dcvard Darling, WR, Washington State (from Florida State): Left after his brother, Devaughn, died after conditioning drills last summer in Tallahassee.

4. D. Bryant, QB, Iowa Wcslcyan (from Duke): (n leaving for an NAIA school after being declared academically ineligible, Bryant doesn't have to sit out a year like those who left for another I-A school. Maybe he'll win, too Duke takes a 23-game losing streak into the season. (Bryant played in 22 games and was 0-18 asa starter).

On the hotseat 1. Hon Zook, Honda: He just arrived, but a few early losses will make life tough for Steve Spurriers replacement. 2. Dana Dimel. Houston: Cougars enter season with a 15-gafjpe losing streak.

Rising stars 1 Harris, DT, Oklahoma: Projected to he a star last season, he didn't disappoint with 17 tackles for losses. Coming off a Big 12 defensive freshman of the year season, this agile hut massive (6-3, 288) tackling machine is an All-American in the making. 2. Zack Mills, QB, Penn State: Proved to 75-ycar-old oe Patcrno that a frcslunan can succeed in Happy Valley. The 6-2, 215-pound Mills threw for 1,669 yards and nine TDs and may end up as the school's best running QB I 87 yards, three TDs).

l.ed Uons to five wins in last seven games after 0-4 start. 3. Chris Rix. QB, Florida State: Back for his sophomore season, llix took his licks in '01 five fumbles and 13 interceptions as the Seminoles lost four games for the first time since 198G. I Inwcvcr, he displayed the poise of a veteran and threw for 2,734 yards and 24 TDs.

He is a team leader now, and can pass his way into the Heisman Trophy chase. 4. Jonathan Vilma, LB, Miami: His bone-cmnching tackles against Nebraska in the Rose Bowl puts this 6-2, 220-pound junior atop many defensive player of the year lists. Title tilts Games most likely to have national tide implications: L.Texas vs. Oklahoma, at Dallas (Oct.

12). 2. Florida Stale at Miami (Oct. 12). 3.

Miami al Tennessee (Nov. 9). 4. Florida at Florida State (Nov. 30).

Lost and found 1. George O'Leary: Defensive line coach wilh Minnesota Vikings, hired hy QB he coached in high school, MikcTicc. Left Georgia Tech for Notre Dame on Dec. 9, but resigned five days later after it was discovered he lied on his resume. 2.

Hal Mum me: New coach at Southeastern I.nuisianar which begins playing in 2003 after dropping the sport in die mid-1980s. He was forced out at Kentucky in 2001 when dozens of NCAA violations were uncovered while he was coach. 3. Heisman Trophy: Presentation of college football's top individual prize will be held at (he jile Club in New York on Dec. 14.

The tro cluding seven of ttw first eight. Tough road games at tltc end include trips to Michigan and Penn State. 4. Tennessee: Nine of 12 games will he played in state seven in Knoxvillc, two in Nashville. Out of state games arc at Georgia, South arolina and Mississippi Stale..