The 2004 Top 10

RANK

SCHOOL

RECORD

RETURNING STARTERS

1.

USC

12-1

17

Although they lose three starters on the offensive line, the Trojans will still be explosive with QB Matt Leinart, WR Mike Williams and RB Reggie Bush.

2.

Oklahoma

12-2

21

The Sooners have plenty to look forward to: Heisman-winning QB Jason White was granted a rare sixth year, and All-America LB Lance Mitchell returns from a knee injury.

3.

Georgia

11-3

20

Behind LBs Thomas Davis and Odell Thurman, the Bulldogs' dominating defense could be even stronger, and QB David Greene should return to all-conference form.

4.

Florida

8-5

9

Led by blossoming stars in QB Chris Leak, RB DeShawn Wynn and LB Channing Crowder, the Gators could be the fastest team in the nation next season.

5.

LSU

13-1

14

If Nick Saban stays in Baton Rouge, the Tigers won't fall far. Despite losing DE Chad Lavalais and possibly QB Matt Mauck, they have a ton of talent, led by WR Skyler Green.

6.

Miami

11-2

12

The Hurricanes always reload. Kyle Wright will push Brock Berlin at QB, and RB Frank Gore returns from a knee injury to challenge rising star Tyrone Moss.

7.

Texas

10-3

17

O.K., maybe this is the year. The Longhorns lose a talented receiving trio, but QB Vince Young could be one of the most dynamic playmakers in school history.

8.

Kansas State

11-4

11

The defense won't be as strong, but the Wildcats will have little trouble scoring points with superb RB Darren Sproles running behind a veteran offensive line.

9.

Florida State

10-3

16

In WRs Craphonso Thorpe and P.K. Sam, and RBs Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker, QB Chris Rix has a scary array of weapons, but he must be more consistent.

10.

Ohio State

11-2

9

Though QB Craig Krenzel graduates, his successor, Justin Zwick, will have a pair of playmakers to throw to in wideouts Santanio Holmes and Bam Childress.