ALL-SOUTH 2005

All things being equal, this could turn out to be the most exciting season in recent memory. Sit back and enjoy as the fun kicks off.

THERE'S A LOT OF TALK THESE DAYS ABOUT PARITY IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL.

The pundits will tell you that the era of the dynasty has taken a knee, and that most teams are equal on paper.

Parity, schmarity! Here in the South, we've always known that on any given Saturday, any team can stick out a cleat-clad foot and trip up a more-heralded rival.

We've had our fair share of dynasties (Alabama, Oklahoma, Miami). But sometimes heart and conviction can tip the scoreboard in favor of the lesser team, even in the years when the statisticians say it just shouldn't happen. That's why we love this game.

For our 2005 predictions, we've weighed the stats and pondered the intangibles. No matter what drama unfolds, we know this for sure: It'll be fun to watch!

1. TEXAS

WHY THEY'LL WIN: The Longhorns return seven starters on offense and nine on defense, including 2005 Rose Bowl MVPVince Young. A legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, the junior quarterback is double trouble for defenders-he's the only player in UT history to rack up more than 1,000 yards for running and passing combined in a single season. The Longhorns also finished in the top 25 for defense for the sixth straight year. If they can put it all together, everything will be coming up roses.

WHY THEY WON'T: That's a big fat "if." Texas is one of the most successful football programs in the country, with nine or more victories in the past seven seasons and a 20-game Big 12 winning streak at home. None of that matters, however, if Mack Brown and his boys fail to stake their claim on the Cotton Bowl when the Sooners come calling. New Year's will look rosy only if the 'Horns can manage to hook OU (which they haven't done this century).

COMPETITIVE EDGE: Hunger.Aren't they tired of seeing the Sooners hoist the Big 12 Championship trophy over their heads?

KEY GAMES! Sept. 10, at Ohio State; Oct. 8, vs. OU (in Dallas); Oct. 22, vs. Texas Tech; Nov. 25, at Texas A&M.

2. TENNESSEE

WHY THEY'LL WIN: Surprise, surprise, surprise. The Vol Nation thought Fulmer & Friends would spend the 2004 season rebuilding. Instead, they came up with a trio of gifted quarterbacks and put together an exciting 10-3 season that ended with a win over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. Most of this talented team returns, including one of the nation s top running backs and a fearsome defensive unit.

WHY THEY WON'T: The road to Pasadena looks long and rocky for the Volunteers. They play tough back-to-back games in Gainesville and Baton Rouge before heading to both Alabama and Notre Dame. If they run this gauntlet unscathed, the Volunteers deserve a shot at the national title.

COMPETITIVE EDGE: Over the past decade, Tennessee under Coach Fulmer has been the winningest team in the SEC, and the coach doesn't rest on his laurels. Coach Fulmer has a game plan-you can count on that.

KEY GAMES: Sept. 17, at Florida; Sept. 24, at LSU; Oct. 8, vs. Georgia; Oct. 22, at Alabama; Oct. 29, vs. South Carolina; Nov. 5, at Notre Dame.

3. MIAMI

WHY THEY'LL WIN: The 'Canes had to rebuild in 2004-and they still went 9-3. With the exception of a few key offensive positions, Miami returns virtually the entire team.

WHY THEY WON'T: Their toughest games all come on the road, starting with the season opener at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.

COMPETITIVE EDGE: Miami's in-your-face defense claimed 229 sacks over the past six seasons, scoring 10 defensive touchdowns last year alone.

KEY GAMES: Sept. 5, at Florida State; Sept. 17, at Clemson; Nov. 5, at Virginia Tech.

4. LOUISVILLE

WHY THEY'LL WIN: The Cardinals led the country last year in both total offense and scoring offense, and that shouldn't change much. Yes, senior quarterback Stephan LeFors graduated, but his backup, former USA Today High School Player of the Year Brian Brohrn, played enough to be named Conference USA's Freshman of the Year last season.

WHY THEY WON'T: Not only does Louisville have some holes to fill on offense, but they also took a hit in the defensive backfield. They move to the Big East this year, where they'll have to subdue Pittsburgh to take the conference title.

COMPETITIVE EDGE: Count on offensive genius Bobby Petrino to keep the momentum going in this promising program.

KEY GAMES: Sept. 3, at Kentucky; Nov. 3, vs. Pittsburgh.

5. OKLAHOMA

WHY THEY'LL WIN: Runnine back Adrian Peterson rushed for an astronomical 1,925 yards last season, more than any freshman in the history of college football. He leads a host of talented athletes returning on offense.

WHY THEY WON'T: With 2003 Heisman winner Jason White gone, OU fields an untested quarterback. The Sooners also lost seven defensive starters. Bottom line: Inexperience can you cost you the close ones.

COMPETITIVE EDGE: Head coach Bob Stoops has taken Oklahoma to three National Championship games in only six seasons as head coach.

KEY GAMES: Oct 8, vs. Texas (in Dallas); Nov. 5, vs. Oklahoma State.