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 bit 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.
31. Minnesota
What to watch for this spring: The Gophers get everyone back, but the defense has to jell as a more physical group. The experience is there on both sides of the ball, and now Glen Mason has to mold this into the best team he's had in Minneapolis.
32. Texas Tech
What to watch for this spring: Can the offense be as potent without Kliff Kingsbury? Will the defense be stronger with so many new faces? Texas Tech has some momentum after a strong 2002 season, and now it has to use this time to turn into a consistently strong program.
33. Oregon State
What to watch for this spring: Once the Beavers get the coaching situation in place, it'll be important to immediately jell with the players. The talent is there to make a run at the Pac 10 title with some sensational offensive weapons. QB Derek Anderson has to spend this time improving his accuracy.
34. Arizona State
What to watch for this spring: The Sun Devils should be a top 25 caliber team if they can develop a running game this spring and find a consistent pass rusher to pick up where Terrell Suggs left off. A number one receiver has to emerge to replace Shaun McDonald.
35. West Virginia
What to watch for this spring: The defensive front wall needs to be completely replaced. If this group comes around this spring, the Mountaineers are at least a top 30 team. QB Rasheed Marshall can run, and can lead a rushing attack, but his passing has to sharpen up.
36. Penn State
What to watch for this spring: The offense has to go from relying on Larry Johnson, to depending on the many talents of QB Zack Mills. The defense will go through an overhaul after losing almost all the stars.
37. Iowa
What to watch for this spring: How will the offense handle the loss of the offensive line and a Heisman caliber quarterback? This was one of the best lines in the nation in 2002, and this spring needs to unearth some new playmakers. Can Brad Banks and Dallas Clark be replaced? We'll
see.
38. Georgia Tech
What to watch for this spring: The kicking game will require a ton of focus, but finding steady quarterback play will be the biggest key. After an injury plagued 2002 season and a miserable bowl performance, the Yellow Jackets want to use this time to get back to its ACC title challenging form.
39. Southern Miss
What to watch for this spring: The defense will be fine as always, but the offense needs some more explosiveness. This spring, the offense has to change up a little without Derrick Nix to rely on. The kicking game will need a bunch of work.
40. Clemson
What to watch for this spring: What's the team's attitude? The Tigers were thoroughly whipped by Texas Tech to end the 2002 season, and now this has to be the year that Tommy Bowden makes his team a contender. There has to be a sense of urgency this spring.
41. UCLA
What to watch for this spring: This was an extremely young team last season, and now new head coach Karl Dorrell has to figure out how to use this talent. A couple of offensive linemen have to become hogs to run behind. A starting quarterback has to emerge.
42. Missouri
What to watch for this spring: After a few years under Gary Pinkel, the Mizzou program has to turn the corner. There's no better time than now with a superstar quarterback, a decent foundation on defense, and an attitude that this is the season to become a Big XII player. Some offensive playmakers have to emerge to help out Brad Smith.
43. Fresno State
What to watch for this spring: For a team that should be the class of the WAC in 2003, it needs to work on the kicking game to handle the rough part of the non-conference schedule. If some consistent kickers can be found in spring ball, Fresno could be a top 25 caliber team.
44. Ole Miss
What to watch for this spring: With Eli Manning coming back, he has to rock from day one after a slightly disappointing 2002 season. This is his team, and he needs to take the next step up into superstardom. Can the run defense improve over this spring? Will a leader emerge to replace what Eddie Strong provided?
45. Boston College
What to watch for this spring: The passing game has to go through some major changes needing to replace QB Brian St. Pierre along with most of the receivers. The new secondary needs some help, but it might not get a good test against the developing offense.
46. South Carolina
What to watch for this spring: Last season was a major disappointment with injuries and ill-timed turnovers ruining the Gamecock hopes for a bowl game. The running game has work to do after losing almost all of the production from last year.
47. Syracuse
What to watch for this spring: Can the Orangemen find some defense? After last year's disaster, SU has to find consistency at quarterback or it could be another long season. There are too many athletes on this team for there to be a repeat of the 2002 fiasco, but they have to step up this spring.
48. Tulane
What to watch for this spring: The pieces are there for the Green Wave to come up with a big season, but the offense has to find its 2001 form with J.P. Losman and Mewelde Moore stepping up. The entire secondary needs work.
49. Illinois
What to watch for this spring: The offense was finally coming around at the end of last year, but now the star receivers are gone. Quarterback Jon Beutjer has to go from being a good quarterback to an All-Big Ten talent.
50. Washington State
What to watch for this spring: How will the program move forward without Mike Price and Jason Gesser? The passing game will need some work this spring without Gesser and several top receivers.
51. TCU
What to watch for this spring: The defense will need to try and continue its dominating ways without LaMarcus McDonald. This spring could be when Bo Schobel takes over as the superstar of the defense. The offense could use some tinkering to have more of a big-play element. If Tye Gunn comes back 100%, move TCU up in the rankings.
52. Iowa State
What to watch for this spring: After a disastrous back half of the 2002 season, the program needs to use this time to start anew. Playmakers have to be found to replace the lost leadership and star power of Seneca Wallace.
53. Hawaii
What to watch for this spring: Some new receivers have to step up to give Timmy Chang some targets to throw to. Considering that Chang gets hurt every year, a number two quarterback has to emerge.
54. BYU
What to watch for this spring: Will the offense look like BYU again? The Cougars have the talent and the defense to win the Mountain West, but there needs to be that 2001 explosive element again. This spring could show if the Cougars really are top 25 material.
55. New Mexico
What to watch for this spring: After a great 2002 season, New Mexico has to keep the momentum going. With nearly everyone coming back, the Lobos have to use their experience to become a threat to win the Mountain West title.
56. North Texas
What to watch for this spring: Will there be a quarterback controversy? Scott Hall is returning, but Andrew Smith came on at the end of last year. A running back needs to come through to replace Scott Galbreath. UNT should have one of the best defenses in the country, but this ranking will slide if the offense doesn't look strong coming out of spring ball.
57. Air Force
What to watch for this spring: Can Air Force make up for the loss of so much talent on the defense? It did it last year without much of a problem, but an Anthony Schlegel-type player has to emerge from this spring.
58. Miami University
What to watch for this spring: This is a team with enough weapons and enough talent to win the MAC, but it can't let distractions take away from what it can accomplish. This spring, the defense has to get used to the loss of coordinator Jon Wauford and leader Matt Robillard.
59. Arizona
What to watch for this spring: After the soap opera that happened last season, head coach John Mackovic has to have the respect of the players from day one this spring. On the field, the Wildcats must find some semblance of an offense with Clarence Farmer continuing to recover from
an injury and with QB Jason Johnson gone.
60. Mississippi State
What to watch for this spring: After a year of almost no offensive production, the Bulldogs could use some positive signs of life from the offense this spring. The defense has to get back the bite that made them such a killer a few years ago.
61. Boise State
What to watch for this spring: The Broncos lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, so they need to use this spring to find playmakers to fill in the gaps. If Ryan Dinwiddie can play as well as he did last year without all the weapons around him, BSU should be in the hunt for the WAC title.
62. Michigan State
What to watch for this spring: The program needed a new facelift and John L. Smith will start a new era. This team has some talented young players, but they need to show they can be counted on this spring.
63. Northern Illinois
What to watch for this spring: After coming this close to playing in the MAC title game, there are no excuses for NIU this season. Will the Huskies have the attitude and the fire this spring to improve enough to carry them into a big 2003 season? A second running back has to develop to help out Michael Turner.
64. North Carolina
What to watch for this spring: Are the Tar Heels over the major disappointments of last season? After losing QB Darian Durant, and then getting him back, and then losing most of the defense to graduation and/or the NFL, the team went through a rough patch. With just about everyone back, the team has to come together.
65. Utah
What to watch for this spring: Urban Meyer took Bowling Green and made it into a solid football program. Utah already had a solid football program, but this spring is when Meyer might take this group and make it a Mountain West power. Several key players return, so it'll be interesting to see what Meyer does with this group.
66. Wake Forest
What to watch for this spring: The defensive line needs to find replacement and a quarterback has to be found to replace James MacPherson.
67. Kentucky
What to watch for this spring: Can the UK program continue to have the fire it had last year? Jared Lorenzen needs to step up his play even more this spring without Artose Pinner to fall back on.
68. South Florida
What to watch for this spring: How will the attitude of the team be now that its a part of Conference USA? It's a new era for USF football without Marquel Blackwell, so the offense will need to find a new leader.
69. Duke
What to watch for this spring: This is a veteran team, and now it has to take the attitude that this isn't the same old pushover Blue Devil team. The defense will be strong, but playmakers have to emerge on offense.
70. Marshall
What to watch for this spring: How do replace a legend? Marshall was able to do it once when Byron Leftwich had to replace Chad Pennington, and now Stan Hill has to show that he can keep the offense at its high octane level. Can anyone replace what Curtis Head provided in the kicking game?
71. Cincinnati
What to watch for this spring: The entire defensive front seven will need experience this spring. QB Gino Guidugli will have to develop a rapport with his new receivers.
72. California
What to watch for this spring: It's not like the defense was Tampa Bay Buccaneer-like last year, and now almost the whole D needs retooling. This spring, a leader has to emerge to take the place of Kyle Boller.
73. Louisville
What to watch for this spring: It's a new era in UL football. Unlike last year when the Cardinals had the pressure of people talking about the BCS, there are no such expectations on this year's team. That means this spring practice can be relatively loose as everyone tries to get on the same page.
74. UCF
What to watch for this spring: In year two of MAC play, some receivers have to step up to replace Doug Gabriel and Jimmy Fryzel. QB Ryan Schneider has to use his final spring session to go from being a great quarterback to an elite level.
75. Memphis
What to watch for this spring: This is a veteran team, other than on the offensive line, and it needs to come together this spring. The offense needs to develop some consistency, but that might be tough while the line is jelling.
76. Louisiana Tech
What to watch for this spring: Can Tech's defense improve this spring? It had problems last year, and now the front seven has to be replaced. If the D looks better in a few months, this could be a WAC title contender.
77. Connecticut
What to watch for this spring: After the sensational end to 2002 season, excitement is sky high for the up-and-coming program. Most of the key cogs are back, and now they have to use this time to turn into something special.
78. Toledo
What to watch for this spring: After an embarrassing Motor City Bowl performance, Toledo needs to use this time get its mojo back. Most importantly is to find a new quarterback to replace the underrated Brian Jones. Will the running game really be as good as the hype? The Rockets are loaded with great backs, and they all need to show they can carry the team.
79. East Carolina
What to watch for this spring: It's a new era of East Carolina football and there are some very nice players to build around. This spring, QB Paul Troth has to improve on his accuracy and his decision making, while the defense needs a total overhaul.
80. Vanderbilt
What to watch for this spring: A general improvement everywhere. In the second year under Bobby Johnson, there needs to be a bit more offensive firepower coming out of spring ball.
81. Bowling Green
What to watch for this spring: It'll be a new era without head coach Urban Meyer. The Falcons suffered a disappointing end to the 2002 season, and now the team needs to be fired up this spring to get back in the MAC West race.
82. Stanford
What to watch for this spring: It's a new season and a time to completely rebuild. Without WR Teyo Johnson and OL Kwame Harris, the offense has to find some new stars to count on.
83. New Mexico State
What to watch for this spring: For a team that does nothing but run the ball, this spring is key needing to replace almost the whole offensive line. The defensive backs need work, but they'll have a hard time getting tested against the Aggie passing game.
84. UNLV
What to watch for this spring: Will the Rebels be more disciplined? They haven't played anywhere near up to their talent level over the last two seasons and seemingly couldn't play three downs in a row without getting penalized. The defense has to find new playmakers.
85. Rice
What to watch for this spring: The defensive front seven needs to find new difference makers. On offense, everything could use a little more polish.
86. Western Michigan
What to watch for this spring: WMU's defense has to find players to develop around Jason Babin on the defensive front line. The running game did next to nothing last season, so the Broncos have to use this time to find some offensive consistency.
87. Northwestern
What to watch for this spring: The Wildcats have to get tougher. The program is still trying to recover from the Rashidi Wheeler tragedy of a few years ago, and it has to use this spring to get back to the form that got this program a few Big Ten titles. The defense has to get much tougher and more physical.
88. Indiana
What to watch for this spring: The defense has to toughen up after getting run over by everyone last year. This is only Gerry DiNardo's second season in Bloomington, so he has to keep the program going in the right direction. He's not starting from scratch this spring like he was last year.
89. San Diego State
What to watch for this spring: New receivers have to step up to take the place of J.R. Tolver and Kassim Osgood. The Aztecs could use this spring to develop more of a running game.
90. San Jose State
What to watch for this spring: Once again, San Jose State needs to work on incorporating new defensive players this spring.
91. Temple
What to watch for this spring: Temple could hang its hat on a tough defense, but now it has to replace DL Dan Klecko and most of the secondary. While the defense needs the most retooling, the offense has to find some pop this spring.
92. Baylor
What to watch for this spring: Will life be any different in Waco under Guy Morriss? He did a great job of changing around Kentucky, but now he has his work cut out for him.
93. Kansas
What to watch for this spring: Mark Mangino has a year under his belt, and now he and his staff have to use this time to get his young team even more experience. This spring, the team has to begin to show signs of life.
94. Nevada
What to watch for this spring: Without QB Zack Threadgill and WR Nate Burleson, the passing game will require the most work this spring. If that happens, the Wolf Pack ranking will move way up.
95. Troy State
What to watch for this spring: The defense has to replace almost the whole front seven. More importantly this spring, the offense has to find a spark.
96. Rutgers
What to watch for this spring: Someone has to step up on offense. The Scarlet Knights and Greg Schiano can't go through another season like last one.
97. UAB
What to watch for this spring: Can a receiver step up to fill in for the loss of Willie Quinnie? The defensive line needs some work.
98. Ohio
What to watch for this spring: The Bobcat kicking game has to find replacements for punter and kicker Kevin Kerr. The offense has to use every practice to get better and better to fine tune a running game that has several new cogs.
99. MTSU
What to watch for this spring: The Blue Raiders have to completely replace almost all factors of the running game this spring. Both lines need to be replaced.
100. Ball State
What to watch for this spring: Now that RB Marcus Merriweather is gone, the offense has to change its focus and diversify a bit. This is a good time to work on developing a more consistent passing game.
101. Arkansas State
What to watch for this spring: New offensive playmakers have to emerge this spring, or it could be a long season for the Indians.
102. Wyoming
What to watch for this spring: It's a new era for UW football under new head coach Joe Glenn. It'll be a time to try and improve on the porous defense and to find a running game to help out Casey Bramlet and the passing attack.
103. Akron
What to watch for this spring: The Zips finished the 2002 season playing extremely well. It'll be interesting to see if the Akron defense can unearth some playmakers it can rely on when the season starts.
104. Utah State
What to watch for this spring: In the first season in the Sun Belt, Utah State has to find new firepower after losing QB Jose Fuentes and WR Kevin Curtis. The kicking game will need working on this spring as well.
105. Houston
What to watch for this spring: Someone has to step up and provide a running attack like Joffrey Reynolds provided. There's some great individual talent on the Cougars, especially on the offensive line, but the rest of the players have to step up around them.
106. UL Lafayette
What to watch for this spring: The secondary should require the most work this spring. Overall, the team needs to find more playmakers on both sides of the ball.
107. UL Monroe
What to watch for this spring: Almost everyone returns on both sides of the ball, but the experience has to translate into production this spring.
108. Navy
What to watch for this spring: For a team that relies on the running game, this spring is key to replacing almost the whole offensive line. The program seems to be progressing under Paul Johnson, and now there has to be some improvement in year two.
109. Idaho
What to watch for this spring: The defense was horrible last year, but at least it gets to start from scratch this spring losing the back seven. A couple of new playmakers need to emerge on offense as well.
110. Central Michigan
What to watch for this spring: CMU's defense has to replace several key cogs. The offense has to figure out which players it can rely on.
111. SMU
What to watch for this spring: The running game appears to be fine, but the Mustangs have to use this spring to step up the passing attack.
112. Kent State
What to watch for this spring: KSU's offense relies too heavily on star quarterback Joshua Cribbs, so some other playmakers need to emerge this spring. The defense has to find some new producers.
113. UTEP
What to watch for this spring: UTEP isn't all that fall removed from being a WAC power. This spring, UTEP needs to step up in all area and find the leadership that carried the program a few years ago.
114. Eastern Michigan
What to watch for this spring: A new receiver has to step up to replace Kevin Walter. Is the defense going to be any more physical this year? This spring is a good time to improve the intensity.
115. Tulsa
What to watch for this spring: Can the offense show any signs of life? After doing next to nothing last year, the Golden Hurricane has to figure out way to move the ball this spring.
116. Army
What to watch for this spring: Both lines need major retooling. This spring, Army needs a ton of upgrading just about everywhere, and could use a boost of confidence with some crisp practices.
117. Buffalo
What to watch for this spring: The whole team needs improving. UB's talent might not be all that great, but this crew needs to show a bit of improvement and some signs of life this spring.
http://foxsports.lycos.com/content/view?contentId=928576
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 bit 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.
31. Minnesota
What to watch for this spring: The Gophers get everyone back, but the defense has to jell as a more physical group. The experience is there on both sides of the ball, and now Glen Mason has to mold this into the best team he's had in Minneapolis.
32. Texas Tech
What to watch for this spring: Can the offense be as potent without Kliff Kingsbury? Will the defense be stronger with so many new faces? Texas Tech has some momentum after a strong 2002 season, and now it has to use this time to turn into a consistently strong program.
33. Oregon State
What to watch for this spring: Once the Beavers get the coaching situation in place, it'll be important to immediately jell with the players. The talent is there to make a run at the Pac 10 title with some sensational offensive weapons. QB Derek Anderson has to spend this time improving his accuracy.
34. Arizona State
What to watch for this spring: The Sun Devils should be a top 25 caliber team if they can develop a running game this spring and find a consistent pass rusher to pick up where Terrell Suggs left off. A number one receiver has to emerge to replace Shaun McDonald.
35. West Virginia
What to watch for this spring: The defensive front wall needs to be completely replaced. If this group comes around this spring, the Mountaineers are at least a top 30 team. QB Rasheed Marshall can run, and can lead a rushing attack, but his passing has to sharpen up.
36. Penn State
What to watch for this spring: The offense has to go from relying on Larry Johnson, to depending on the many talents of QB Zack Mills. The defense will go through an overhaul after losing almost all the stars.
37. Iowa
What to watch for this spring: How will the offense handle the loss of the offensive line and a Heisman caliber quarterback? This was one of the best lines in the nation in 2002, and this spring needs to unearth some new playmakers. Can Brad Banks and Dallas Clark be replaced? We'll
see.
38. Georgia Tech
What to watch for this spring: The kicking game will require a ton of focus, but finding steady quarterback play will be the biggest key. After an injury plagued 2002 season and a miserable bowl performance, the Yellow Jackets want to use this time to get back to its ACC title challenging form.
39. Southern Miss
What to watch for this spring: The defense will be fine as always, but the offense needs some more explosiveness. This spring, the offense has to change up a little without Derrick Nix to rely on. The kicking game will need a bunch of work.
40. Clemson
What to watch for this spring: What's the team's attitude? The Tigers were thoroughly whipped by Texas Tech to end the 2002 season, and now this has to be the year that Tommy Bowden makes his team a contender. There has to be a sense of urgency this spring.
41. UCLA
What to watch for this spring: This was an extremely young team last season, and now new head coach Karl Dorrell has to figure out how to use this talent. A couple of offensive linemen have to become hogs to run behind. A starting quarterback has to emerge.
42. Missouri
What to watch for this spring: After a few years under Gary Pinkel, the Mizzou program has to turn the corner. There's no better time than now with a superstar quarterback, a decent foundation on defense, and an attitude that this is the season to become a Big XII player. Some offensive playmakers have to emerge to help out Brad Smith.
43. Fresno State
What to watch for this spring: For a team that should be the class of the WAC in 2003, it needs to work on the kicking game to handle the rough part of the non-conference schedule. If some consistent kickers can be found in spring ball, Fresno could be a top 25 caliber team.
44. Ole Miss
What to watch for this spring: With Eli Manning coming back, he has to rock from day one after a slightly disappointing 2002 season. This is his team, and he needs to take the next step up into superstardom. Can the run defense improve over this spring? Will a leader emerge to replace what Eddie Strong provided?
45. Boston College
What to watch for this spring: The passing game has to go through some major changes needing to replace QB Brian St. Pierre along with most of the receivers. The new secondary needs some help, but it might not get a good test against the developing offense.
46. South Carolina
What to watch for this spring: Last season was a major disappointment with injuries and ill-timed turnovers ruining the Gamecock hopes for a bowl game. The running game has work to do after losing almost all of the production from last year.
47. Syracuse
What to watch for this spring: Can the Orangemen find some defense? After last year's disaster, SU has to find consistency at quarterback or it could be another long season. There are too many athletes on this team for there to be a repeat of the 2002 fiasco, but they have to step up this spring.
48. Tulane
What to watch for this spring: The pieces are there for the Green Wave to come up with a big season, but the offense has to find its 2001 form with J.P. Losman and Mewelde Moore stepping up. The entire secondary needs work.
49. Illinois
What to watch for this spring: The offense was finally coming around at the end of last year, but now the star receivers are gone. Quarterback Jon Beutjer has to go from being a good quarterback to an All-Big Ten talent.
50. Washington State
What to watch for this spring: How will the program move forward without Mike Price and Jason Gesser? The passing game will need some work this spring without Gesser and several top receivers.
51. TCU
What to watch for this spring: The defense will need to try and continue its dominating ways without LaMarcus McDonald. This spring could be when Bo Schobel takes over as the superstar of the defense. The offense could use some tinkering to have more of a big-play element. If Tye Gunn comes back 100%, move TCU up in the rankings.
52. Iowa State
What to watch for this spring: After a disastrous back half of the 2002 season, the program needs to use this time to start anew. Playmakers have to be found to replace the lost leadership and star power of Seneca Wallace.
53. Hawaii
What to watch for this spring: Some new receivers have to step up to give Timmy Chang some targets to throw to. Considering that Chang gets hurt every year, a number two quarterback has to emerge.
54. BYU
What to watch for this spring: Will the offense look like BYU again? The Cougars have the talent and the defense to win the Mountain West, but there needs to be that 2001 explosive element again. This spring could show if the Cougars really are top 25 material.
55. New Mexico
What to watch for this spring: After a great 2002 season, New Mexico has to keep the momentum going. With nearly everyone coming back, the Lobos have to use their experience to become a threat to win the Mountain West title.
56. North Texas
What to watch for this spring: Will there be a quarterback controversy? Scott Hall is returning, but Andrew Smith came on at the end of last year. A running back needs to come through to replace Scott Galbreath. UNT should have one of the best defenses in the country, but this ranking will slide if the offense doesn't look strong coming out of spring ball.
57. Air Force
What to watch for this spring: Can Air Force make up for the loss of so much talent on the defense? It did it last year without much of a problem, but an Anthony Schlegel-type player has to emerge from this spring.
58. Miami University
What to watch for this spring: This is a team with enough weapons and enough talent to win the MAC, but it can't let distractions take away from what it can accomplish. This spring, the defense has to get used to the loss of coordinator Jon Wauford and leader Matt Robillard.
59. Arizona
What to watch for this spring: After the soap opera that happened last season, head coach John Mackovic has to have the respect of the players from day one this spring. On the field, the Wildcats must find some semblance of an offense with Clarence Farmer continuing to recover from
an injury and with QB Jason Johnson gone.
60. Mississippi State
What to watch for this spring: After a year of almost no offensive production, the Bulldogs could use some positive signs of life from the offense this spring. The defense has to get back the bite that made them such a killer a few years ago.
61. Boise State
What to watch for this spring: The Broncos lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, so they need to use this spring to find playmakers to fill in the gaps. If Ryan Dinwiddie can play as well as he did last year without all the weapons around him, BSU should be in the hunt for the WAC title.
62. Michigan State
What to watch for this spring: The program needed a new facelift and John L. Smith will start a new era. This team has some talented young players, but they need to show they can be counted on this spring.
63. Northern Illinois
What to watch for this spring: After coming this close to playing in the MAC title game, there are no excuses for NIU this season. Will the Huskies have the attitude and the fire this spring to improve enough to carry them into a big 2003 season? A second running back has to develop to help out Michael Turner.
64. North Carolina
What to watch for this spring: Are the Tar Heels over the major disappointments of last season? After losing QB Darian Durant, and then getting him back, and then losing most of the defense to graduation and/or the NFL, the team went through a rough patch. With just about everyone back, the team has to come together.
65. Utah
What to watch for this spring: Urban Meyer took Bowling Green and made it into a solid football program. Utah already had a solid football program, but this spring is when Meyer might take this group and make it a Mountain West power. Several key players return, so it'll be interesting to see what Meyer does with this group.
66. Wake Forest
What to watch for this spring: The defensive line needs to find replacement and a quarterback has to be found to replace James MacPherson.
67. Kentucky
What to watch for this spring: Can the UK program continue to have the fire it had last year? Jared Lorenzen needs to step up his play even more this spring without Artose Pinner to fall back on.
68. South Florida
What to watch for this spring: How will the attitude of the team be now that its a part of Conference USA? It's a new era for USF football without Marquel Blackwell, so the offense will need to find a new leader.
69. Duke
What to watch for this spring: This is a veteran team, and now it has to take the attitude that this isn't the same old pushover Blue Devil team. The defense will be strong, but playmakers have to emerge on offense.
70. Marshall
What to watch for this spring: How do replace a legend? Marshall was able to do it once when Byron Leftwich had to replace Chad Pennington, and now Stan Hill has to show that he can keep the offense at its high octane level. Can anyone replace what Curtis Head provided in the kicking game?
71. Cincinnati
What to watch for this spring: The entire defensive front seven will need experience this spring. QB Gino Guidugli will have to develop a rapport with his new receivers.
72. California
What to watch for this spring: It's not like the defense was Tampa Bay Buccaneer-like last year, and now almost the whole D needs retooling. This spring, a leader has to emerge to take the place of Kyle Boller.
73. Louisville
What to watch for this spring: It's a new era in UL football. Unlike last year when the Cardinals had the pressure of people talking about the BCS, there are no such expectations on this year's team. That means this spring practice can be relatively loose as everyone tries to get on the same page.
74. UCF
What to watch for this spring: In year two of MAC play, some receivers have to step up to replace Doug Gabriel and Jimmy Fryzel. QB Ryan Schneider has to use his final spring session to go from being a great quarterback to an elite level.
75. Memphis
What to watch for this spring: This is a veteran team, other than on the offensive line, and it needs to come together this spring. The offense needs to develop some consistency, but that might be tough while the line is jelling.
76. Louisiana Tech
What to watch for this spring: Can Tech's defense improve this spring? It had problems last year, and now the front seven has to be replaced. If the D looks better in a few months, this could be a WAC title contender.
77. Connecticut
What to watch for this spring: After the sensational end to 2002 season, excitement is sky high for the up-and-coming program. Most of the key cogs are back, and now they have to use this time to turn into something special.
78. Toledo
What to watch for this spring: After an embarrassing Motor City Bowl performance, Toledo needs to use this time get its mojo back. Most importantly is to find a new quarterback to replace the underrated Brian Jones. Will the running game really be as good as the hype? The Rockets are loaded with great backs, and they all need to show they can carry the team.
79. East Carolina
What to watch for this spring: It's a new era of East Carolina football and there are some very nice players to build around. This spring, QB Paul Troth has to improve on his accuracy and his decision making, while the defense needs a total overhaul.
80. Vanderbilt
What to watch for this spring: A general improvement everywhere. In the second year under Bobby Johnson, there needs to be a bit more offensive firepower coming out of spring ball.
81. Bowling Green
What to watch for this spring: It'll be a new era without head coach Urban Meyer. The Falcons suffered a disappointing end to the 2002 season, and now the team needs to be fired up this spring to get back in the MAC West race.
82. Stanford
What to watch for this spring: It's a new season and a time to completely rebuild. Without WR Teyo Johnson and OL Kwame Harris, the offense has to find some new stars to count on.
83. New Mexico State
What to watch for this spring: For a team that does nothing but run the ball, this spring is key needing to replace almost the whole offensive line. The defensive backs need work, but they'll have a hard time getting tested against the Aggie passing game.
84. UNLV
What to watch for this spring: Will the Rebels be more disciplined? They haven't played anywhere near up to their talent level over the last two seasons and seemingly couldn't play three downs in a row without getting penalized. The defense has to find new playmakers.
85. Rice
What to watch for this spring: The defensive front seven needs to find new difference makers. On offense, everything could use a little more polish.
86. Western Michigan
What to watch for this spring: WMU's defense has to find players to develop around Jason Babin on the defensive front line. The running game did next to nothing last season, so the Broncos have to use this time to find some offensive consistency.
87. Northwestern
What to watch for this spring: The Wildcats have to get tougher. The program is still trying to recover from the Rashidi Wheeler tragedy of a few years ago, and it has to use this spring to get back to the form that got this program a few Big Ten titles. The defense has to get much tougher and more physical.
88. Indiana
What to watch for this spring: The defense has to toughen up after getting run over by everyone last year. This is only Gerry DiNardo's second season in Bloomington, so he has to keep the program going in the right direction. He's not starting from scratch this spring like he was last year.
89. San Diego State
What to watch for this spring: New receivers have to step up to take the place of J.R. Tolver and Kassim Osgood. The Aztecs could use this spring to develop more of a running game.
90. San Jose State
What to watch for this spring: Once again, San Jose State needs to work on incorporating new defensive players this spring.
91. Temple
What to watch for this spring: Temple could hang its hat on a tough defense, but now it has to replace DL Dan Klecko and most of the secondary. While the defense needs the most retooling, the offense has to find some pop this spring.
92. Baylor
What to watch for this spring: Will life be any different in Waco under Guy Morriss? He did a great job of changing around Kentucky, but now he has his work cut out for him.
93. Kansas
What to watch for this spring: Mark Mangino has a year under his belt, and now he and his staff have to use this time to get his young team even more experience. This spring, the team has to begin to show signs of life.
94. Nevada
What to watch for this spring: Without QB Zack Threadgill and WR Nate Burleson, the passing game will require the most work this spring. If that happens, the Wolf Pack ranking will move way up.
95. Troy State
What to watch for this spring: The defense has to replace almost the whole front seven. More importantly this spring, the offense has to find a spark.
96. Rutgers
What to watch for this spring: Someone has to step up on offense. The Scarlet Knights and Greg Schiano can't go through another season like last one.
97. UAB
What to watch for this spring: Can a receiver step up to fill in for the loss of Willie Quinnie? The defensive line needs some work.
98. Ohio
What to watch for this spring: The Bobcat kicking game has to find replacements for punter and kicker Kevin Kerr. The offense has to use every practice to get better and better to fine tune a running game that has several new cogs.
99. MTSU
What to watch for this spring: The Blue Raiders have to completely replace almost all factors of the running game this spring. Both lines need to be replaced.
100. Ball State
What to watch for this spring: Now that RB Marcus Merriweather is gone, the offense has to change its focus and diversify a bit. This is a good time to work on developing a more consistent passing game.
101. Arkansas State
What to watch for this spring: New offensive playmakers have to emerge this spring, or it could be a long season for the Indians.
102. Wyoming
What to watch for this spring: It's a new era for UW football under new head coach Joe Glenn. It'll be a time to try and improve on the porous defense and to find a running game to help out Casey Bramlet and the passing attack.
103. Akron
What to watch for this spring: The Zips finished the 2002 season playing extremely well. It'll be interesting to see if the Akron defense can unearth some playmakers it can rely on when the season starts.
104. Utah State
What to watch for this spring: In the first season in the Sun Belt, Utah State has to find new firepower after losing QB Jose Fuentes and WR Kevin Curtis. The kicking game will need working on this spring as well.
105. Houston
What to watch for this spring: Someone has to step up and provide a running attack like Joffrey Reynolds provided. There's some great individual talent on the Cougars, especially on the offensive line, but the rest of the players have to step up around them.
106. UL Lafayette
What to watch for this spring: The secondary should require the most work this spring. Overall, the team needs to find more playmakers on both sides of the ball.
107. UL Monroe
What to watch for this spring: Almost everyone returns on both sides of the ball, but the experience has to translate into production this spring.
108. Navy
What to watch for this spring: For a team that relies on the running game, this spring is key to replacing almost the whole offensive line. The program seems to be progressing under Paul Johnson, and now there has to be some improvement in year two.
109. Idaho
What to watch for this spring: The defense was horrible last year, but at least it gets to start from scratch this spring losing the back seven. A couple of new playmakers need to emerge on offense as well.
110. Central Michigan
What to watch for this spring: CMU's defense has to replace several key cogs. The offense has to figure out which players it can rely on.
111. SMU
What to watch for this spring: The running game appears to be fine, but the Mustangs have to use this spring to step up the passing attack.
112. Kent State
What to watch for this spring: KSU's offense relies too heavily on star quarterback Joshua Cribbs, so some other playmakers need to emerge this spring. The defense has to find some new producers.
113. UTEP
What to watch for this spring: UTEP isn't all that fall removed from being a WAC power. This spring, UTEP needs to step up in all area and find the leadership that carried the program a few years ago.
114. Eastern Michigan
What to watch for this spring: A new receiver has to step up to replace Kevin Walter. Is the defense going to be any more physical this year? This spring is a good time to improve the intensity.
115. Tulsa
What to watch for this spring: Can the offense show any signs of life? After doing next to nothing last year, the Golden Hurricane has to figure out way to move the ball this spring.
116. Army
What to watch for this spring: Both lines need major retooling. This spring, Army needs a ton of upgrading just about everywhere, and could use a boost of confidence with some crisp practices.
117. Buffalo
What to watch for this spring: The whole team needs improving. UB's talent might not be all that great, but this crew needs to show a bit of improvement and some signs of life this spring.
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