The Top 20

Pluses: The defense boasts safety Roger Harper and linebackers Steve Tovar and Jason Simmons.

Minuses: Uncertainty at quarterback.

14. Texas A&M

The Aggies are another team with a big question at quarterback, but they are so strong everywhere else that A&M could be the first Southwest Conference team to seriously challenge for the national title since Texas in 1983. Jeff Granger, who made it to the final cut for the Olympic baseball team, is the quarterback of the moment, but three others could also see action. Still, coach R.C. Slocum must be confident that at least one of his signal-callers will come around. How else to explain the thick, new, pass-oriented playbook that offensive coordinator Bob Toledo calls Gone with the Wind III.

Pluses: The Aggies have a pair of standout tailbacks in Greg Hill and Rodney Thomas, a bunch of fleet receivers and five starters back on the offensive line. The Wrecking Crew defense, led by linebacker Marcus Buckley, cornerback Derrick Frazier and safety Patrick Bates, had a school-record 56 sacks in '91.

Minuses: Because the SWC is working on a four-game losing streak in the Cotton Bowl and has won only two of the last nine, it is a mistake to take anybody from this league very seriously.

15. Iowa

With games against N.C. State (in the Kickoff Classic this Saturday), Miami, Michigan, Colorado and Ohio State, the Hawkeyes have a murderous schedule that will make it difficult, if not impossible, to match last season's 10-1-1 record.

Pluses: The offensive line, led by center Mike Devlin, will be as good as any in college football. Defensive tackle Mike Wells is a certain All-America.

Minuses: Iowa's main concern is the loss of quarterback Matt Rodgers and tailback Mike Saunders.