Friday, August 02, 2002
Hurricane warning
USA Today poll ranks Buckeyes No. 12
By Jack Carey
USA TODAY
What's easier, getting to the top of the college football mountain or staying there? Miami (Fla.) is about to find out. The defending national champion Hurricanes will start the season where they ended the last one — on top of the USA TODAY/ESPN Coaches' Poll.
The Hurricanes received 34 first-place votes from the panel of 61 coaches and 1,444 points to outdistance No. 2 Texas by 45 points. The Longhorns are just two points ahead of Oklahoma. They meet Oct. 12.
The Longhorns, Sooners and No. 4 Florida State received first-place votes. Last year nine teams got preseason first-place votes, the most since USA TODAY began its association with the Coaches' Poll in 1991.
Miami leads the way despite having only nine starters back from the team that beat Nebraska in the Rose Bowl to win the school's fifth national title since 1983.
“I felt like we'd probably be a top-five team with the guys we have back, but I am a little surprised (to be No. 1) having lost five first-round picks and having 11 guys drafted,” Hurricanes coach Larry Coker says.
“But with us having (quarterback) Ken Dorsey back and having solidified our coaching staff, they probably figure, "We'll give them a vote.' Or maybe they just wanted to put a bullseye on us in August.”
To stay on top, the Hurricanes will have to negotiate one of the toughest schedules in the nation. They have to play at No. 7 Florida and No. 5 Tennessee, and at home against Florida State in addition to their Big East opponents.
“We're going to make it a positive,” says Coker. “We're going to have to play our best, and we've got to do it on the road. But Miami was always really good at that in years past. The schedule really got the guys' attention this summer and got them focused. They know this is serious.”
Four Big 12 Conference teams are in the top eight 3/4 Texas, Oklahoma, No. 6 Colorado and No. 8 Nebraska.
The Big 10 and the Southeastern Conference have five teams each in the poll.
Preseason college football poll and analysis. (2001 record in parentheses).
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1. Miami (Fla.) (12-0)
Points: 1,444 (34 first-place votes). Final 2001 ranking: 1.
Outlook: After quarterbacking Hurricanes to national title last year, Ken Dorsey is back to try to improve on 26-1 record as starter. Willis McGahee or Jarrett Payton look to be top tailbacks if Frank Gore can't return from March knee surgery on time. Offensive line and secondary took big personnel hits, but standout LB Jonathan Vilma is back. Non-league schedule includes games at Florida and Tennessee.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Florida A&M.
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2. Texas (11-2)
Points: 1,399 (9). Final 2001 ranking: 5.
Outlook: Could be year Texas fans have been waiting for. Longhorns appear to have one of nation's top offenses with QB Chris Simms throwing to WRs Roy Williams, B.J. Johnson and Sloan Thomas and RB Cedric Benson carrying ball. Defense will be led by CB Nathan Vasher, LB Derrick Johnson and E Cory Redding. Key question: Can Longhorns beat Oklahoma on Oct. 12?
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. North Texas.
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3. Oklahoma (11-2)
Points: 1,397 (11). Final 2001 ranking: 6.
Outlook: QB Jason White, coming back from knee surgery, could be key to how far the Sooners go. Senior Nate Hybl stepped in for him last year. RB Quentin Griffin is elusive and TE Trent Smith is one of best in nation. LB Teddy Lehman, T Tommie Harris and E Jimmy Wilkerson back to lead defense. If they get by Texas, Sooners could cruise as they don't meet Nebraska or Kansas State in regular season.
Opens: Aug. 30 at Tulsa.
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4. Florida State (8-4)
Points: 1,357 (4). Final 2001 ranking: 15.
Outlook: After subpar, injury-plagued season, Seminoles should bounce back in big way behind QB Chris Rix and experienced offensive line. RBs Greg Jones and Nick Maddox are back and WRs Talman Gardner, Robert Morgan and Anquan Boldin, if they stay healthy, form top-notch receiving trio. Defense should be strong behind T Darnell Dockett, E Alonzo Jackson and LBs Michael Boulware and Kendyll Pope.
Opens: Aug. 24 vs. Iowa State at Kansas City, Mo., in Eddie Robinson Classic.
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5. Tennessee (11-2)
Points: 1,255. Final 2001 ranking: 4.
Outlook: QB Casey Clausen and WR Kelley Washington back to pace offense that surpassed 30 points seven times last year, but another WR (Leonard Scott? Montrell Jones?) needs to step up. Cedric Houston and Jabari Davis will probably split time at tailback. Defensive front will need overhaul but CB Jabari Greer paces experienced secondary.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Wyoming at Nashville.
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6. Colorado (10-3)
Points: 1,010. Final 2001 ranking: 9.
Outlook: Buffaloes, who won Big 12 title last year and narrowly missed playing for national crown, should contend again behind QB Craig Ochs, who missed half 2001 season with injuries. RB Chris Brown, who had six TDs against Nebraska, leads impressive ground attack. LBs Sean Tufts and Drew Wahlroos and T Tyler Brayton among defensive leaders.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Colorado State at Denver.
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7. Florida (10-2)
Points: 972. Final 2001 ranking: 3.
Outlook: Departure of coach Steve Spurrier casts questions over program that rookie mentor Ron Zook needs to answer. But QB Rex Grossman should excel in new offensive coordinator Ed Zaunbrecher's system as long as new-look receiving corps featuring Taylor Jacobs can step up. RB Earnest Graham should get lots of work. Defense needs to get comfortable with new scheme. It will count on FS Todd Johnson in retooled secondary and LBs Mike Nattiel and Byron Hardmon.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Alabama-Birmingham.
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8. Nebraska (11-2)
Points: 951. Final 2001 ranking: 7.
Outlook: Little-used Jammal Lord steps in for Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch at quarterback. How fast he gets comfortable and develops could determine fate of Cornhuskers' season. I-backs Dahrran Diedrick and Thunder Collins could shoulder most of offensive load. Defense gave up 99 points in the last two games last year and will rebuild behind DEs Chris Kelsay and Demoine Adams and CB DeJuan Groce.
Opens: Aug. 24 vs. Arizona State in Black Coaches Association Classic.
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9. Washington (8-4)
Points: 914. Final 2001 ranking: 19.
Outlook: Lots of talent returns, especially on offense where QB Cody Pickett, RB Rich Alexis and WRs Paul Arnold and Reggie Williams could help take Huskies long way. Offensive line should be solid, but defense must be more consistent, especially against run. Huskies gave up 112 points in last two games of 2001. LB Ben Mahdavi among those counted on. Pac-10 title could be on line Nov. 23 at Washington State.
Opens: Aug. 31 at No. 10 Michigan.
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10. Michigan (8-4)
Points: 894. Final 2001 ranking: 20.
Outlook: With eight defensive starters back, Wolverines should be right in Big Ten hunt and could make run at national honors. LB Victor Hobson and DEs Dan Rumishek and Shantee Orr lead charge, and secondary has loads of experience. QB John Navarre returns but has been pushed by San Diego State transfer Spencer Brinton. Both might play.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. No. 9 Washington.
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11. Georgia (8-4)
Points: 858. Final 2001 ranking: 25.
Outlook: Team appears on rise and should challenge for SEC honors. QB David Greene should only get better and Bulldogs have highly touted freshman D.J. Shockley in reserve. Receiving corps, led by Terrence Edwards, Fred Gibson and Damien Gary, could be among best in nation, and RB Musa Smith is back to carry ball. LBs Tony Gilbert and Boss Bailey back to pace defense.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Clemson.
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12. Ohio State (7-5)
Points: 761. Final 2001 ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: All-America SS Mike Doss paces defense that might have to shoulder load early while offense with several new skill-position players gets feet wet. Buckeyes look strong up front, where ends Will Smith, Darrion Scott and Simon Fraser will team with tackles Tim Anderson, Kenny Peterson and David Thompson. Craig Krenzel leads quarterback chase, but whoever starts under center will be helped by WRs Michael Jenkins and Chris Vance.
Opens: Aug. 24 vs. Texas Tech.
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13. LSU (10-3)
Points: 749. Final 2001 ranking: 8.
Outlook: Surprise Southeastern Conference champion lost QB Rohan Davey and star WR Josh Reed. QB Matt Mauck, who led SEC title-game win last year, is back and looks like heir apparent. RB LaBrandon Toefield (19 TDs) a budding star. LB Bradie James and DB Norman LeJeune might be counted on more because defensive front is inexperienced.
Opens: Sept. 1 at No. 16 Virginia Tech.
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14. Washington State (10-2)
Points: 748. Final 2001 ranking: 11.
Outlook: Big surprise in 2001, Cougars should contend in Pacific-10 and maybe nationally behind QB Jason Gesser and WRs Mike Bush, Collin Henderson and Jerome Riley. DT Rien Long could develop into star, and DT D.D. Acholonu is playmaker. Cougars get Southern California, Oregon and Washington at home and play at Ohio State in key non-league game.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Nevada at Seattle.
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15. Oregon (11-1)
Points: 663. Final 2001 ranking: 2.
Outlook: Ducks will look for junior Jason Fife or redshirt freshman Kellen Clemens to take over for departed QB Joey Harrington. How well they can overcome his loss might decide how high Ducks fly. WR Keenan Howry and RB Onterrio Smith can ease transition. LBs Kevin Mitchell and David Moretti and FS Keith Lewis among top returnees on defense.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Mississippi State.
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16. Virginia Tech (8-4)
Points: 550. Final 2001 ranking: 18.
Outlook: Hokies QB Grant Noel returns, but he tore knee ligament in spring and his status is up in air. Backup Bryan Randall would probably step in if Noel can't go, although fans dream of freshman Marcus Vick, brother of Michael. But this will probably be running team with Kevin Jones and Lee Suggs (coming back from knee surgery) carrying the mail. Always tough defensively, Hokies' strength will be in secondary with FS Willie Pile and CBs Roynell Whitaker and DeAngelo Hall.
Opens: Aug. 25 vs. Arkansas State.
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17. Louisville (11-2)
Points: 378. Final 2001 ranking: 16.
Outlook: QB Dave Ragone, who completed better than 60 percent of his passes last season, could make run at Heisman, but wide receivers and offensive line largely untested. RBs T.J. Patterson and Lionel Gates and TE Ronnie Ghent could make big contributions. Experienced defense could shine behind sack specialist Dewayne White and S Anthony Floyd.
Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Kentucky.
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18. Michigan State (7-5)
Points: 371. Final 2001 ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: After a couple of mediocre years, coach Bobby Williams hopes Spartans get moving behind QB Jeff Smoker and WR Charles Rogers. With TB T.J. Duckett gone, Dawan Moss could move in, but freshman David Richard might get long look. LB Mike Labinjo and CB Broderick Nelson back to help pace defense. Spartans play first five games at home.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Eastern Michigan.
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19. Southern California (6-6)
Points: 349. Final 2001 ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: Trojans had to win last four games a year ago just to make a bowl and are hoping for more in Pete Carroll's second year as coach. QB Carson Palmer back for one last fling and has WR Kareem Kelly among targets. RBs Sultan McCullough, who missed half of last season, and Michigan transfer Justin Fargas provide solid ball-carrying duo. All-America S Troy Polamalu leads defense. Trojans need to be on toes early with Auburn, Colorado and Kansas State on tap first three games.
Opens: Sept. 2 vs. Auburn.
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20. Maryland (10-2)
Points: 315. Final 2001 ranking: 10.
Outlook: Out to prove they weren't one-year wonder, Terrapins need to solve quarterback question as Chris Kelley suffered knee injury in spring. Orlando Evans or Scott McBrien could step in if Kelley's not ready. TB Bruce Perry could develop into star. All-America LB E.J. Henderson back to pace defense but is coming off back surgery.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Notre Dame at East Rutherford, N.J., in Kickoff Classic.
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21. Marshall (11-2)
Points: 280. Final 2001 ranking: 21.
Outlook: Thundering Herd QB Byron Leftwich will make Marshall a threat against anyone. He's legitimate Heisman candidate and with his top three receivers - Darius Watts, Josh Davis and Denero Marriott - returning, ball will be in air a lot. Defense, however, must shore itself up after subpar season, especially against run. After losing Mid-American Conference title last year, Herd anxious to win it back and might have best team.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Appalachian State.
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22. South Carolina (9-3)
Points: 213. Final 2001 ranking: 13.
Outlook: Gamecocks coming off excellent back-to-back seasons but only nine starters return from 2001. RBs Ryan Brewer and Andrew Pinnock could shoulder a lot of offense, especially since quarterback and wide receiver ranks lack experience. E Dennis Quinn, LB Jermaine Lemon and S Rashod Faison among those back defensively.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. New Mexico State.
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23. Wisconsin (5-7)
Points: 210. Final 2001 ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: After suffering first losing season in six years, Badgers look to bounce back behind one of nation's top running backs, sophomore Anthony Davis, who led Big Ten with 1,466 yards. QBs Brooks Bollinger and Jim Sorgi both experienced. But WR Lee Evans is coming off spring knee injury. Lots of rebuilding needed on defense that has three starters back and had problems last season, leading to five losses in last seven games.
Opens: Aug. 23 vs. Fresno State in John Thompson Foundation Football Classic.
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24. Penn State (5-6)
Points: 206. Final 2001 ranking: not ranked. Outlook: After consecutive losing seasons, Nittany Lions hope to get back in Big Ten picture. QB Zack Mills helped Lions to 5-2 finish after 0-4 start. Is Larry Johnson long-term answer at tailback? Lions still lack depth in some key spots, but defense should be strong up front behind Ts Jimmy Kennedy and Anthony Adams and E Michael Haynes. PSU plays Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio State on road in October.
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Central Florida.
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25. North Carolina State (7-5)
Points: 174. Final 2001 ranking: not ranked.
Outlook: Coming off consecutive bowl seasons, Wolfpack, behind QB Philip Rivers, hope to contend in ACC. Rivers is great at spreading ball to different receivers, but rebuilt offensive line lacks experience and could be concern. Freshman T.A. McLendon could be running back of future and maybe present. He set national high school record for career touchdowns (178). FS Terrence Holt among defensive leaders.
Opens: Aug. 24 vs. New Mexico.
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Others receiving votes:Texas A&M 158; Auburn 150; UCLA 114; Kansas State 110; Boston College 85; Brigham Young 84; Georgia Tech 70; Syracuse 66; Illinois 55; Oregon State 54; Clemson 46; Purdue 45; Utah 44; Fresno State 42; Mississippi 41; Arkansas 40; Colorado State 39; Southern Mississippi 23; Iowa State 22; Stanford 21; Notre Dame 18; Hawaii 14; Arizona 12; Iowa 11; Texas Tech 11; Boise State 7; Pittsburgh 7; North Carolina 4; Toledo 4; Virginia 3; Minnesota 2; West Virginia 2; Louisiana Tech 1; UNLV 1; Wake Forest 1.
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The USA TODAY/ESPN Board of Coaches is made up of 61 head coaches at Division I-A institutions. All are members of the American Football Coaches Association. This season's voters: Barry Alvarez, Wisconsin; Gary Barnett, Colorado; Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech; Mike Bellotti, Oregon; Todd Berry, Army; Jack Bicknell, Louisiana Tech; Larry Blakeney, Troy State; Bobby Bowden, Florida State; Tommy Bowden, Clemson; Jeff Bower, Southern Mississippi; Mack Brown, Texas; Watson Brown, Alabama-Birmingham; Keith Burns, Tulsa; Lloyd Carr, Michigan; Larry Coker, Miami (Fla.); Gary Crowton, Brigham Young; Gary Darnell, Western Michigan; Darrell Dickey, North Texas; Randy Edsall, Connecticut; Ralph Friedgen, Maryland; Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee; Al Groh, Virginia; Walt Harris, Pittsburgh; Pat Hill, Fresno State; Terry Hoeppner, Miami (Ohio); Lou Holtz, South Carolina; Bobby Keasler, Louisiana-Monroe; Dirk Koetter, Arizona State; Mike Kruczek, Central Florida; Steve Logan, East Carolina; Rocky Long, New Mexico; Sonny Lubick, Colorado State; Bill Lynch, Ball State; Glen Mason, Minnesota; Ron McBride, Utah; Dan McCarney, Iowa State; Andy McCollum, Middle Tennessee; John Mackovic, Arizona; Rick Neuheisel, Washington; Gary Nord, Texas-El Paso; Joe Novak, Northern Illinois; Houston Nutt, Arkansas; Tom O'Brien, Boston College; Lee Owens, Akron; Joe Paterno, Penn State; Gary Pinkel, Missouri; Mike Price, Washington State; Bob Pruett, Marshall; Mark Richt, Georgia; Nick Saban, LSU; Jackie Sherrill, Mississippi State; R.C. Slocum, Texas A&M; John L. Smith, Louisville; Frank Solich, Nebraska; Bob Stoops, Oklahoma; Bob Toledo, UCLA; Chris Tormey, Nevada; Tommy Tuberville, Auburn; Ron Turner, Illinois; Bobby Wallace, Temple; Tyrone Willingham, Notre Dame. The AFCA prohibits coaches from voting for teams on major NCAA probation.
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