The winds of change: Miami's reign will end as Bob Stoops and Oklahoma return to the top spot - 2002 College Preview

Football Digest, August, 2002 by Joe Donatelli

17. WISCONSIN (5-7)

The Badgers are coming off their first losing season since 1995, but with the return of sophomore running back Anthony Davis, wide receiver Lee Evans, and center Al Johnson, their offense should be among the best in the Big Ten. Davis had minor offseason surgery, but if he can stay healthy and does not declare early for the NFL draft, he could go down as one of the greatest rushers in conference history.

18. MARYLAND (10-2)

When did Maryland become a jock school? The football team goes BCS. The basketball team wins the national title. Boomer Esiason runs amok in our nation's broadcast booths. What gives? Whatever it is, this might be a golden era for Maryland athletics, and the high times for the football team should continue into 2002 with running back Bruce Perry and linebacker E.J. Henderson leading the Terps to a second straight bowl game.

19. LOUISIANA STATE (10-3)

The confident Tigers take a six-game winning streak into the 2002 season after closing out 2001 by winning thrillers against Tennessee in the SEC title game and Illinois in the Sugar Bowl. Look for talented running back LaBrandon Toefield to emerge as one of the top rushers in the nation as the offense quickly copes with the loss of wide receiver Josh Reed and quarterback Rohan Davey.

20. AUBURN (7-5)

Last season's Tigers defense was young--six of the eight returning starters in '02 are juniors--but it should fare much better this year. This can be a very special unit, as evidenced by last year's shocking victory over 21-point-favorite Florida. There are lots of questions on the offensive line, but quarterback Jason Campbell and running back Carnell Williams are back, as is talented kicker Damon Duval, one of the heroes of the Florida game.

21. WASHINGTON (8-5)

Coach Rick Neuheisel used his signing-day press conference to blast coaches Mike Bellotti of Oregon and Bob Toledo of UCLA for alleged dirty recruiting tactics. Should make for a lively Pac-10 regular season, ya think? The Huskies return quarterback Cody Pickett and wide receiver phenom Reggie Williams, the Pac-10 freshman of the year. But the defense must stay healthy if the the Huskies are to remain in the Pac-10 hunt all season.

22. GEORGIA (8-4)

Neither sophomore David Greene nor redshirt freshman D.J. Shockley looked super-sharp at quarterback this spring. They could split playing time, although SEC freshman of the year Greene is still the starter. Offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb is a hoss up front. The secondary must improve if the Bulldogs want to make any noise in the SEC. Our vote for coolest football name in the country: linebacker Boss Bailey. Say it: Boss Bailey!

23. OHIO STATE (7-5)

The good news: Quarterback Steve Bellisari's reign of inconsistency is over. The bad news: Who's Craig Krenzell? Unless the Buckeyes start true freshman Justin Zwick, it's Krenzell or Scott McMullen behind center, neither of whom rook advantage of Bellisari's repeated attempts to hand the job to them. Safety Mike Doss, defensive end Darrion Scott, linebacker Matt Wilhelm, and defensive tackle Tim Anderson lead a solid defense.