Title contenders
Florida State: Seminoles looking to avenge last year's loss to Tennessee.
Tennessee: Vols weren't supposed to win last year, they're better this year.
Penn State: Nittany Lions beat up on Arizona, two toughest games left are at home.
Florida: Last year disproved Steve Spurrier's theory that God must be a Gator.
Nebraska: The Big 12 is down, but do the Huskers have enough to go all the way?
Coaches on the hot seat
John Cooper, Ohio State: Buckeye fans still haven't forgotten last year's debacle against Michigan State.
Frank Solich, Nebraska: Tom Osborne, where have you gone?
Mack Brown, Texas: Opening loss to N.C. State won't go over well in Austin.
Mike DuBose, Alabama: He was in trouble before recent sexual harassment charge.
Gerry DiNardo, LSU: Hasn't delivered on big promises.
Freshmen of impact
Larry Johnson, fullback, Penn State: Ripped off 60-yard TD vs. 'Zona.
Josh Brown, kicker-quarterback, Nebraska: ka: Could make for some interesting fourth-down calls.
Earnest Graham, tailback, Florida: Red-shirted last year due to injury.
Eli Manning, quarterback, Mississippi State: Peyton's baby brother has tools.
Josh Booty, quarterback, LSU: Flopped at baseball, makes debut at 24.
Games with title implications
Penn State at Miami, Sept. 18: The 'Canes could be for real.
Tennessee at Florida, Sept. 18: Vols haven't won there since '71.
Florida State at Florida, Nov. 20: Only roadblock for Seminoles.
Southeastern Conference championship game, Dec. 4, Atlanta: SEC East is toughest division in football.
Big 12 championship game, Dec. 4, St. Louis: Ask Kansas State.
Pub Date: 9/02/99