Fearsome foursomes: The national picture at a glance

Heisman hype

Four Heisman hopefuls who just might have the right combination — winning team, big stats, preseason publicity — to win the award:

1. Ken Dorsey, QB, Miami

2. Chris Simms, QB, Texas

3. Jason Gesser, QB, WSU

4. Dave Ragone, QB, Louisville

Title tilts

Games most likely to have national-title implications:

1. Texas vs. Oklahoma, in Dallas (Oct. 12).

2. Florida State at Miami (Oct. 12).

3. Miami at Tennessee (Nov. 9).

4. Florida at Florida State (Nov. 30).

Easy street

1. Oklahoma: Without K-State and Nebraska on the schedule, the Sooners have a three-game season — home to Colorado, at Texas A&M and vs. Texas in Dallas. Non-Big 12 games include UTEP, South Florida and Tulsa.

2. Washington State: Here's why many are picking the Cougars to win the Pac-10 — home games against their toughest foes, USC, Oregon and Washington, and a nonleague lineup that includes Nevada, Idaho and Montana State. Biggest threat: at Ohio State.

3. Michigan State: Eight home games, including seven of the first eight. Tough road games at the end include trips to Michigan and Penn State.

4. Tennessee: Nine of 12 games will be played in state — seven in Knoxville, two in Nashville. Out of state games are at Georgia, South Carolina and Mississippi State.

The replacements

1. Nebraska: QB Jammal Lord for Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch — Lord, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior, is a run-pass threat in the best tradition of Huskers QBs.

2. Oregon: QB Jason Fife for Joey Harrington — a rugged 6-4, 224-pound redshirt junior, Fife played in two games last season, completing 6 of 9 passes for 71 yards.

3. Miami: LT Carlos Joseph for Outland Trophy winner Bryant McKinnie — A 6-6, 322-pound redshirt sophomore, Joseph played sparingly in eight games as McKinnie's backup.

4. North Carolina: DE Issac Mooring for Lombardi Award winner Julius Peppers — A 6-3, 272-pound junior, Mooring played in all 13 games last season and had 21 tackles and two sacks.

Sound familiar?

1. Eli Manning, QB, Mississippi: Son of former New Orleans Saints QB Archie; brother of Indianapolis Colts' QB Peyton.

3. Kellen Winslow II, TE, Miami: Son of former San Diego Chargers TE Kellen.

4. Jarrett Payton, RB, Miami: Son of former Chicago Bears RB Walter.

Coaches on the hot seat

1. Ron Zook, Florida: He just arrived, but a few early losses will make life tough for Steve Spurrier's replacement.

2. Dana Dimel, Houston: Cougars enter season with a 15-game losing streak.

3. Bobby Wallace, Temple: In his four years, Owls have 12 wins.

4. Kevin Steele, Baylor: A 6-27 record in three years, plus 0-24 in Big 12 play, don't bode well.