ESPN College Football

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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