[Dryden]

...

I have to credit my ABC partner John Saunders, who said on Saturday that Virginia Tech is the second best team in the country. I shot back "No way, Texas is!" But I've since tried to absorb what John said and came up with this: USC is the best team and should be No. 1. And there are three other teams capable of winning the national championship.

One at a time please ...

USC

I was one of those guys who said in first few weeks that Oregon was a team with a legitimate shot at beating USC. I announced Oregon at Houston in early September and felt like the Ducks were a threat, especially at home. Yet this past Saturday morning, in filling out my in-house prediction sheet, I went with USC to win big. When it's all said and done, who can score enough points to keep up with Matt Leinart and friends? The Trojans' offense just demolished the spirit of Oregon and will do the same to most of their opponents. It's frustrating as a player to stand on the sidelines and watch your defense give up another big play to the opponent. USC foes find themselves standing almost in awe of the potency of Leinart and company.

Ultimate strength: Offense -- It's suffocating and demoralizing
Weakness: Defense -- But coaching will overcome the lack of experienced players

Texas

I put Texas at No. 2 based on its really impressive win in Columbus, Ohio, over the Buckeyes. UT looks like a different team this year. In what respect? UT showed a lot of poise and bounce-back in Columbus, something it hasn't had in big tilts of late. The Longhorns' defense is the real deal, maybe not so much in terms of individual stars as much as a unit that plays together. The Horns defensive line is huge and wears down the offensive line late in the game. And the ability for the unit to rotate fresh players in was a plus, too. Vince Young is an extremely talented player who now has back-to-back big time come-from-behind wins under his belt (Rose Bowl and Ohio State). That confidence will propel his team through the tough conference games when Texas seems to falter a time or two. Example: Last year at Kansas.

Ultimate strength: Defense -- It held the ship together in Columbus
Weakness: Nothing in particular, unless Young can't throw when he's forced to

Virginia Tech

When the season started, I was one of those who doubted VT. Not its defense, but Marcus Vick. I'm still not sure Vick can carry this team. But I'm also not sure he'll ever have to. The Hokies have stifled their opponents. Team speed and power is evident when you watch them play. And we've all watched for years how the special teams makes plays, too. VT might be the most balanced team in the country. All three units look good. But it's the defense and special teams that get my vote. Speaking of votes, here's how I have changed my stance on Tech: My preseason vote had it at nine, then eight, then six, to four and now at three.

Ultimate strength: Defense -- It's loaded with speed
Weakness: Still not sure Vick can carry team if needed

Ohio State

Yes, they've lost a game. But it was to the No. 2 team in the country and it was a last-minute loss. The Buckeyes offense couldn't convert enough opportunities into touchdowns. Great kicker -- but six is better than three. OSU was rotating quarterbacks in that contest, but I do not believe that caused the Buckeyes to lose that game. Yet, now that they've settled on Troy Smith, this "team" might be getting better. And when it comes to defense, whew! Speed, speed and more speed. And their linebackers will find those carrying leather. Although the Big Ten is down, the Buckeyes aren't.

Ultimate strength: Defense -- sound familiar?
Weakness: Like Texas, can OSU throw it if it has to?