1. Texas
Forget for a moment that this program with Chris Simms running the show has won precisely squat on the field, we're looking at the nation's most talented teams for 2002 and as we see it on April 4th, the Longhorns are the best. Even so, we're with with most of you needing Simms and Mack Brown to prove to us that they won't gag away the big games. If you're asking us right now which team of players we'd most like to have for 2002, we'd pick Texas. If you're asking us who's going to win the national title, the jury's still out.
2. Miami
While the Canes have talent to burn, Frank Gore's injury concerns us only because of the bad karma start to the season. It's hard to catch the same breaks twice and the Canes might be due for a little bit of bad luck. On straight talent though, this might be the best college defensive line we've ever seen and if the secondary is really as good as head coach Larry Coker is raving about, look out.
3. Oklahoma
JUCO transfers have replenished the defense while all reports are that QB Jason White's knee will be just fine for the season. While we think the defense will be as strong as ever, we're still not sold the offense will be better than it was last year.
4. Florida State
The offense is loaded and will be as explosive as ever as Chris Rix should emerge from the quarterback battle with Adrian McPherson an even stronger player.
5. Tennessee
The biggest question for us was the defensive line but with the way Constantin Ritzmann and others appear to have stepped up, there won't be much of a drop-off. The offense will be explosive behind an offensive line that could be better with the return of Michael Munoz.
6. Florida
We're not buying the "needing a year to reload" theory. We are buying that Ron Zook will be outstanding and think the Gator coaching staff could end up shocking the world with what they do with this team. With the staff making a conscious effort to give Rex Grossman as much time as possible to throw, the passing numbers might not drop off too much.
7. Washington
The offense will be unbelievable as we think the Cory Pickett to Reggie Williams passing combination will emerge as one of the nation's best.
8. Colorado
The running game hasn't really gotten rolling yet this spring, but we're not concerned. QB Craig Ochs looks sharp and the passing game could shine.
9. Georgia
We're a little concerned about the defense, but with all the stars on offense the Bulldogs will simply score as many points as needed.
10. Ohio State
There's not one specific area the Buckeyes appear to be better than anyone else in the Big Ten, but the overall package looks fantastic.
11. South Carolina
Losses on defense? Need a new quarterback? Lose the star running back? It doesn't matter as Lou Holtz got the JUCO transfers to pump up the defense, either Dondrial Pinkins or Corey Jenkins will add more of a spark at quarterback and Andrew Pinnock is better than Derek Watson anyway.
12. Auburn
In a conference of great teams and better defenses, Auburn might have the best D of the bunch with a devastating back seven.
13. Oregon
The Ducks need the young players on the defensive line to step up in a hurry and RB Onterrio Smith has to stay healthy.
14. Texas A&M
The offense should be much stronger (it can't be any worse) while the defense could challenge Oklahoma's for the Best in the Big XII honor.
15. LSU
As the 2003 season goes on, people will realize just how amazing Rohan Davey and Josh Reed were. There's a ton of talent here, but the team isn't nearly as strong as last year.
Forget for a moment that this program with Chris Simms running the show has won precisely squat on the field, we're looking at the nation's most talented teams for 2002 and as we see it on April 4th, the Longhorns are the best. Even so, we're with with most of you needing Simms and Mack Brown to prove to us that they won't gag away the big games. If you're asking us right now which team of players we'd most like to have for 2002, we'd pick Texas. If you're asking us who's going to win the national title, the jury's still out.
2. Miami
While the Canes have talent to burn, Frank Gore's injury concerns us only because of the bad karma start to the season. It's hard to catch the same breaks twice and the Canes might be due for a little bit of bad luck. On straight talent though, this might be the best college defensive line we've ever seen and if the secondary is really as good as head coach Larry Coker is raving about, look out.
3. Oklahoma
JUCO transfers have replenished the defense while all reports are that QB Jason White's knee will be just fine for the season. While we think the defense will be as strong as ever, we're still not sold the offense will be better than it was last year.
4. Florida State
The offense is loaded and will be as explosive as ever as Chris Rix should emerge from the quarterback battle with Adrian McPherson an even stronger player.
5. Tennessee
The biggest question for us was the defensive line but with the way Constantin Ritzmann and others appear to have stepped up, there won't be much of a drop-off. The offense will be explosive behind an offensive line that could be better with the return of Michael Munoz.
6. Florida
We're not buying the "needing a year to reload" theory. We are buying that Ron Zook will be outstanding and think the Gator coaching staff could end up shocking the world with what they do with this team. With the staff making a conscious effort to give Rex Grossman as much time as possible to throw, the passing numbers might not drop off too much.
7. Washington
The offense will be unbelievable as we think the Cory Pickett to Reggie Williams passing combination will emerge as one of the nation's best.
8. Colorado
The running game hasn't really gotten rolling yet this spring, but we're not concerned. QB Craig Ochs looks sharp and the passing game could shine.
9. Georgia
We're a little concerned about the defense, but with all the stars on offense the Bulldogs will simply score as many points as needed.
10. Ohio State
There's not one specific area the Buckeyes appear to be better than anyone else in the Big Ten, but the overall package looks fantastic.
11. South Carolina
Losses on defense? Need a new quarterback? Lose the star running back? It doesn't matter as Lou Holtz got the JUCO transfers to pump up the defense, either Dondrial Pinkins or Corey Jenkins will add more of a spark at quarterback and Andrew Pinnock is better than Derek Watson anyway.
12. Auburn
In a conference of great teams and better defenses, Auburn might have the best D of the bunch with a devastating back seven.
13. Oregon
The Ducks need the young players on the defensive line to step up in a hurry and RB Onterrio Smith has to stay healthy.
14. Texas A&M
The offense should be much stronger (it can't be any worse) while the defense could challenge Oklahoma's for the Best in the Big XII honor.
15. LSU
As the 2003 season goes on, people will realize just how amazing Rohan Davey and Josh Reed were. There's a ton of talent here, but the team isn't nearly as strong as last year.
