it's never too early to talk football.
CollegeFootballNews.com
Feb. 28, 2003 1:50 p.m.
1. Ohio State
What to watch for this spring: The main key will be to see which leaders step up on the defense. The Buckeyes have talent to burn to replace stars Mike Doss and Matt Wilhelm, but spring is when players have to step up to replace their leadership and guidance. The passing game could use a little more pop.
2. Oklahoma
What to watch for this spring: How will the offense use this time in spring ball? Will it get more creative, or will it simply try to get all new starters in tune with one another. The defense will be one of the best in the nation again, but the offense has to make up for the losses of Nate Hybl and Quentin Griffin.
3. USC
What to watch for this spring: The team is loaded, but it'll need to find a new quarterback to fill the Heisman shoes of Carson Palmer. If the quarterback situation looks strong coming out of spring ball, USC can honestly think about winning the national title and could be the preseason number one.
4. Texas
What to watch for this spring: The eyes of Texas will be on the quarterback situation. Is Vincent Young ready to be the star quarterback that can take the program to the Big XII title? Will Chance Mock take over the reins of the amazing offense? This might be the key spring season to keep your eye on.
5. Auburn
What to watch for this spring: Can Jason Campbell become a SEC title caliber quarterback? This is a loaded team coming off a sensational end to the 2002 season. Look this spring to see if the Tigers are crisp and improving to the point of being where Georgia was last year.
6. Virginia Tech
What to watch for this spring: The Hokies are loaded, but they're not going anywhere without steady quarterback play. All eyes will be on the quarterbacks as Marcus Vick and Bryan Randall should wage quite a battle.
7. Miami
What to watch for this spring: What is life like without Ken Dorsey? The Canes have more young talent than just about any program in the country, but Dorsey's leadership and moxie was the catalyst that made Miami the nation's most feared team. If the new defensive line looks strong coming out of spring ball, the Canes move into the top five.
8. Kansas State
What to watch for this spring: The Wildcats need to use this time to jell into a national champion team. Spring is always a time to tinker with things, but this team simply has to fine tune. Ell Roberson's passing has to get more consistent, a star corner has to be found to replace Terence Newman, and a leader has to emerge to take over for Terry Pierce.
9. Michigan
What to watch for this spring: All the pieces are there to win the Big Ten title and get to a BCS game, but it's not happening unless the kicking game improves. That's what spring is for. The defensive line needs to use this time to work and to get experience.
10. NC State
What to watch for this spring: The offense will be fine, but the defense needs to replace playmakers like Dantonio Burnette and Terrence Holt. The great recruiting classes of the last few years has to be counted on.
11. LSU
What to watch for this spring: The quarterback situation is the key. If Matt Mauck can improve his passing, he could be a big-time weapon. Will Marcus Randall continue to improve? The secondary has to replace several key players, but it might not get a great test this spring against the average LSU passing attack.
12. Georgia
What to watch for this spring: It's all about the offensive line and the running game this spring. The O line might have been the strength of this SEC title team, and now it has to be completely replaced. If the transition is seamless, put Georgia in the top five. At some point, there has to be some fireworks with the quarterback situation. D.J. Shockley is way too talented to simply sit by and watch his college career fly by.
13. Tennessee
What to watch for this spring: Will Tennessee be Tennessee again? After a year of injuries and sub par play from the offense, the Vols need to find some receivers this spring. The new defensive front seven needs time to get experience.
14. Maryland
What to watch for this spring: A punter has to replace All-America talent Brooks Barnard while the rest of the defense has to show it can survive without E.J. Henderson.
15. Pittsburgh
What to watch for this spring: Can the Panthers handle the pressure? A few years ago, a loaded Panther team came out of the gate soft and needed to scramble late in the season. This team has the talent to win the Big East, and now these players must come through. QB Rod Rutherford has to improve his play to another level.
16. Florida State
What to watch for this spring: Can the program get the fire back? After a shaky ACC title winning season and a Sugar Bowl blowout, the Noles want to put the drama behind them and get back to being the dominant program everyone remembers. Chris Rix has to use this time to make the team his.
17. Wisconsin
What to watch for this spring: QB Jim Sorgi. The Badgers are loaded with some of the best offensive players in the country, but a quarterback has to play well to get the machine rolling. Sorgi is experienced after seeing time the last few years when Brooks Bollinger went down, but he doesn't provide the rushing element that UW likes out of its quarterbacks.
18. Florida
What to watch for this spring: The conversion of the Gator program from Spurrier's to Zook's goes in fast forward this year after losing Rex Grossman, Taylor Jacobs and Earnest Graham. Is QB Ingle Martin ready? Will the passing game be a little stronger this year? This spring will be extremely interesting.
19. Purdue
What to watch for this spring: Can the Boilermakers take the wonderful performance in the Sun Bowl and turn it into a great spring? This team never got enough credit last season, and things should be different this year with more confidence in the quarterback situation.
20. Washington
What to watch for this spring: The passing game is going to be incredible, but the Huskies could use a boost in the running game to make the offense truly lethal. A kicker has to emerge this spring to replace John Anderson.
21. Alabama
What to watch for this spring: What difference will there be from Dennis Franchione to Mike Price? This is a team full of talent, but the transition to the Price era has to be seamless. QB Brodie Croyle has to establish himself as a better passing quarterback.
22. Arkansas
What to watch for this spring: The pass defense needs to work, but it won't get properly challenged against the Arkansas passing game. Can Matt Jones ever develop into a passer? He'll need to improve over this spring.
23. Virginia
What to watch for this spring: Can the Cavaliers capitalize on the momentum of a great bowl performance and solid recruiting class? The talent is there to make a run at the ACC title, but it's a young team. These practices are extremely important to get this group some experience.
24. Colorado
What to watch for this spring: The offense needs a ton of work. The running game needs some retooling now that Chris Brown is gone, but the passing attack is what needs the most focus. Can Colorado finally get some steady quarterback production?
25. Notre Dame
What to watch for this spring: It's year two in the Ty Willingham era and the expectations will be high going into this spring. All eyes will be on the offense as Carlyle Holiday has to be more of a passing threat while the offensive line needs to find some new stars. The defense has to find some replacements in the secondary.
26. Colorado State
What to watch for this spring: The Rams need to find a workhorse running back for Cecil Sapp. If they can find some offensive playmakers to take the heat off of QB Bradlee Van Pelt, CSU should do some damage again this season. This spring, Van Pelt needs to improve on his passing.
27. Oregon
What to watch for this spring: The Ducks need a shot of confidence after a disappointing 2002 season. That'll come if Jason Fife can play even better, a new running back can emerge to produce like Onterrio Smith, and if the pass defense has solved a few of its problems. If the secondary doesn't look better after this spring, it might be time to worry about the 2003 season.
28. Nebraska
What to watch for this spring: This is a pivotal time in the Nebraska program. With philosophical questions about how the Huskers run their offense, to a few coaching changes, to a sense of urgency after a tough 2002 season, this should be interesting.
29. Texas A&M
What to watch for this spring: How are things going to be different under Coach Fran? The defense needs some retooling, but the most interesting battle to watch will be at quarterback where Dustin Long and Reggie McNeal will be battling for the starting job.
30. Oklahoma State
What to watch for this spring: Is this program ready to be a factor in the Big XII race? The offense is ready to explode, but the defense has to replace some key players.
CollegeFootballNews.com
Feb. 28, 2003 1:50 p.m.
1. Ohio State
What to watch for this spring: The main key will be to see which leaders step up on the defense. The Buckeyes have talent to burn to replace stars Mike Doss and Matt Wilhelm, but spring is when players have to step up to replace their leadership and guidance. The passing game could use a little more pop.
2. Oklahoma
What to watch for this spring: How will the offense use this time in spring ball? Will it get more creative, or will it simply try to get all new starters in tune with one another. The defense will be one of the best in the nation again, but the offense has to make up for the losses of Nate Hybl and Quentin Griffin.
3. USC
What to watch for this spring: The team is loaded, but it'll need to find a new quarterback to fill the Heisman shoes of Carson Palmer. If the quarterback situation looks strong coming out of spring ball, USC can honestly think about winning the national title and could be the preseason number one.
4. Texas
What to watch for this spring: The eyes of Texas will be on the quarterback situation. Is Vincent Young ready to be the star quarterback that can take the program to the Big XII title? Will Chance Mock take over the reins of the amazing offense? This might be the key spring season to keep your eye on.
5. Auburn
What to watch for this spring: Can Jason Campbell become a SEC title caliber quarterback? This is a loaded team coming off a sensational end to the 2002 season. Look this spring to see if the Tigers are crisp and improving to the point of being where Georgia was last year.
6. Virginia Tech
What to watch for this spring: The Hokies are loaded, but they're not going anywhere without steady quarterback play. All eyes will be on the quarterbacks as Marcus Vick and Bryan Randall should wage quite a battle.
7. Miami
What to watch for this spring: What is life like without Ken Dorsey? The Canes have more young talent than just about any program in the country, but Dorsey's leadership and moxie was the catalyst that made Miami the nation's most feared team. If the new defensive line looks strong coming out of spring ball, the Canes move into the top five.
8. Kansas State
What to watch for this spring: The Wildcats need to use this time to jell into a national champion team. Spring is always a time to tinker with things, but this team simply has to fine tune. Ell Roberson's passing has to get more consistent, a star corner has to be found to replace Terence Newman, and a leader has to emerge to take over for Terry Pierce.
9. Michigan
What to watch for this spring: All the pieces are there to win the Big Ten title and get to a BCS game, but it's not happening unless the kicking game improves. That's what spring is for. The defensive line needs to use this time to work and to get experience.
10. NC State
What to watch for this spring: The offense will be fine, but the defense needs to replace playmakers like Dantonio Burnette and Terrence Holt. The great recruiting classes of the last few years has to be counted on.
11. LSU
What to watch for this spring: The quarterback situation is the key. If Matt Mauck can improve his passing, he could be a big-time weapon. Will Marcus Randall continue to improve? The secondary has to replace several key players, but it might not get a great test this spring against the average LSU passing attack.
12. Georgia
What to watch for this spring: It's all about the offensive line and the running game this spring. The O line might have been the strength of this SEC title team, and now it has to be completely replaced. If the transition is seamless, put Georgia in the top five. At some point, there has to be some fireworks with the quarterback situation. D.J. Shockley is way too talented to simply sit by and watch his college career fly by.
13. Tennessee
What to watch for this spring: Will Tennessee be Tennessee again? After a year of injuries and sub par play from the offense, the Vols need to find some receivers this spring. The new defensive front seven needs time to get experience.
14. Maryland
What to watch for this spring: A punter has to replace All-America talent Brooks Barnard while the rest of the defense has to show it can survive without E.J. Henderson.
15. Pittsburgh
What to watch for this spring: Can the Panthers handle the pressure? A few years ago, a loaded Panther team came out of the gate soft and needed to scramble late in the season. This team has the talent to win the Big East, and now these players must come through. QB Rod Rutherford has to improve his play to another level.
16. Florida State
What to watch for this spring: Can the program get the fire back? After a shaky ACC title winning season and a Sugar Bowl blowout, the Noles want to put the drama behind them and get back to being the dominant program everyone remembers. Chris Rix has to use this time to make the team his.
17. Wisconsin
What to watch for this spring: QB Jim Sorgi. The Badgers are loaded with some of the best offensive players in the country, but a quarterback has to play well to get the machine rolling. Sorgi is experienced after seeing time the last few years when Brooks Bollinger went down, but he doesn't provide the rushing element that UW likes out of its quarterbacks.
18. Florida
What to watch for this spring: The conversion of the Gator program from Spurrier's to Zook's goes in fast forward this year after losing Rex Grossman, Taylor Jacobs and Earnest Graham. Is QB Ingle Martin ready? Will the passing game be a little stronger this year? This spring will be extremely interesting.
19. Purdue
What to watch for this spring: Can the Boilermakers take the wonderful performance in the Sun Bowl and turn it into a great spring? This team never got enough credit last season, and things should be different this year with more confidence in the quarterback situation.
20. Washington
What to watch for this spring: The passing game is going to be incredible, but the Huskies could use a boost in the running game to make the offense truly lethal. A kicker has to emerge this spring to replace John Anderson.
21. Alabama
What to watch for this spring: What difference will there be from Dennis Franchione to Mike Price? This is a team full of talent, but the transition to the Price era has to be seamless. QB Brodie Croyle has to establish himself as a better passing quarterback.
22. Arkansas
What to watch for this spring: The pass defense needs to work, but it won't get properly challenged against the Arkansas passing game. Can Matt Jones ever develop into a passer? He'll need to improve over this spring.
23. Virginia
What to watch for this spring: Can the Cavaliers capitalize on the momentum of a great bowl performance and solid recruiting class? The talent is there to make a run at the ACC title, but it's a young team. These practices are extremely important to get this group some experience.
24. Colorado
What to watch for this spring: The offense needs a ton of work. The running game needs some retooling now that Chris Brown is gone, but the passing attack is what needs the most focus. Can Colorado finally get some steady quarterback production?
25. Notre Dame
What to watch for this spring: It's year two in the Ty Willingham era and the expectations will be high going into this spring. All eyes will be on the offense as Carlyle Holiday has to be more of a passing threat while the offensive line needs to find some new stars. The defense has to find some replacements in the secondary.
26. Colorado State
What to watch for this spring: The Rams need to find a workhorse running back for Cecil Sapp. If they can find some offensive playmakers to take the heat off of QB Bradlee Van Pelt, CSU should do some damage again this season. This spring, Van Pelt needs to improve on his passing.
27. Oregon
What to watch for this spring: The Ducks need a shot of confidence after a disappointing 2002 season. That'll come if Jason Fife can play even better, a new running back can emerge to produce like Onterrio Smith, and if the pass defense has solved a few of its problems. If the secondary doesn't look better after this spring, it might be time to worry about the 2003 season.
28. Nebraska
What to watch for this spring: This is a pivotal time in the Nebraska program. With philosophical questions about how the Huskers run their offense, to a few coaching changes, to a sense of urgency after a tough 2002 season, this should be interesting.
29. Texas A&M
What to watch for this spring: How are things going to be different under Coach Fran? The defense needs some retooling, but the most interesting battle to watch will be at quarterback where Dustin Long and Reggie McNeal will be battling for the starting job.
30. Oklahoma State
What to watch for this spring: Is this program ready to be a factor in the Big XII race? The offense is ready to explode, but the defense has to replace some key players.

