The BCS contenders
The BCS contenders

Published: September 13, 2007

•Things can change — a lot. But the BCS crystal ball currently reveals a list of 11 top contenders to the national championship.

So far: 2-0, with a Week 1 romp past Tennessee.

Staying power: The offense carries a "wow” factor, with WR DeSean Jackson capable of taking it to the house on any play. The win over the Vols, revenge for a year ago, was critical for confidence.

Potential pitfall: The defense has some holes, which isn't good news in a prolific scoring league.

So far: 2-0, with little resistance from Western Kentucky or Troy.

Staying power: They're still the defending champs. While some key performers moved on, there's plenty of talent on hand that witnessed last year's success.

Potential pitfall: The jury is still out on QB Tim Tebow's passing, and the defense has been completely rebuilt.

So far: 2-0, having outlasted Middle Tennessee.

Staying power: QB Brian Brohm could be the first pick in next spring's NFL Draft. The Cardinals won't be out of any game because of him.

Potential pitfall: As Middle Tennessee showed, Louisville's quick and aggressive defense can be exploited at times.

So far: 2-0, including a mighty impressive 48-7 waylaying of Virginia Tech.

Staying power: The Tigers are demons on defense, with Glenn Dorsey a game-wrecking star on the front line.

Potential pitfall: The Tigers may have to get past Florida twice, at home and in the SEC title game.

So far: 2-0, taking the lead in the state standings with wins over Youngstown State and Akron.

Staying power: Although hit hard by graduation, the talent is there, built by regular recruiting hauls delivered by Jim Tressel.

Potential pitfall: While there's talent, leadership may be a question mark. QB Todd Boeckman appears iffy. And the schedule poses road tests at Washington and Penn State.

So far: 2-0, riding high after last week's 51-13 dismantling of Miami.

Staying power: With all their talent coming of age, this was the year Sooners coaches pointed to — before Rhett Bomar started cashing checks. Don't look now, but they might be better off at quarterback with Sam Bradford. And the schedule sets up nicely.

Potential pitfall: No surprise, it's Texas, which has won two straight in a streaky series.

So far: 2-0, despite a shaky first six quarters to the season.

Staying power: There are plenty of weapons to go with QB Colt McCoy, and the defense's front seven is good as anybody in the league.

Potential pitfall: The early struggles leave some questions lingering. McCoy, who played so well as a freshman, already has four interceptions, compared to seven all last year.

So far: 2-0, including a solid win over BYU.

Staying power: The Bruins returned 20 starters from a squad that enjoyed a bit of a breakthrough year in 2007, complete with a win over USC.

Potential pitfall: The offense, despite so many returning players, lacks game-breakers.

So far: 1-0, easing into things, having handled Idaho in the opener before an open date last week.

Staying power: The argument can be made that no team can match the Trojans in talent up and down the roster.

Potential pitfall: The schedule calls for six losable road games — well, scratch Notre Dame — if the Trojans aren't on their game.

So far: 2-0, with QB Pat White and RB Steve Slaton terrorizing defenses once again.

Staying power: White and Slaton help form a two-pronged attack and perhaps the top backfield duo in the country.

Potential pitfall: The Mountaineers defense is designed to bring the heat, but can leave DBs exposed.

So far: 2-0, although the Badgers had to rally to survive an upset bid at UNLV.

Staying power: The Badgers are loaded with veterans who have played a part in a rise to Big Ten power status.

Potential pitfall: QB Tyler Donovan is considered a "gamer,” which means he isn't all that talented.

By John Helsley

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