It's the Buckeyes' to lose.

That's the early line from CBS SportsLine's preseason college football top 25. The conference that produced last year's co-national champion in Michigan, should get its second straight prize when Ohio State marches down the aisle in early January.

Germaine returns without having to share time, and he'll throw to the best set of receivers in the country. (AP)

It isn't going to be easy. Michigan and Nebraska will have something say about abdicating their combined title. Arizona State is a powerhouse in the desert and should coast to the Pac-10 title. How about Kansas State? The formerly laughable Wildcats have a team for the ages. The problem is K-State has to get past Nebraska, a team it hasn't beaten since 1968.

Which brings us back to Ohio State. That was also the last year the Buckeyes won a national title. Back before Woody Hayes had slapped his first opposing linebacker.

Thirty years later Woody's gone, K-State's good, Nebraska's changed coaches and Ohio State is on top again. For now.

(1997 record in parentheses)

1. Ohio State (10-3) -- It's been three decades since the Buckeyes have been this close. The biggest reason they haven't been No. 1 since the Nixon administration -- Michigan -- will have the ultimate say in things again. If John Cooper can get by the season finale against the defending national co-champions on Nov. 21, it could be quite a 30th anniversary.

Quarterback Joe Germaine returns without having to share time with Stanley Jackson. Germaine will throw to the best set of receivers in the country, Dee Miller and David Boston. Then there's Heisman candidate Andy Katzenmoyer at linebacker. Look for him to mash opposing offenses and play a little fullback near the goal line.

The season comes down to: West Virginia on Sept. 5. Before the Michigan game, the Buckeyes must survive a potential speed bump in the season opener at Morgantown.

Returning starters: 9 defense, 9 offense.

2. Arizona State (9-3) -- Two years ago, the Sun Devils beat Nebraska. Last season, after losing quarterback Jake Plummer to the NFL, they were able to post nine victories including an impressive 44-31 smashing of Pac-10 champ Washington State.

This season isn't so much as an encore but a summit. Bruce Snyder and Co. are ready to go for the whole enchilada. The Sun Devils should have a great shot at No. 1 with plenty of offense, returning including quarterback Ryan Kealy. Kealy is fully recovered from a torn ACL suffered in the final regular-season game.

Although only five defensive starters return, defensive coordinator Phil Snow should be knighted for his game plan last year against the Cougars. Ryan Leaf never was able to get set against the myriad of blitzes Snow put together.

The season comes down to: Incentive. The Sun Devils know the national championship game will be played in their stadium. They know it would be a shame to watch it from the stands.

Returning starters: 9 offense, 5 defense.

3. Michigan (12-0) -- So you're ready to dismiss the Wolverines right away after their first national championship in 50 years. Go ahead, hold your breath. A repeat is not out of the question.

The biggest project for Lloyd Carr is finding a quarterback to replace Brian Griese. Not as big a problem as it sounds. There are four candidates in camp who could run the show. Remember, Griese wasn't exactly John Elway. He was more a product of the system than a difference maker.

So what if there isn't a Heisman Trophy winner in the defensive backfield? Defensive coordinator Jim Herrmann can scheme with the best of the them. In his first year, Herrmann directed Michigan to the top of charts in total defense, scoring defense and pass defense.

The season comes down to: Finding a quarterback and sticking with one guy. But how? Junior Tom Brady has the starting spot headed into the fall. Senior Scott Dreisbach was the man before his injury opened it up for Griese. Incoming freshman Drew Henson has been promised a shot, as has sophomore Jason Kapsner. Michigan also figures to land a couple of top prep quarterbacks for 1999.

Returning starters: 6 offense, 9 defense.

4. Florida State (11-1) -- Had Bobby Bowden kept Dan Kendra away from onrushing linebackers and chemicals there would be virtually no questions about the '98 Seminoles.

But Kendra wrecked his knee in the spring game and then really had things blow up in his face. Kendra injured himself in early June while mixing chemicals. How about those wacky college kids?

The 'Noles quarterback job falls to the older -- and hopefully more mature -- Chris Weinke. The 26-year old former Toronto Blue Jays farmhand decided to return to school after bombing out at baseball. His experience includes all of 13 passes thrown in college.

Fortunately, Florida State's schedule will allow Weinke to gain experience on the job. The Kickoff Classic opener against Texas A&M is easier than it looks. After that it's North Carolina State and Duke before USC comes calling on Sept. 26.

The season comes down to: Beating Florida in the season finale in Tallahassee on Nov. 21. The ACC title is an afterthought.

Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense

5. Kansas State (11-1) -- We've seen how Bill Snyder deals with adversity.

Inheriting the worst program in the country 10 years ago, Snyder used the timeworn us-against-them speech more than once. Now the Wildcats are at the top of the mountain. Time to bust some buttons, Bill?

Not exactly. Snyder downgraded his quarterback Michael Bishop's chances for the Heisman even though the talented senior is 35-1 as a college quarterback. The linebacking crew of Travis Ochs, Jeff Kelly and Mark Simeoneau might be the best in the country.

Admit it Bill, you're good. Damn good.

The problem is the season won't be a success unless the Wildcats beat Nebraska for the first time since 1968. Even a Big 12 title won't soothe the hurt. Ask Snyder.

The season comes down to: the Nov. 14 meeting against Nebraska in Manhattan. Western Kansans are loading up the wagon train for that one as we speak.

Returning starters: 9 offense, 9 defense.

6. Tennessee (11-2) -- There will be no hangover in Peyton's Place. Junior quarterback Tee Martin might be better than Manning the past two years.

No, Martin won't challenge for the Heisman but he could help defend Tennessee's SEC title. Martin throws a better deep ball than Manning and is a better scrambler. That is to say he is a scrambler because Manning wasn't at all.

Besides, Martin doesn't have to be the whole offense. Sophomore Jamal Lewis (1,364 yards as a freshman) can help grind it out. Martin also has Peerless Price and Jeremaine Copeland at wide receiver. If it's possible, the Tennessee offense might be even better this season.

The season comes down to: Folks leaving Phillip Fulmer alone. He is the winningest active coach in Division I-A with a 54-11 record (.831 percentage).

Returning starters: 8 offense, 5 defense.

7. Florida (10-2) -- The snickering you hear is from the legion of Steve Spurrier's detractors.

The offensive genius might be without his usual bag of tricks this season. In other words, the Florida offense won't be what it used to be. Spurrier is having a hard time picking between Doug Johnson or No. 1-for-now Jesse Palmer at quarterback. The winner gets his eardrum shattered over the course of the season.

Fred Taylor and Jacquez Green are gone. There is a definite lack of game breakers. Terry Jackson, who is coming off knee surgery, must replace Taylor.

Defense will have to carry the Gators, at least early. End Jevon Kearse might be the most feared pass rusher in the country. Linebacker Johnny Rutledge is the go-to guy for the running game.

It may not be as spectacular but it will be effective. The Gators start with The Citadel and Northeast Louisiana and play Kentucky in the fourth week. They could be 10-0 headed into the showdown Nov. 21 in Tallahassee.

The season comes down to: Defense, of all things. Bob Stoops might be the nation's best coordinator.

Returning starters: 5 offense, 6 defense.

8. LSU (9-3) -- You know it's a good year in Baton Rouge when the nation's best backfield gets pushed into the background.

Tigers' fans are talking about multi-talented Herb Tyler at quarterback, a season-ending victory over Notre Dame and the first year of defensive coordinator Lou Tepper.

Then they mention Kevin Faulk, Cecil Collins and Rondell Mealey who combined for 2,404 rushing last season. That was with Faulk injured most of the season and Collins establishing himself as the No. 1 guy. In all, LSU returns 99.8 percent of its rushing total from last season.

Tyler takes over as the best quarterback in the SEC this side of Tim Couch. Meanwhile, Tepper is a respected coordinator who made his bones at Colorado and Illinois.

The season comes down to: The first two weeks of October when LSU plays Georgia and Florida back-to-back.

Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense.

9. North Carolina (11-1) -- Talk about continuity. No sooner had Mack Brown bolted for Texas than North Carolina did the right thing and hired defensive coordinator Carl Torbush.

The man who developed the ACC's leading defense in each of the past three seasons, wisely kept the coordinator position after Brown left. With significant losses, Torbush will need a good defense to get him through his rookie year.

Cornerback Dre Bly is the best in the nation and will play some receiver. Although three starters got drafted in the first round, end Mike Pringley, tackle Russell Davis and linebacker Brandon Spoon return.

Quarterback Oscar Davenport has the job full-time and will throw to veterans Na Brown, L.C. Stevens and Jason Peace.

The season comes down to: Torbush developing a thick skin. Brown's legacy is getting the program as much scrutiny as North Carolina basketball.

Returning starters: 5 offense, 4 defense

10. UCLA (10-2) -- How many teams have a 10-game winning streak on the line when the season starts? Michigan, Nebraska and ...UCLA.

Although Coach Bob Toledo has suffered some hits off the team that won its final 10 including a Cotton-Bowl victory over Texas A&M, there is plenty left. Running back Skip Hicks is gone. Recruit De Shaun Foster might take over.

Quarterback will not be a problem. Cade McNown is a Heisman candidate, having led the NCAA with a 168.6 rating. That's the 12th highest in NCAA history and a Pac-10 record.

The season comes down to: The season opener if you're tracking the Heisman. Texas and Ricky Williams travel West to face McNown. UCLA won last year's meeting in Austin 66-3.

Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense.

11. Nebraska (13-0) -- The quarterback might be the best in Nebraska history. The I-back was one of the best freshman in the country. One defensive end might make folks forget Grant Wistrom.

This is what qualifies as a down year at Nebraska. It's all relative, though, in Lincoln. The Huskers are breaking in a new quarterback -- sophomore Bobby Newcombe -- who ran for 91 yards the first time he touched the ball in the spring game. He was so impressive that he forced the more experienced Frankie London to wingback.

I-back DeAngelo Evans is back from a painful stomach pull for his redshirt sophomore season. As a freshman in 1996, he ran for more than 700 yards. Don't forget rush end Michael Rucker who finished behind Wistrom in sacks and tackles for loss.

The only real area of concern is offensive line where four starters must be replaced. You don't know them know but the new group -- all redshirted and fed nicely -- will be household names by the end of the year.

"Rookie" Coach Frank Solich starts his first season as head coach with a 39-game conference winning streak. Kansas State is the only threat to break that streak.

The season comes down to: Nov. 14 at Kansas State.

Returning starters: 3 offense, 9 defense.

12. Washington (8-4) -- Armed with a new contract extension, coach Jim Lambright can focus on the field where he is armed as well. That despite the loss of seven All-Pac 10 players.

The biggest reason for optimism is the return of junior quarterback Brock Huard, who was close to taking his skills to the NFL along with underclassmen Benji Olson, an offensive guard, and center Olin Kreutz.

Give Lambright credit for playing to his strength. He plans to air it out with Huard likely to depart for the NFL if he has any kind of year at all. Sophomore Ja'Warren Hooker is the go-to guy. The biggest hole is at tailback, where Rashaan Shehee is gone to the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.

There's been some carping about Lambright's coaching coming off a disappointing 8-4 season. But Huskies fans should be thankful. Another coach might not have been able to dig a program out from under a crippling NCAA probation.

The season comes down to: The month of September. The season starts with a trip to Pac-10 favorite Arizona State and continues with Brigham Young and a trip to Nebraska. The Huskies could be buried by Oct. 1.

Returning starters: 4 offense, 6 defense.

13. Penn State (9-3) -- Here's the challenge for Joe Paterno: Replace the leading rusher, passer and receiver.

Here is Paterno's response from the spring: "I'm not satisfied with anything. We're not close at any position." Translation? Penn State will be back. Penn State is one of only a couple of programs that haven't been affected by scholarship cuts or parity over the years.

Paterno won't let it "sink" this far again. Going into the fall, junior Kevin Thompson has a slight edge over sophomore Rashard Casey in replacing Michael McQueary. Fullback Aaron Harris was switched to tailback in hopes that he could take over for Curtis Enis.

Enis and receiver Joe Jurevicius accounted for 40 percent of the offensive yardage and 60 percent of the touchdowns last year. Both missed the Citrus Bowl and look what happened. A sign of the future? Paterno is determined not to let the late-season collapse happen again.

Paterno could have his largest offensive line ever. It averages 312 pounds. That's a good start in the Big Ten.

The season comes down to: Getting the Penn State 'tude back. The Lions were expected to challenge for the national championship last year. They got pushed around toward the end of the season. The 21-6 bowl loss to Florida was laughable. Penn State never seriously challenged.

Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense.

14. Georgia (10-2) -- It's not what the Bulldogs lost -- quarterback Mike Bobo, running back Robert Edwards, receiver Hines Ward -- it's what they have.

Coach Jim Donnan is a treasure at a school that ladles pressure on its head coaches. Donnan is not long for Georgia if he keeps pulling out 10-2 seasons. Most notably, Oklahoma might be interested this season after the inevitable firing of John Blake. Donnan was Oklahoma's offensive coordinator under Barry Switzer during the school's last national championship.

Georgia would be in a bind if they had to replace him. Donnan has kept the Dawgs on the outskirts of SEC East title competition. This year he picks up LSU, Auburn and Mississippi from the SEC West on the schedule.

Georgia won't win it but it will surprise a couple of teams. Bobo must be replaced. The Dawgs' best player is cornerback Champ Bailey who also plays receiver.

The season comes down to: Finding a replacement for the gutsy Bobo.

Returning starters: 4 offense, 5 defense.

15. Notre Dame (7-6) -- The wolves and Wolverines are ready to pounce.

Second-year coach Bob Davie salvaged a 1-4 start in 1997 with an Independence Bowl bid. To make sure Notre Dame wasn't put in that embarrassing position again, the school hooked up with the Big East in a unique bowl scenario.

That alone indicated how far Notre Dame football has slipped, that it had to go to the lowly regarded Big East to bail it out for a postseason hookup. That, however, is the least of the Irish's problems. Davie has revamped the offense to fit quarterback Jarious Jackson's option tendencies. It could be a tough fit, considering offensive coordinator Jim Colletto is being blamed for last year's disaster.

Notre Dame disassociated itself from its Quarterback Club because of an NCAA investigation started when a former member allegedly gave gifts to players.

Critics are pointing out that the recruiting has crumbled, which may mean the Irish will bottom out before they improve. From 1945 to 1994, Notre Dame landed at least one All-American on some outlet's list. Since then, it has had no All-Americans.

The season comes down to: The first four weeks. Notre Dame has Michigan (Sept. 5 at home to open the season), Michigan State, Purdue and Stanford. All four beat the Irish last year.

Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense.

16. Southern Mississippi (9-3) -- This is the team no one wants to play.

At first glance, Southern Miss is a directional school from a no-name conference (Conference USA). Upon closer inspection, coach Jeff Bower has built a minor powerhouse that is capable of playing in any major conference.

The Golden Eagles smashed Pittsburgh 41-7 in the Liberty Bowl to prove that point. This year they gladly welcome Penn State, Texas A&M and Alabama onto the schedule. Look out. Southern Miss is one of only three schools to win at least a share of its conference title in each of the past two seasons. Syracuse and Florida State are the others.

Quarterback Lee Roberts (2,248 yards passing) and receiver Sherrod Gideon (1,008 yards receiving) are the real thing.

The season comes down to: Sept. 19. That's the date Southern Miss plays host to A&M. The Aggies are looking at it as a breather in their own brutal schedule. Think again. If the Golden Eagles win, they will have announced they have arrived on the top level.

Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense.

17. Texas A&M (9-4) -- The best team in the Big 12 not named Nebraska, Kansas State or Colorado.

All three teams figure to lap A&M, which points up the difference between the Big 12 North and Big 12 South. The South has lagged behind the North since the conference started two years ago. A&M, at best, is the class of a second-class division. The Aggies might be headed for their second-straight Big 12 championship game but will be two-touchdown underdogs when they get there.

That's not to say the Ags can't get to, say, the Cotton Bowl again. Sirr Parker and Dante Hall are two of the best backs in the nation. Shane Lechler is one of the nation's best punters. Linebacker Dat Nguyen is a sure All-American.

The problems are a lack of team speed on defense and quarterback Branndon Stewart. Experts have been waiting for three years to have him show his stuff after transferring from Tennessee. At best, he's been serviceable.

The season comes down to: The Kickoff Classic Aug. 31 at the Meadowlands. It's still hard to fathom why R.C. Slocum took this game against Florida State. The Aggies could be beat up mentally and physically before Labor Day.

Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense.

18. Arizona (7-5) -- Arizona Coach Dick Tomey claims he started using two-way players 18 years ago. You know, the practice that has become a '90s trend of playing your better athletes on both sides of the ball?

Tomey has taken that practice a step further in 1998. How about two starting quarterbacks? That seems to be the way Tomey is headed. He has an embarrassment of riches in Ortege Jenkins and Keith Smith. Jenkins, who set a Pac-10 freshman record with 19 touchdown passes, came into the spring No. 1. Smith, a 1996 freshman All-American, came out of the spring No. 1.

What to do?

Tomey might play them both. No decision will be made until after the season starts, Tomey said. That gives him even more time to evaluate Jenkins, who set his record in seven games after Smith was injured. Smith talked about transferring when he became worried about playing time. Tomey met that threat with his own ultimatum -- either transfer or compete in spring practice.

"We need both guys," Tomey said. "They will both get their chances early in the season." The season comes down to: Shoring up a defense that is borderline Pac-10 quality.

Returning starters: 7 offense, 4 defense.

19. West Virginia (7-5) -- This is the best Mountaineer squad since the magic season of 1988.

This year's Major Harris is quarterback Marc Bulger, who threw for 2,465 yards. Amos Zereoue, who wisely stayed away from the NFL draft and returned his 1,589 yards back to Morgantown, handles the running. There are three All-Big East offensive linemen and defenders returning.

This might be Don Nehlen's last great West Virginia team. The season starts with promise and dread. No. 1 Ohio State visits on Sept. 5. A victory over the Buckeyes would really make it feel like 1988 all over again.

The season comes down to: Making the most of the Big East's Bowl Championship Series automatic berth. West Virginia could challenge for the national title if everything falls right.

Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense.

20. Missouri (7-5) -- How the game has changed. Larry Smith has built his career stressing defense.

Last year the Tigers went to their first bowl game in 14 years allowing 30.2 points per game. Missouri responded by scoring the most points in school history, 33.5 per game. All Smith can do is shrug his shoulders and blame the current rules.

Too much holding by offensive linemen, he says. Too much scrutiny on defensive backs, he says. Like a pinball, he says. Makes sense. Smith has the ultimate pinball in senior quarterback Corby Jones. The leader of the "Hair On Fire Offense" is so unpredictable his own teammates don't know what he's going to do.

Jones came within 113 rushing yards of passing and rushing for 1,000 yards each. His performance against Nebraska (a 45-38 overtime loss) will not be forgotten. No, offense is not a problem for Missouri, which scored the most points (368) in school history last season.

The Tigers will hope to once again outscore enough teams to get back in a bowl. It should happen. Clemson was dropped and I-AA Northwestern State was added to make sure Missouri gets at least seven victories.

The season comes down to: Beating Kansas on Sept. 12. The Jayhawks upset the Tigers in Lawrence almost ruining the season.

Returning starters: Offense 8, defense 7.

21. Syracuse (9-4) -- Offense will not be a problem. Quarterback Donovan McNabb and receiver Quinton Spotwood are legitimate All-Americans. Winning the Big East will be a problem. West Virginia is loaded and has Syracuse at home on Nov. 7.

What's left? A brutal schedule and decimated defense. Seven starters are gone, including three All-Big East defensive backs. The season starts with Tennessee (at home) and a trip to Michigan. That's not a good sign. The Orangemen have lost their last five straight home openers. The season comes down to: Winning the Big East and getting another cheap invitation into the Bowl Championship Series. Returning starters: 7 offense and four defense

22. Georgia Tech (7-5) -- George O'Leary was on the ropes last season before he came through with a Carquest Bowl bid.

The Georgia Tech coach did it almost all with offense. Quarterback Joe Hamilton threw for 2,588 yards and 13 touchdowns. Hamilton also scrambles, making it easy for O'Leary to build around him.

That's the problem. O'Leary had problems finding receivers in the spring to go along with his All-American quarterback candidate. Former defensive back Jon Muyres showed the greatest potential. Recruited as a quarterback two years ago, Muyres had since been switched to receiver to defensive back and back to receiver.

A 2-0 start is possible before the Jackets open the ACC schedule Sept. 26 at North Carolina.

The season comes down to: Finding a defense. The Yellow Jackets were 105th in the country last season. O'Leary retooled the entire defensive staff.

Returning starters: 5 offense, 6 defense.

23. Michigan State (7-5) -- Nick Saban is one of the hottest coaching commodities in the country. A job comes open, Saban's name gets attached.

For good reason. He has built quite a defensive reputation in his three years at Michigan State. Opponents scored only 87 first-half points last season. Illinois scored the first first-quarter touchdown. That was in Game 10.

Saban gets nine of his 11 starters back this season along with key offensive contributors. The early schedule is friendly with road trips to Oregon and Michigan and home games against Notre Dame, Central Michigan and Indiana in the first five weeks.

The need for a new quarterback might be offset by the return of tailback Sedrick Irvin.

The season comes down to: Finding a serviceable quarterback. Last year's backup, Bill Burke, gets the first shot. If he doesn't pan out, look for freshman Ryan Van Dyke.

Returning starters: 5 offense, 9 defense.

24. Oklahoma State (8-4) -- Bob Simmons can talk about sacrifice and mean it.

During the off-season he quietly entered a nearby hospital with his wife. A few days later the Simmons held a press conference announcing the Oklahoma State coach had a new kidney. Donated by his wife.

No one knew how sick Simmons was or how it affected him during Oklahoma State's magic 1997 season. But obviously, Simmons coached with something besides football on his mind. What is amazing is that the Cowboys came through with their best season in 10 years. It was a season that included an Alamo Bowl berth and renewed faith in Simmons and his program.

Simmons was Big 12 coach of the year and quarterback Tony Lindsay was the conference's offensive freshman of the year. Lindsay isn't spectacular, just effective, throwing and running for nine touchdowns each.

Tailbacks Jamaal Fobbs and Nathan Simmons (the coach's son) seem perfectly happy sharing the duties. They combined for 1,557 yards last season.

What really got the Cowboys going was an attacking defense led by linebacker Kenyatta Wright. That defense finished 14th in the nation. It should be at least that good despite the loss of 49ers first-round draft pick R.W. McQuarters. The season comes down to: An Oct. 3 game against Nebraska in Kansas City.

Oklahoma State showed some innovation in moving its home game to Arrowhead Stadium for a $1 million guarantee. So what if Nebraska fills the stands? OSU is trying to upgrade its standing in the football community after living in the shadow of Oklahoma for so many years.

Returning starters: 7 offense, 4 defense.

25. Auburn (10-3) -- Coach Terry Bowden has spent more time recently scanning the police blotter than going over the practice plan.

Receiver Robert Baker was arrested April 9 and charged with trafficking cocaine. Defensive lineman Leonardo Carson was interviewed by Auburn police after a March 14 burglary. Baker was suspended from the team and could face a sentence of 10 years to life. He led Auburn in all-purpose yards in 1996 before redshirting last season.

The depth is in the defensive line where Terry Bowden has recruited well. Strange as it sounds, there's little depth in the backfield. That could spell disaster in the SEC. When No. 3 tailback Cencade Pennington ran for 143 yards in the spring game that total was better than the entire Auburn team in 11 of 13 games last season.

The season comes down to: Surviving a rebuilding year. Hard to believe this team was within a couple of points of winning the SEC last December.