The Story Lines Of Spring

1 Has Oklahoma found a successor to Jason White?

Not yet. In last Saturday's spring game, junior Paul Thompson (who redshirted last season), sophomore Tommy Grady (White's 2004 backup) and redshirt freshman Rhett Bomar (a former top recruit) all looked shaky in their stints at quarterback. Thompson was the only one of the three who tossed a touchdown pass or completed more than 50% of his attempts, but he also had two interceptions. Grady and Bomar were a combined 14 of 34 with two interceptions. Now coaches say the Sooners might not name a starter until late summer.

2 How will Florida State improve its offense?

Now that coach Bobby Bowden has made it clear that his son Jeff will remain offensive coordinator, the only thing frustrated Seminoles fans can hope for are tweaks to an attack that last season averaged a 23-year-low 25.2 points. During spring scrimmages Jeff Bowden--acknowledging the uncertainty at quarterback, where junior Wyatt Sexton has a tenuous hold--often had two speedy tailbacks, senior Leon Washington and junior Lorenzo Booker, on the field simultaneously and put his fullbacks and tight ends in motion.

3 Can Georgia replace the leadership of David Greene and David Pollack?

The answer became murkier after two of the seniors expected to help fill the void, defensive tackle Kedric Golston and linebacker Derrick White, were arrested on April 10 on misdemeanor charges related to a bar fight. Other leaders could emerge from an experienced secondary spearheaded by hard-hitting senior safety Greg Blue and a veteran offensive line anchored by senior guard Max Jean-Gilles.

4 Is it Kyle Wright's time at Miami?

Many expected the strong-armed and mobile Wright to take the quarterback job from Brock Berlin last season, but a late-October ankle injury followed by an allergic reaction to a bee sting slowed his development. By outplaying athletic redshirt freshman Kirby Freeman this spring, Wright, a sophomore, finally showed why he was the Hurricanes' top recruit in '03. " Miami's not used to having a quarterback who's so athletic and can throw," says coach Larry Coker. "It's going to allow us to do some interesting things offensively."

5 Can Vince Young beat teams with his arm?

We know that Young, Texas's junior quarterback, can run opposing defenses dizzy. It's his inconsistent passing that has kept him from greatness. To improve his 1-to-1 career touchdown-to-interception ratio, Young focused this spring on sharpening his short throws and eliminating foolish deep balls. Aided by a matured receiving corps, he showed increased control in the Longhorns' spring game, connecting on 8 of 14 passes for 115 yards, including a 33-yarder to sophomore Limas Sweed.