Sooners, Trojans must defend pass

Scouts Inc. identifies the top contenders for the national title and breaks down each team's biggest weakness.

Originally Published: October 15, 2004
By Todd McShay | Scouts, Inc.
Teams that can build an identity, overcome injuries and find a winning formula for success right about now are the ones with the strongest chances to play for the BCS title.

In 1997, it was around this time that quarterback Brian Griese emerged as Michigan's offensive leader. The same was true for Tennessee, with quarterback Tee Martin, in 1998. It was also about this time last year that LSU's secondary rounded into shape, allowing coach Nick Saban to play the aggressive blitz-heavy scheme he always envisioned for his team.

The weekly grind can also expose blemishes. In 2002, Georgia's lack of consistency in the passing game, along with its inability to stay healthy, led to the Bulldogs' only loss of the season to Florida.


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Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.
  • ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
  • Joined ESPN in 2006
  • Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.

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