All-South Top 10

ALL-SOUTH 2000

With no obvious front-runner, this year's college football season promises to be a doozy. Any team hoping to get a crack at the national championship must remember that anything can happen on a football field. Rarely have the South's 56 Division 1-A teams been more equal. Almost every team has as many questions as answers. Can the 'Horns replace Vince Young? Was Auburn's Capital One Bowl loss to Wisconsin an aberration or a sign of things to come? There's only one way to find-put. Let the games begin. -CASSANDRA M. VANMOOSER

1. West Virginia

* Why they'll win: The Mountaineers return all but three offensive starters from a team that went 11-1 in 2005 and stunned SEC powerhouse Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Look for lightning-fast quarterback Patrick White to again team up with running back Steve Slaton in the no-huddle offense. Both could surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark this year.

* Why they won't The 'Eers lose the element of surprise. White and Slaton were both true freshmen last year, and opposing defenses will be better prepared. Key losses, including a depleted secondary, leave them vulnerable defensively.

* Competitive edge: QB Patrick White runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. And to get to White, you first have to get past All-America center Dan Mozes.

* Key games: October 14, Syracuse; November 2, at Louisville

2. Texas

* Why they'll win: Except for Vince Young, the 2006 'Horns remain virtually intact with 14 starters returning. They still have a killer defense and plenty of talent on offense. What's more, right tackle Justin Blalock, guard Kasey Studdard, and center Lyle Sendlein anchor one of the nation's best offensive lines. They could protect Mack Brown's mother if she played for UT.

* Why they wont The O-line will need to be that good-maybe better. Neither Colt McCoy nor Jevan Snead has ever taken a college snap; defenses all over the country will be gunning for these boys.

* Competitive edge: Celebrated QB Vince Young didn't win the ADT Trophy single-handedly. This team takes the field as the defending National Champs.

* Key games: September 9, Ohio State; October 7, Oklahoma (in Dallas); October 21, at Nebraska; November 24, Texas A&M

3. Florida

*Why they'll win: Pundits talk endlessly about Urban Meyer's spread-option offense, but the Gators ranked ninth nationally in total defense last year; all but two starters return. Senior quarterback Chris Leak should have better command of the offense this season and could top 10,000 passing yards for his college career.

* Why they won't: They play in the Southeastern Conference. Starting September 30, the Gators take on Alabama, LSU, Auburn, and Georgia in successive weeks. If they can survive that, they deserve to play for the BCS championship.

* Competitive edge: If he's true to form, this will be a break-out year for talented head coach Urban Meyer.

* Key games: September 16, at Tennessee; October 7, LSU; October 14, at Auburn; October 28, at Georgia (in Jacksonville, Florida); November 25, at Florida State

4. Oklahoma

* Why they'll win: Two wordsAdrian Peterson. He rushed for 1,108 yards and 14 touchdowns last year, while missing either all or more than half of four games due to injury. Quarterback Rhett Bomar returns, as does a seasoned defensive unit.

* Why they won't: Bob Stoops must replace four starters from the offensive line, but a bigger loss may be offensive coordinator Chuck Long. He moves to San Diego State as head coach this year.

* Competitive edge: Junior running back Adrian Peterson tops the list of preseason Heisman favorites.

* Key games: October 7, at Texas (in Dallas); November 25, at Oklahoma State

5. Clemson

* Why they'll win: The offense could be the Tigers' most exciting in years. Senior quarterback Will Proctor teams up with A11-ACC receiver Chansi Stuckey and ACC Rookie of the Year tailback James Davis. The offensive line remains intact, and seven starters return to a very stingy defense.

* Why they won't: All four of Clemson's losses last year were close ones. They need to buck that trend, or they will again be wondering what might have been. Does Proctor, a first-year starter, have the chutzpah to make it happen?

* Competitive edge: Coach Tommy is a Bowden-enough said.

* Key games: September 16, at Florida State; October 26, at Virginia Tech; November 25, South Carolina

6. Auburn

* Why they'll win: The Tigers have won 16 of their last 17 SEC games. With quarterback Brandon Cox, running back Kenny Irons, and wideout Courtney Taylor all returning, they have a shot at keeping that streak going.

* Why they won't: Auburn has no open dates in 2006, which could hurt a team that lost 11 starters. The Tigers will have to be firing on all cylinders from day one if they're going to have a shot at the SEC title.

* Competitive edge: Scheduling. The Tigers play 8 of their 12 games at Jordan-Hare Stadium, including LSU, Arkansas, Florida, and Georgia.

* Key games: September 16, LSU; October 14, Florida; November 11, Georgia; November 18, at Alabama