With the top Dawgs gone to the NFL, the new leaders on offense are the experienced--and huge--linemen

The high-powered Cardinals make the jump to the Big East-- and immediately become the class of the conference

It's up to a senior-led defense with a young front four to fulfill expectations created by three straight top 10 finishes

Unity is the word in Baton Rouge, as the Tigers want to prove that a coaching change won't keep them out of the SEC hunt

The Aggies are closing in on the Big 12 South's big two. Reggie McNeal's playmaking might put them over the top

2004 RECORD 7-5 (5-3, T3 in Big 12 South)

Sept. 3 at Clemson

Another tumultuous off-season has left the once-mighty Seminoles with more questions than answers

2004 RECORD 9-3 (6-2, 2nd in ACC)

Sept. 5 MIAMI

Quarterback Jared Zabransky and the Broncos take another shot at a BCS bid--but the schedule could bust 'em

2004 RECORD 11-1 (8-0, 1st in WAC)

Sept. 3 at Georgia

An all-conference quarterback and a 2,000-yard rusher are gone, but the ultradeep Bears aren't sweating it

2004 RECORD 10-2 (7-1, 2nd in Pac-10)

Sept. 3 SACRAMENTO STATE

It's showtime for heralded sophomore passer Brandon Cox, who has gained the Tigers' confidence after a shaky start

2004 RECORD 13--0 (8--0, 1st in SEC West)

Sept. 3 GEORGIA TECH

There's one thing standing between the Bulldogs and the WAC title: Boise State. Is this the year they beat the Broncs?

2004 RECORD 9-3 (5-3, T3 in WAC)

The Sun Devils put their potent aerial attack in the hands of Sam Keller, who has huge shoes to fill

2004 RECORD 9-3 (5-3, T3 in Pac-10)

A new coach makes wholesale changes, but one constant on defense is the fearsome play of linebacker H.B. Blades

2004 RECORD 8-4 (4-2, T1 in Big East)

Known for their offensive prowess, the Boilermakers want the same respect for their head-rattlin' defense

2004 RECORD 7-5 (4-4, T5 in Big Ten)

The Falcons are aiming high in the MAC, thanks to the ultraprecise arm of quarterback Omar Jacobs

2004 RECORD 9-3 (6-2, 3rd in MAC West)

Sept. 3 at Wisconsin

In the weak Big 12 North, the Buffaloes should have an easy trip thanks to the prolific arm of Joel Klatt

2004 RECORD 8-5 (4-4, 1st in Big 12 North)

Sept. 3 COLORADO STATE

Welcome to the Top 25, Cowboys. First task: proving yourselves against Florida ... at the Swamp

2004 RECORD 7-5 (3-4, 4th in MWC)

Sept. 3 at Florida

Kings Crossing

Stronger Than Ever (Aug. 8) may be about what NFL players endure to get ready for the season, but I'm not sure even Donovin Darius would make it through the blue type printed against the green...

LETTERS

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

I-AA, II and III Rankings

Homeland security in this country is abysmal. Look at the infiltration of baseball alone.

AUGUST 8, 1966

As a royals or Mariners or Devil Rays fan, you deserve a Gold Glove at your position--the fetal position--considering that your team has now spent more time in the cellar than Ernest & Julio...

David Beckham, Ronaldo and other European stars say they'd like to lead a soccer revolution in America. Is this the way to finally make fútbol a big draw here?

Battling practically since they became partners, the owners in Atlanta are now in court over who's the boss

Died

0

For the guys who need pleats in their golf pants, it was a week of mixed results. John Daly (left) failed to drive a ball 350 yards over Niagara Falls. Craig Stadler (right) and son Kevin (far...

Former pitcher Rick Ankiel, 26, is trying to make the Cardinals as an outfielder. How's he doing? SI's Ankielometer tells all.

Gene Mauch saw some big ones slip away, but still wound up a winner

The Magic's top draft choice books it for a better-paying gig

The former U.S. senator and basketball Hall of Famer, 62, is the host of a new talk show on Sirius Satellite Radio

In her role as Erica Kane on All My Children , soap queen Susan Lucci has survived a grizzly bear attack, taken part in a helicopter prison break and been passed over for a daytime Emmy 18 times....

The bronze bust is merely the best-known benefit of making it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There is also the thrill of having a llama dress like you, as former Dolphins quarterback Dan...

Cheerleaders in Michigan helped police track down a hit-and-run suspect by turning his license plate number into a cheer.

ANTOINE WALKER

What to watch and watch for

Jack Kendall

Pro Golfer

WHO'S HOT

Yankees Catcher

[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

... with J.T. Snow, Omar Vizquel and Mike Matheny

With an eye toward the rivals' four-game showdown at Wrigley Field this weekend, Cubs second baseman Todd Walker and Cards pitcher Jeff Suppan played a game of ESPN MLB2K5 on Xbox Live.

NFL season openers are just weeks away, and that's when prime time for merchandise sales kicks off. Broken down by type of stuff, these teams sold the most in 2004.

Indians pitcher Jason Davis has a passion for taxidermy

Bedeviling opponents on the base paths, fleet leadoff man Scott Podsednik has the White Sox racing toward their first World Series in 46 years

Jaunty Justin Gatlin and plucky Lauryn Williams gave the U.S. a sweep of the 100 meters at the world championships

He was sure he'd re-sign with the Wizards. But that was before Larry Hughes got swept up by the forces of the free-agent market, including one named LeBron

Miami has made bolder moves than any other title contender--and more may be on the way

MOTOR SPORTS

With time running out, Jeff Gordon improved his chance to qualify for the Chase, but Junior's hopes hit the wall

Five races remain before the start of the Chase for the Nextel Cup. With only the top 10 drivers in the standings, plus any others within 400 points of the leader (currently Tony Stewart, with...

With Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio winding down, it's Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg to the Astros' rescue

Three Up

PIRATES' ZACH DUKE

NOT HAPPY IN THE PEN

• For daily Web-only galleries, go to SI.com/photos.

Maurice Clarett is eager to carry the ball in Denver, but first he'll have to make his mark on special teams

No rookie was more impressive early in training camp than Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson, a first-round pick out of Texas. "He's playing at a different speed," says Kansas City guard Brian...

Gamebreaking talents like Reggie Bush and Vince Young, and the scheme-busting attack of Florida coach Urban Meyer in the skilled hands of Chris Leak, offer warning: This season, open-field offense...

Pity the poor defender charged with trying to shut down Reggie Bush, the nation's most electric player and the key to USC's goal of a three-peat

It's been 36 years since the Longhorns finished at the top, but the relentless Vince Young could be the guy who finally gets them there

The games, players and zaniness that make the season great

Four years ago Urban Meyer invented his spread-option offense. Now, as he installs it at Florida, it's the hottest scheme in the land

HE GENIUS of Urban Meyer's offense is how it mixes spread formations that open up the field with option runs that enable the quarterback to exploit the resulting gaps in the defense. This...

1. USC

The Trojans are going for three with the nation's top quarterback, most electric playmaker and most dynamic wideouts. Who's to stop them?

2004 RECORD 13--0 (8--0, 1st in Pac-10)

Mack Brown signs top recruiting classes, but his teams have yet to reach the ultimate goal. This could be the Longhorns' best shot

If the Gators can quickly master Urban Meyer's offense--and early signs are good--they'll take the SEC by storm

With young, gamebreaking players at quarterback, running back and wideout, the Wolverines are an offensive juggernaut

It's a long way from the Big Island to Rocky Top, but Volunteer Jesse Mahelona wouldn't mind a trip to Pasadena as well

The emergence of the Hurricanes' most talented wideout corps in years will ease the transition to a new quarterback

After back-to-back losses in the BCS title game, the Sooners make a fresh run at the championship with a younger team

A spread offense in Columbus? Believe it--with a wealth of explosive receivers on hand, the Buckeyes are ready to let it fly

The Hokies hope Marcus Vick--little brother of the Blacksburg legend--has put his troubles behind him. If so, watch out

2004 RECORD 10-3 (7-1, 1st in ACC)

Sept. 4 at N.C. State

SI's Top 10 1. USC 2. TEXAS 3. FLORIDA 4. MICHIGAN 5. TENNESSEE 6. MIAMI 7. OKLAHOMA 8. OHIO STATE 9. VIRGINIA TECH 10. GEORGIA

SI's Top 10 1. USC 2. TEXAS 3. FLORIDA 4. MICHIGAN 5. TENNESSEE 6. MIAMI 7. OKLAHOMA 8. OHIO STATE 9. VIRGINIA TECH 10. GEORGIA

SI's Top 10 1. USC 2. TEXAS 3. FLORIDA 4. MICHIGAN 5. TENNESSEE 6. MIAMI 7. OKLAHOMA 8. OHIO STATE 9. VIRGINIA TECH 10. GEORGIA

What do the kids think? SI asked a group of teenagers, all serious golfers, their opinions on equipment, fashion, women on the men's Tour and if they'd rather be president or win the Grand Slam

Five years ago Bob May was part of one of the most exciting PGA Championships ever. Today he's just getting to the point where he can play 18 holes without feeling it for days

Eliminating more club pros from the PGA is bad for the event and not fair

[This article consists of illustrations.  Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]

With its global field and unique format, the International should be a World Golf Championship.

SPECIAL SI GOLF PLUS JUNIOR SURVEY What the Kids Think page G10

By winning a record three straight Nationwide starts, the Cinderella of the U.S. Open earned a PGA Tour card

What golfers are talking about

36

Though he never went to business school, commissioner Tim Finchem often uses the jargon of the PGA Tour's corporate partners to let them know that he is on their wavelength. These translations...

WHO: Morgan Pressel

"Tiger Woods has changed Hank Haney as much as Haney has changed Woods. Hank used to be a private guy who thought teaching at Tour events was unproductive."

When minor league clubs need an over-the-top stand-up or tiny Elvis impersonator, they call on talent agent Jon Terry

A top chess player takes on all comers in a record-setting test of endurance