For these teams, it's top 25 or bust in quest for respect

Sporting News, The, July 19, 1999 by Tom Dienhart

You can't help but notice them when you walk into your local grocery store, book store or drug store' the preview magazines. They are the salvation of information-hungry fans who fill their summer weekends checking the air in the tires of their RVs in preparation for pilgrimages to places like Tuscaloosa, Tucson and Tallahassee. The first section fans typically turn to is the top 25, where our magazine picks Penn State No. 1. You may notice a few prominent schools missing, but that doesn't mean they may not rank among the nation's elite at the end of the season. Here's a look at five of those teams:

LSU. Yes, maligned defensive coordinator Lou Tepper is back, but he promises his veteran crew will play more aggressively. A bigger key is the development of a quarterback. Though the job isn't his yet, Josh Booty appears equipped to handle it. He may be college football's biggest revelation after ditching a five-year baseball career. In addition to a solid ground game headed by Rondell Mealey, Booty's cause will be augmented by stellar wideouts Larry Foster and Abram Booty. Josh's brother can't wait to re-create some of the backyard magic the two had growing up.

Louisville. In his first season, John L. Smith turned a dreary 1-10 team into a high-flying 75 club that made it to the Motor City Bowl. Close inspection of Louisville may make you a believer. First, there's quarterback Chris Redman, who may be better than Tim Couch. Thanks to a pass-heavy attack bolstered by a standout receiving corps, Redman will pass for mythical numbers. But the pursuit of national acclaim hinges on the defense, a horrid unit in 1998 that allowed 480.6 yards per game.

Minnesota. Though Glen Mason has gone 815 his first two seasons in Minneapolis, he has turned heads by installing his trademark aggressive defense. And Mason's beloved ground game will be fueled by a veteran line and the terrific Thomas tailbacks: Hamner, a senior, and Tapeh, a touted freshman. But to end their Big Ten-long, 12-season bowl drought, the Gophers need improved quarterback play, from Billy Cockerham (runner) or Andy Persby (passer).

Mississippi. Romaro Miller will become a star under new coach David Cutcliffe, a quarterback molder who shaped players like Peyton Manning and Heath Shuler as offensive coordinator at Tennessee. Miller has lots of weapons and a defense that features nine returning starters and figures to get him the ball often. The schedule is favorable because every SEC road game is winnable (Auburn, South Carolina, LSU, Mississippi State).

Virginia Tech. You can blame the lack of respect on the fact the Hokies play in the Big East. Still, this is a good team and solid program that will use (what else?) great defense and special teams to make a nm at the top 25. Great things could await if redshirt freshman quarterback Michael Vick blooms. If Vick can't make plays, a slew of talented runners can be difference-makers.

RELATED ARTICLE: TSN's Top 25

1. Penn State
2. Florida State
3. Tennessee
4. Arizona
5. Florida
6. Nebraska
7. Michigan
8. Texas A&M
9. Wisconsin
10. UCLA
11. Ohio State
12. Colorado
13. Miami(Fla.)
14. Georgia Tech
15. Georgia
16. Alabama
17. Texas
18. Arizona State
19. USC
20. Notre Dame
21. Purdue
22. BYU
23. Kansas State
24. Arkansas
25. Marshall

RELATED ARTICLE: inside dish

CAMPUS RUMBLINGS, LOCKER ROOM WHISPERS FROM TOM DIENHART

Kudos to the Bowl Championship Series brain trust for tweaking its formula when it comes to holding conferences responsible for maintaining a high level of play. Beginning this fall, each BCS conference (ACC, Big East, Big 12, Pac-10 and SEC) must show it is worthy. If a conference's automatic qualifier fails to average at least a No. 12 BCS rating over a four-year period, it could be stripped of the bid. The decision seems most directed at the Big East, which has been criticized for sending subpar champions to the major bowls. Last season, Big East champ Syracuse (8-4) finished No. 15 in the BCS rankings and was routed by Florida, 31-10, in the Orange Bowl. Kansas State finished fourth but was relegated to the Alamo Bowl because it didn't win the Big 12.... Florida remains concerned about its defensive line. Depth is shaky, and top freshman prospect Roy Williams is the only signee who hasn't qualified. Coaches also are watching Marcus Oquendo-Johnson, who is projected to start at an outside linebacker slot. He went home for six weeks after the end of the school year--and lost five pounds. He weighs 205; coaches want him at 215 to 220.... West Virginia won't be hurt by the loss of tailback Alvin Swoope, who won't return to school because of academic problems and an unspecified family situation at his home in Florida. With Swoope gone, look for Avon Cobourne, Brannon Goins and Cooper Rego to baffle to replace Amos Zereoue. Cobourne, a redshirt freshman, might be the surprise. Touted true freshman Quincy Wilson also might figure in the picture.

Tom Dienhart covers college football for THE SPORTING NEWS. Mark Blaudschun's column will return next week.3