TOP FIVE PLAYERS

1-- Andrew Luck, Stanford: Luck would have been the first pick in last April's draft but decided to return to school. He may be the best college QB since Peyton Manning.

2-- Trent Richardson, Alabama: Luck may be the best player in the country, but Richardson is arguably the most valuable. With all of two scholarship tailbacks behind him, the key to the Tide's title hopes rests on keeping Richardson healthy.

3-- Alshon Jeffrey, South Carolina: The ultimate game-changing wide receiver, he's big, fast and catches everything.

4-- Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma: His numbers (116 catches) from last year will be tough to duplicate because they were so impressive.

5-- Tank Carden, TCU: Best non-BCS player around.

TOP FIVE GAMES TO WATCH

1-- LSU at ALABAMA, Nov. 5: Each team starts the year in the top 5, and each could still be there when they meet in Tuscaloosa.

2-- LSU vs OREGON, Sept. 3: Part of an amazing opening weekend, the Tigers and Ducks meet in Dallas in a game that could signify the front-runner for the BCS crown.

3-- OKLAHOMA at FSU, Sept. 17: Another earlyseason matchup of top-5 programs. The Seminoles were thumped last year in Norman, Okla.

4-- BOISE STATE vs GEORGIA, Sept. 3: By far Boise State's biggest hurdle of the season comes in the opener in the Georgia Dome.

5-- SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, Dec. 3: What other game has the winner won the last five BCS titles?

TOP FIVE NEWCOMERS

1-- Isaiah Crowell, Georgia: There are huge expectations on the Bulldogs tailback, and there is also huge opportunity. If Crowell shores up the running game, the Bulldogs could make a run.

2-- Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina: A freakish athlete, Clowney was tough to block in preseason practice.

3-- Savon Huggins, Rutgers: Freshman running back had more than 160 yards on 26 carries in his first scrimmage with the Scarlet Knights. Say hello to the next Ray Rice.

4-- Aaron Lynch, Notre Dame: Big-time pass rusher will play early for the Irish.

5-- Curt Maggitt, Tennessee: Vols have a huge need for play-making linebackers, and Maggitt fits the bill perfectly.