COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW SOUTHEASTERN.

Byline: Matthew Kredell Staff Writer

After 12 consecutive seasons of at least nine victories, including six conference championships, Florida coach Steve Spurrier left to run up the score against NFL defenses. Former Gator and NFL assistant Ron Zook returned to Florida as head coach.

But Spurrier's legacy will continue to be felt, not only on the Gators but an entire conference that has become more pass-oriented to keep up with his high-scoring offense.

--Favorite: Tennessee

Shocked by LSU in the conference championship and knocked out of the national-championship hunt, the Volunteers return only 10 starters. But three are possible All-Americas in QB Casey Clausen, WR Kelley Washington and SS Julian Battle. The Volunteers should flourish over the next decade without Spurrier to hold them down.

--Contenders: Florida, Georgia, LSU

--Dark horse: South Carolina 

Lou Holtz has taken the other USC, the Gamecocks, from laughingstock to contender in two seasons. South Carolina lost 21 consecutive games before the former Notre Dame coach took over. The team is much different than flashy SEC contenders such as Tennessee and Florida, who like to put on an air show. The Gamecocks will ride 255-pound bruising running back Andrew Pinnock.

--Standout player: Rex Grossman 

Just the fifth sophomore to finish in the top two in Heisman voting, he could have gone to the NFL but returned as the nation's top player. Grossman passed for 3,896 yards and 34 touchdowns, leading all Division I quarterbacks with a 170.8 rating. But he will be without Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell - who combined to catch 2,250 of those yards - because they left early for the NFL.

--Spotlight: Casey Clausen

As expected by anyone who saw Clausen play at Alemany High in Mission Hills, he has turned into one of the top quarterbacks in college football. A junior, Clausen has a 17-3 record and passed for 2,969 yards as a sophomore. One of the more accurate passers in college (.641 completion percentage), he is a Heisman candidate.

--Others to watch: Kevin Breedlove, G, Georgia; Ken Hamlin, FS, Arkansas; Bradie James, LB, LSU; Eli Manning, QB, Mississippi; Eddie Strong, LB, Mississippi; Kelley Washington, WR, Tennessee; Carnell Williams, RB, Auburn

MUST-SEE GAMES

Miami at Florida, Saturday

--In-state rivalry renews after 14 years

Alabama at Oklahoma, Saturday

--Two of the most storied programs in college history

Florida at Tennessee, Sept. 21

--Spurrier owned the Vols; will Zook?

Tennessee at Georgia, Oct. 12

--The Bulldogs have won two in a row over the Vols

LSU at Florida, Oct. 12

--Florida has won 13 of past 14, including 44-15 last year

Florida at Georgia, Nov. 2

--For Georgia to take next step, it must beat Gators

Tennessee at Miami, Nov. 9

--Both teams could be unbeaten

Florida at Florida State, Nov. 30

--Never one to miss

BIG 12

Proving that fancy passes and complicated offenses aren't needed in college football, most Big 12 Conference teams win with defense, running and old-fashioned grit.

The conference claims four of the past eight national champions and 2002 might be its best year yet. Four teams - Texas (No. 2), Oklahoma (No. 3), Colorado (No. 6) and Nebraska (No. 8) - were ranked among the top eight in the preseason coaches' poll.

--Favorite: Oklahoma

Texas might be as talented as the Sooners but the Longhorns can't match the schedule. Oklahoma misses both Kansas State and Nebraska in the Big 12. Victories over Colorado at home and at Texas could put Oklahoma in the national-title game. The Sooners return 16 starters and one of the top defensive lines in the nation to contain the Longhorns' high-powered offense. Oklahoma has outscored Texas 77-17 over the past two contests.

--Contenders: Texas, Colorado

--Dark horse: Nebraska

It's tough to be ranked in the top 10 in both major polls and be the underdog, but that's the craziness of the Big 12. Without Heisman winner Eric Crouch at quarterback, the Huskers give the ball to junior Jammal Lord. But Nebraska returns the conference's leading rusher in Dahrran Diedrick. The Huskers have something to prove after ending the season with embarrassing losses to Colorado and Miami by a combined score of 99-50.

--Standout player: Roy Williams, WR, Texas

With a touch of deja vu, Williams likely will be the second consecutive Roy Williams out of the Big 12 to be a top-10 pick in the NFL draft. Last year the Cowboys drafted Oklahoma safety Roy Williams with the eighth pick. Those two will battle for name supremacy in the pros for years to come. Texas' Williams is a 6-foot-4 receiver who draws comparisons to Randy Moss with his size and speed. He caught 67 passes for 836 yards despite nagging injuries last season.

--Spotlight: Chris Simms, QB, Texas

Despite passing for 2,603 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior, Simms hasn't lived up to expectations. The numbers are nice, but Simms was horrible in the Longhorns' two biggest games against Oklahoma and Colorado. Simms has possibly the best receiving corps in the country and no longer needs to keep an eye on Major Applewhite looming over his shoulder.

--Others to watch: Cedric Benson, RB, Texas; Tommie Harris, DT, Oklahoma; Kliff Kingsbury, QB, Texas Tech; Terence Newman, CB, Kansas State; Cory Redding, DE, Texas; Nathan Vasher, CB, Texas; Jimmy Wilkerson, DE, Oklahoma; Andre Woolfolk, CB, Oklahoma

MUST-SEE GAMES

Nebraska at Penn State, Sept. 14

--Tradition doesn't get much better than this

USC at Colorado, Sept. 14

--Buffaloes try to avenge loss in Coliseum two years ago

Texas Tech at Texas A&M, Oct. 5

--Added intrigue after A&M media guide called Red Raiders ``classless clowns''

Oklahoma at Texas, Oct. 12

--Expect to see one of these teams in national-title game

Colorado at Oklahoma, Nov. 2

--Buffs could play spoiler to a team's national-title hopes again

Nebraska at Colorado, Nov. 29

--62 points plastered on Huskers' foreheads

ATLANTIC COAST

The world is not careening out of control. It only feels that way in Tallahassee. But everything will be back to normal soon as Florida State assumes its regular place atop the Atlantic Coast Conference.

After nine consecutive conference championships since joining the ACC in 1992, the Seminoles unexpectedly fell last season. FSU lost two conference games, including its first ever at home, to finish second behind Maryland.

The Seminoles return 15 starters and are out to prove last year was a fluke. But with the door to the ACC title ajar, the rest of the conference hopes to blow it open.

--Favorite: Florida State

One down year after 14 consecutive seasons finishing ranked in the top five is more than excusable. QB Chris Rix, the first freshman starter in Bobby Bowden's 26 years as coach of the 'Noles, finished the season strong, eclipsing 300 yards passing in three of the final six games. Last year's green crew now has experience, and an experience it won't forget. Bowden is talking national championship again.

Maryland, the surprise conference champion, will be hurt by the loss of RB Bruce Perry, the ACC offensive player of the year. The junior pulled his left groin in practice and will miss at least the first month of the season, including a Sept. 14 game against the Seminoles.

--Contender: Maryland, N.C. State, Clemson

--Dark horse: Georgia Tech

Chan Gailey, former coach of the Dallas Cowboys and an offensive coach in the NFL for 14 years, takes over a team that returns nine defensive starters. If Gailey can mold QB A.J. Suggs, a transfer from Tennessee who couldn't find playing time behind Casey Clausen, the Yellow Jackets could contend. Suggs has the conference's best offensive line as well as veteran senior receivers Kerry Watkins and Will Glover.

--Standout player: E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland

The returning ACC defensive player of the year led the conference with 150 tackles, including 28 for losses. Henderson is big for a linebacker at 6-2, 250 pounds but covers a lot of ground. He is the top linebacker prospect for the 2003 NFL draft.

--Spotlight: Chris Rix, QB, Florida State

Much of the blame for FSU's tough season fell unfairly on the redshirt freshman quarterback. After all, he accounted for 3,123 yards in total offense, breaking the ACC freshman record, and was named conference rookie of the year. But fans in Tallahassee want victories, at least 10 of them, and Rix now should have the experience to cut back on the turnovers and deliver.

--Others to watch: Michael Boulware, LB, FSU; Darnell Dockett, DT, FSU; Greg Gathers, DE, Georgia Tech; Terrence Holt, S, N.C. State; Billy McMullen, WR, Virginia; Philip Rivers, QB, NC State; Brett Williams, OT, FSU.

MUST-SEE GAMES

Florida State at Maryland, Sept. 14

--Seminoles' early statement game last year was fluke.

Florida State at Miami, Oct. 12

--This is for all the oranges.

Notre Dame at Florida State, Oct. 26

--Irish were afraid to play in Tallahassee in 1994.

N.C. State at Maryland, Nov. 9

--Wolfpack showed it can win big road games.

Florida State at N.C. State, Nov. 23

--FSU wants payback for only ACC home loss.

Georgia Tech at Georgia, Nov. 30

--Any season with a victory over Georgia is a good season for Tech.

Florida State at Florida, Nov. 30

--FSU's nonconference schedule is brutal.

BIG EAST

It's really only fair, the Miami playbooks being stolen and posted on the Internet. After the Hurricanes' dominance the past two seasons, the rest of the conference needs all the help it can get.

Of course, Miami could tell opponents which play is coming and even that might not be enough to stop the defending national champions.

Miami is the top-ranked team in the nation heading into the season and has the nation's longest winning streak at 22 games. But the Big East Conference isn't decided yet. Big East teams are 8-2 in bowl games the past two years, better than any conference. As good as the Hurricanes were last season, Virginia Tech lost by only a failed two-point conversion attempt.

--Favorite: Miami

The Hurricanes have earned the right to be best in the country until someone knocks them off. But, while Miami has plenty of talent returning, no team can lose five first-round NFL picks and not take a hit. The longest winning streak in the nation will be challenged by road games against Florida and Tennessee. With the top three challengers in the Big East coming to Miami, the Hurricanes will be tough to beat in conference.

--Contenders: Virginia Tech, Boston College, Pittsburgh

--Dark horse: Pittsburgh

The Panthers finished last season as the hottest team in the nation next to Miami, winning six in a row - including its first bowl victory since 1989 - after a 1-5 start. Pittsburgh returns 17 starters but loses its three most important, QB David Priestley and receivers R.J. English and Antonio Bryant. If Pittsburgh can beat Texas A&M on Saturday, the Panthers easily could increase their consecutive victories to 11 before a tough second half.

--Standout player: Ken Dorsey, QB, Miami

Already the team's all-time leader in touchdown passes, Dorsey returns for his third season as starter with a career record of 26-1. He has a top receiver in Andre Johnson, who burned Nebraska for 199 yards and two touchdowns in the Orange Bowl. Dorsey will miss OL Bryant McKinnie, a first-round pick who didn't allow one sack in his Miami career.

--Spotlight: Marcus Vick, QB, Virginia Tech

Calls for Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick's younger brother to get playing time began before senior QB Grant Noel tore an ACL in spring practice. Noel plans to put off surgery and play. But how long Noel's knee can last - and how long he can stave off the freshman - is unknown. Some call Vick a more dynamic playmaker than his brother.

--Others to watch: Avon Cobourne, RB, West Virginia; Andre Johnson, WR, Miami; William Joseph, DT, Miami; Brian St. Pierre, QB, Boston College; Lee Suggs, RB, Virginia Tech; John Vilma, LB, Miami

MUST-SEE GAMES

Miami at Florida, Saturday

--Hurricanes' new secondary will be tested early.

Marshall at Virginia Tech, Sept. 12

--Nonconference schedule for Hokies no longer cake walk.

Boston College at Miami, Sept. 21

--Eagles put a scare into Hurricanes last year.

Boston College at Notre Dame, Nov. 2

--So many classic moments in this series

Miami at Tennessee, Nov. 9

--Winner could go to national-title game

Virginia Tech at Miami, Dec. 7

--Best chance to hand Hurricanes Big East loss

BIG TEN

Usually known for punishing runners, the Big Ten Conference has the biggest accumulation of wide-receiver talent this year. Charles Rogers of Michigan State, Brandon Lloyd of Illinois and Lee Evans of Wisconsin, when healthy, make three of the top five receivers in college football.

As the conference follows the lead of Purdue, the era of ``three yards and a cloud of dust'' is over.

The conference is down now, not finishing with a team in the top 10 since 1999. No teams are in the top 10 of the Associated Press poll entering this season but five are in the top 25 in what should be a competitive race for the Big Ten title.

--Favorite: Michigan

Unhappy with an 8-4 finish and a loss to Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl, the Wolverines have a new offensive coordinator and a new offense. But the offense should have time to get in sync thanks to the conference's best defense. Eight of 11 starters return on a defense that ranked No. 12 in the nation and held opponents to 90.6 rushing yards per game last season.

--Contenders: Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue

--Dark horse: Penn State

Shell-shocked the past two years by the decline of the program, the Nittany Lions have reason for optimism. A 5-2 finish last season and the emergence of QB Zack Mills as a playmaker has the team on the rise. Penn State had one losing season in 34 years under Joe Paterno before finishing under .500 the past two seasons.

--Standout player: Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State.

In his first collegiate season after sitting out as a freshman because he was a partial qualifier academically, Rogers scored a touchdown in 11 of 12 games. He has the size (6-4) and speed (4.3 in the 40) NFL coaches drool over. His big-play potential was evident in an average of 21.1 yards per catch. Now he has experienced QB Jeff Smoker returning and will be counted on more with the departure to the NFL of RB T.J. Duckett.

--Spotlight: Anthony Davis, RB, Wisconsin

In the background as a Heisman candidate, Davis soon will be up front with more performances like the 184 rushing yards he posted against Fresno State in the season opener. Davis, the leading rusher in the Big Ten with 1,466 yards last year as a freshman, could follow Ron Dayne and Michael Bennett as recent Badgers running backs to go in the first round of the NFL draft.

--Others to watch: Mike Doss, S, Ohio State; Lee Evans, WR, Wisconsin; Victor Hobson, LB, Michigan; Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Penn State; Brandon Lloyd, WR, Illinois; John Navarre, QB, Michigan; Stu Schweigert, S, Purdue; Jeff Smoker, QB, MSU; Mike Wilhelm, LB, Ohio State; Eugene Wilson, CB, Illinois

MUST-SEE GAMES

Purdue at Notre Dame, Saturday

--Boilermakers try to spoil Tyrone Willingham's home opener

Washington State at Ohio State, Sept. 14

--Could be a Rose Bowl preview

Nebraska at Penn State, Sept. 14

--Nittany Lions are now on the rise and Nebraska on the decline

Michigan State at Michigan, Nov. 2

--Wolverines smarting over after last year's upset loss

Michigan at Ohio State, Nov. 23

--The Buckeyes finally won one to get the rivalry going again

MOUNTAIN WEST

The conference managed to embarrass itself last year, touting BYU as a BCS team when the Cougars were undefeated despite an unimpressive schedule. Then BYU was humiliated after a 12-0 start by a Hawaii team that had lost to Rice. Hawaii beat the Cougars 72-45, abruptly ending talk of BYU belonging in one of the top bowl games.

Well, the Mountain West shouldn't have a similar problem this year. BYU lost its two best offensive players in QB Brandon Doman and RB Luke Staley. The conference favorite, Colorado State, likely won't emerge unscathed with nonconference road games against UCLA and Fresno State. No Mountain West team was ranked in the preseason top 25.

--Favorite: Colorado State

Athletic QB Bradlee Van Pelt returns, along with the re-emergence of RB Cecil Sapp, to lead a potent offense. Van Pelt is an improving passer and dangerous runner. From the QB position, he has the top rushing game in school history with 174 yards against BYU last season. CSU already pulled a big upset over in-state rival Colorado. The Rams have bowl appearances in three consecutive seasons for the first time in school history. A fourth is likely.

--Contenders: Utah, BYU

--Dark horse: UNLV 

Tabbed as a Heisman candidate entering last season, QB Jason Thomas had shoulder surgery in the summer and had a shockingly terrible season, completing 42.8 percent of his passes and throwing more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (8). If a healthy Thomas bounces back, UNLV could make a run at the conference title. Despite a 4-7 finish last season, the Rebels outscored and outgained opponents. If not for losing three games by a combined 10 points, they could have been 7-4.

--Standout player: Jordan Gross, OL, Utah

It's rare an offensive lineman would be the top player in a conference. Gross, likely bound for the NFL, should help the Utes have one of the top rushing programs in the nation again (No. 12 in 2001) despite the loss of their top two running backs. Coach Ron McBride said the 6-5, 305-pound Gross is the Utes' most important player on offense.

--Spotlight: Cecil Sapp, RB, Colorado State

After leading the conference in rushing in 2000, Sapp missed the 2001 season with a benign tumor in the heel of his foot. The return of the old Sapp was uncertain all the way up to the first game, when he rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries to kick off the season.

--Others to watch: Casey Bramley, QB, Wyoming; Sheldon Deckart, LB, Utah; Joe Haro, RB, UNLV; Joey Huber, P, Colorado State; Reno Mahe, WR, BYU

MUST-SEE GAMES

Hawaii at BYU, Friday

--Cougars can put past demons behind early

Colorado State at UCLA, Saturday

--Rams could catch Bruins at a good time

Louisville at Colorado State, Sept. 14

--Cardinals QB Dave Ragone being hyped for Heisman

Colorado State at Utah, Oct. 19

--Could be for Mountain West title

WESTERN ATHLETIC

The conference was getting some respect last season after Fresno State scored early victories over Colorado, Oregon State and Wisconsin. Then the Bulldogs were knocked off twice in Western Athletic Conference play and lost to Michigan State in Silicon Valley Classic. Conference champion Louisiana Tech was blown out 49-24 by Clemson in the Humanitarian Bowl.

Now the WAC likely will go back under the national radar. QB David Carr, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, no longer is around for Fresno State to scare ranked opponents. That leaves the door open for Boise State to quietly move to the top.

--Favorite: Boise State

Everyone thought the Broncos would struggle in the move from the weak Big West Conference to the more competitive WAC. But Boise State tied with Frenso State for second in the conference, beating the ranked Bulldogs in the process. The Broncos return the best and most-experienced offense in the conference with QB Ryan Dinwiddie and RB Brock Forsey. Forsey led the conference with 1,207 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns.

--Contenders: Louisiana Tech, Frenso State

--Dark horse: Hawaii

It closed 2001 with eight victories in nine games, including victories over two nationally ranked teams. QB Tommy Chang was off to a stellar start, leading the nation in total offense, before breaking his wrist in the third game and needing a medical redshirt. He returns, along with six more starters on offense. June Jones, a former NFL coach, and his spread four-wideout offense can give any team fits.

--Standout player: Luke McCown, QB, Louisiana Tech

Passed for 3,655 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior and no longer is overshadowed by Carr. Entering his third year as starter, McCown already has shown a penchant for playing well in big games, passing for more than 300 yards against Miami, Auburn, Fresno State and Clemson. In 20 games started, McCown has eclipsed 300 yards 12 times and reached 400 yards six times.

--Spotlight: Jeff Grady, QB, Fresno State

There's no replacing the first player ever to be drafted No. 1 overall in the 40-year history of the WAC. Grady won't be expected to approach Carr's record-breaking numbers. However, the Bulldogs are becoming used to being a national player and will need the junior to perform. Five returning offensive linemen and WR Bernard Berrian give him solid support.

--Others to watch: Bernard Berrian, WR, Fresno State; Chris Brown, LB, Hawaii; Tommy Chang, QB, Hawaii; Chance Kretschmer, RB, Nevada; Quintin Mikell, FS, Boise State

MUST-SEE GAMES

Hawaii at BYU, Friday

--72 points not forgotten in Utah

Fresno State at Oregon, Saturday

--Bulldogs could make another national statement

Louisiana Tech at Penn State, Sept. 21

--Tech's potent offense could lead to upset of top team

Louisiana Tech at Texas A&M, Sept. 28

--Could be second game in a row against ranked opponent

Fresno State at Boise State, Oct. 9

--Bulldogs want to avenge only home loss

CAPTION(S):

3 photos, 7 boxes

Photo:

(1) Tennessee receiver Kelley Washington, left, and quarterback Casey Clausen hope to bring the Volunteers the Southeastern conference title.

Wade Payne/Associated Press

(2) Just two years into his college career, Texas wide receiver Roy Williams is already the best receiver in Longhorns history.

Henry Cabluck/Associated Press

(3) Colorado State quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt leads a powerful Rams offense in the Mountain West Conference.

Wade Payne/Associated Press

Box:

(1 -- 7) MUST-SEE GAMES (see text)