College football preview

SIX GAMES TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Illinois vs. Missouri (Aug. 30): Two of last year’s surprises meet in St. Louis to open the season. The Tigers can make a statement if they can keep the Juice (Williams) from getting loose.

Ohio State at Southern California (Sept. 13): One of the nation’s top five teams will lose all of its wiggle room in the national title chase with this titanic matchup in Los Angeles.

Georgia-Arizona State (Sept. 20): The Bulldogs don’t go west often - this is their first visit to a Pac-10 school since 1960. Rudy Carpenter and the Sun Devils will provide a tough test in the desert.

Texas vs. Oklahoma (Oct. 11): A Sooners loss isn’t likely this season. But if it comes anywhere, chances are it will be at the Texas State Fair in Dallas against the Longhorns.

Louisiana State at Florida (Oct. 11): Would Urban Meyer repeatedly go for it on fourth down with the Gators’ season on the line like riverboat gambler Les Miles did last year? It could happen in the Swamp this season.

Auburn at West Virginia (Oct. 23): Hide the women, children and couches - the Mountaineers should be 6-0 entering this Thursday night showdown in Morgantown.

SIX HEISMAN CANDIDATES

QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

2007: 3,121 yards, 36 TDs, 8 INTs

Nation’s passing efficiency leader - and NCAA record holder for touchdown passes as a freshman (36) - could be in for an even more impressive encore as a sophomore.

WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

2007: 134 catches, 1,962 yards, 22 TDs

After a dominant freshman year, Crabtree could be in line for a 2,000-yard season. Part of it’s the system. Much of it’s his talent.

QB Chase Daniel, Missouri

Story Continues →