The Golden State Warriors won't have Baron Davis or Monta Ellis in their starting lineup on opening night.

In the latest blow during a difficult summer for Golden State, Ellis -- just awarded one of the biggest pay raises in league history -- will be sidelined at least three months, possibly four, after suffering a severe high ankle sprain in his hometown of Jackson, Miss.

The 20-50 Club

Monta Ellis, who does not turn 23 until October, is part of an elite group of guards 22 years and younger who averaged 20 ppg and 50 percent shooting in a season. Here is how Ellis stacks up:

Player Season Age

Monta Ellis, Warriors 2007-08 22

Kevin Johnson, Suns 1988-89 22

Michael Jordan, Bulls 1984-85 21

Magic Johnson, Lakers 1980-81 21

David Thompson, Nuggets 1976-77 22

Ellis underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn deltoid ligament in his left ankle, after he informed the club late last week that he had injured himself working out. More specifics about how Ellis sustained the injury were not immediately available.

The team confirmed the injury Wednesday afternoon.

Ellis' ankle will be immobilized for six weeks, followed by at least six weeks of off-court rehab before the guard can return to basketball workouts.

Ellis will miss training camp and the Warriors' preseason schedule, which includes a trip to China, along with at least the first month of the regular season.

Ellis was unavailable for comment Wednesday, and his agent, Jeff Fried, could not immediately be reached.

It was less than a month ago that Ellis received a six-year, $66 million contract extension from the Warriors, whose tumultuous offseason began with Davis making a verbal commitment to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers on the very first day of free agency.

The contract calls for Ellis to earn a flat $11 million in each of the next six seasons. He made just $770,610 last season, the final year in a modest three-year deal he received as a second-round pick in 2005.

Golden State, which failed to reach the playoffs last season, insisted that it achieved its top two offseason priorities by re-signing Ellis and fellow restricted free agent Andris Biedrins.

The Warriors were nonetheless stunned by the sudden nature of Davis' departure -- as Davis initially was expected not to opt out of the final year of his contract -- and now have likely lost the prolific guard expected to inherit much of Davis' scoring responsibilities until December at the earliest.

The Warriors responded to Davis' exit by signing swingman Corey Maggette away from the Clippers to join co-captain Stephen Jackson, and by signing Los Angeles Lakers restricted free agent Ronny Turiaf to add bulk on their front line.

They also matched the Clippers' offer sheet to retain restricted free agent Kelenna Azubuike and acquired backup point guard Marcus Williams in a trade with New Jersey. The Warriors are likewise extremely high on first-round draft pick Anthony Randolph, and thus did little to prevent forwards Mickael Pietrus (Orlando) and Matt Barnes (Phoenix) from following Davis out the door.

It remains possible that the Warriors could trade forward Al Harrington before the start of the season, with Harrington reportedly open to a move. Yet there's really no replicating what Ellis provides for the Warriors, especially given coach Don Nelson's plans to use Ellis regularly at point guard after playing him primarily as a shooting guard in Ellis' first three pro seasons.

Ellis, 22, seemed to understand his importance to the team's post-Baron future when Ellis shared at a news conference in late July that Davis recently "told me it was time to hand over the torch."

Ellis averaged 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists last season. He won NBA Most Improved Player honors in the 2006-07 season, averaging 16.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

The only solace for the Warriors is that Ellis does have a history of making strong, fast recoveries from major injuries. He slipped to No. 40 in the 2005 draft, in spite of a decorated high school career, because of a knee problem.

But he has since proven more productive in the NBA than any of the 10 players drafted out of high school that year, which was the last time high school players were eligible to be selected. That group includes No. 6 overall pick Martell Webster (Portland); No. 10 Andrew Bynum ( Los Angeles Lakers); and No. 18 Gerald Green (drafted by Boston, now with Dallas).

Ellis suffered what initially appeared to be a serious knee injury during a summer-league practice in 2006, and endured an even scarier fall early in training camp last October that resulted in a neck sprain and required Ellis to be immobilized and carted off the court.

In both cases, though, Ellis missed minimal time. He appeared in 77 and 81 games, respectively, after the two injuries.

Ellis is also known for his boundless confidence, as evidenced when he scoffed at reporters' recent suggestions that the switch from shooting guard to the point will be a problem.

"I'm going to improve every part of my game," Ellis said last month. "That's what I do. That's why I play basketball . . . to improve and to become the best player [who] ever touched a basketball."

DAMN I AM BUMMMMMED

SI.com break down Usain Bolt vs The Flash

Just wanted to do a little YB poll. Is it the man who won 8 golds and 7 WR or the Jamacan Sensation who won 2 golds and 2 WR? Both a crazy nuts and i feel privleged to be able to say i saw them on 1000 hour delay on NBC.

Usain Bolt is 21 years old, stands 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 190 pounds and runs the 100-meter dash in 9.69 seconds. Is there any doubt that NFL execs just read that sentence and started salivating? As I watched the Jamaican speedster race down the track yesterday, I couldn't help but wonder how he would fare if he ever decided to play football, and I'm sure general managers around the league were thinking the same thing as they watched him zoom past the competition.

The thought of making a living running with a helmet and shoulder pads may not have even crossed Bolt's mind, but I am quite certain that there will a line full of teams willing to give him a chance if he ever decides that he wants to change career paths. Bolt wouldn't be the first world-class sprinter to try his hand at football. As my colleague Bill Fitzgerald pointed out, Bob Hayes, Willie Gault and Renaldo Nehemiah all made the transition to the NFL after successful sprinting careers. Herschel Walker and Darrell Green were amongst several players that competed in both sports while in college. The 2004 Olympic 100 meter champion Justin Gatlin was even given a tryout last year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ... and he was just over 6 feet tall.

The thing about Bolt is that at 6'5, he posesses a combination of size and speed that would be unlike most other players in the NFL.

Is a football career something he wants to pursue? Is he willing to give up a sprinting career that appears to be at its peak? Only time will tell. If he has any interest in football at all though, you'd have to think that it's a good time to give the sport a chance. The "world's fastest man" has nothing left to prove in his chosen sport. The only reason Bolt would continue to train is if he decides to compete again in London, four years from now. At 21, he still has plenty of time to learn about football if he so desires. It will be interesting to see what his next move will be, but I can promise you that NFL scouts just added a new travel destination to their travel itineraries this fall ... Jamaica.

Photo via Getty Images

With today's release of Madden 2009, I think it's about time somebody laid down the "Man Code for Madden." Douchebags and dirty players alike have been running amuck for too long now and I think it's high time someone laid down some ground rules for the most popular sports game since RBI Baseball.

1. Never run the clock out.

This is what is refer to in the sports gaming community as a "bitch move." I'm not talking about using a specific play or plays to actually burn time off the clock, because that's just game management and good coaching. I'm talking the score is 23-20 with a minute and half left and someone is using the kneel button to run out the clock.

First of all there shouldn't even be a kneel-down button because it's garbage and unfathomably insulting to any opponent that isn't the computer. It's especially insulting when the opponent has mounted and epic fourth quarter comeback, only to have Matt Hasselback take a knee three consecutive times inside his own 20. A move like this is grounds for a prison style beating after the clock runs out and depending on the situation, if you take a loss like this then the next time you play you are within your rights to remove the off-sides penalty when your opponent goes to get another beer and then when he least expects it, you get a running start and completely blow up Hasselbeck before he even snaps the ball. Just lay him out. I'm talking a helmet to helmet contact that would make Troy Aikman forget where he was just by watching it.

You don't have to pass, you can run any play from the Goal Line package, but you cannot kneel down under any circumstances.

2. Don't use the Patriots unless you are:

A) In the top 1% of New England Patriot fans

B) You've never played before and your opponent has a distinct experience advantage

C) Your opponent has picked one of the All-Time-All-Madden Teams

The only thing that John Madden has more of a hard-on for than Brett Favre is the New Enlgand Patriots. Look, I know Tom Brady is a good quarterback and the Patriots have always been a solid team (that knew the other teams plays) with an above average defense, but the video game Pats are the equivalent to Tecmo Bo.

Impossible is their M.O. Every Brady pass is on a rope to his inconceivably adept receivers and every small defensive mistake turns into a 85 yard touchdown. Every time your QB holds the ball more than 4 seconds you get sacked and every ball over the middle is intercepted by Mike Vrabel. Look, until last year, Brady couldn't be considered THAT good and he still isn't THAT good.

But, it's been this way for the last 5 damn years. The only way to counter the smothering monstrosity that is the Madden Patriots is to use Peyton Manning's laser rocket arm or to use dog fighter extraordinaire Mike Vick to scramble past a line backing corps that is a combined 387 years old. Now that Vick is behind bars (I'm assuming there aren't any prison teams on Madden 09) the only fair match-up is Pats is vs. Colts or the oft overlooked Pats vs. Pats. Otherwise you're just being a dick.

So unless your truly uber fan #1, have named his kid Bruschi, have a Pats tattoo somewhere on your body, are related to someone in the Kraft family, or are playing against Peyton Manning, do us all a favor and please pick another team.

3. Hazing/harassing/embarrassing an opponent who has obviously been beer bonging Jose Quervo all night is uncalled for and unsportsmanlike

Although you are not required by man code to take it easy on him in lieu of his intoxication level, you should keep the comments and criticism to a semi-professional level. This means no jabs at his employment status, his sister's promiscuity, or the fact that he in fact has the hand eye coordination of a nine year old girl during a dizzy bat race.

This is of course unless you yourself have been partaking in Jager Bombs all night. Then it's known that the playing field's been leveled out and one should show no mercy in letting your inebriated opponent know why Eli Manning is still a fluke and a failure.

4. Instant Replay is off-limits

Nobody wants to see watch their futility in super slow motion, no matter how awesome you think the play was. Under no circumstances should you make your opponent endure a slow-motion recap of how much they suck at video football. Not only does it screw up the flow of the game, it's also just insulting. You didn't actually make that tackle/throw/catch and you're not a professional sports analyst, so spare me the frame by frame Mr. Madden.

The only time I've ever used the instant replay was when my buddy, a rabidly obnoxious Patriots fan and I were playing Madden and he was spouting off at the mouth (as most Pats fans and Jets fans are known for) about how inexplicably awesome and god-like Tom Brady was.

After a few disparaging remarks about my mother and another speech about Tommy Boy being not unlike Jesus Christ in football pads, Julius Peppers came weak side and blindsided the poster boy with a bone rattling hit that bent his back in such a way that his spine actually contorted to resemble the letter C. As in, C you next year when I get the feeling in my legs back or I did not C you and now I am able to taste my spleen.

I remarked that the hit was so vicious that someone at EA would probably have to call Mr. Brady up in the middle of the night and let him know that he in fact was deceased on Madden 2007. I put such a vicious hit on him that he'd no longer be capable of functioning as a player on the game and may God have mercy on his battered soul.

Tom Brady suffered a career ending back injury that night, much to the chagrin of Brady uber alles sitting to my right. The play turned the tide of the game and nearly left my opponent in tears. In other words, it was a glorious moment for everyone in the room who was not from New England. I ended up destroying Matt Cassell's Patriots that game and Super Fan #1 had to sit there and watch me make Gretzky's head bleed.

And let me tell you, we saw that play from EVERY CONCIVEABLE ANGLE!

5. No phone calls with girlfriend and/or wife during the game

Unless she's calling from:

A) jail

B) the hospital

C) a bed in which she is naked with another woman

A player is not to take a call from a better half that exceeds 1 minute in length. This is not a rule, this is a law. None of your friends want to hear about your numerous relationship problems or the various reasons for your domestic squabbles (like you spend too much time playing video games with your drunken friends) while immersed in the spirit of competition.

That is why there is a one minute cap on all phone calls with only these exceptions:

- Your buddy at the store buying beer/grilling materials needs an opinion

- The hot girl from work needs directions to your apartment

- The game is in the last 2 minutes and the phone call is a bonafide emergency

- Somebody has to flip the burgers

- Your buddy at the bar is talking to the Swedish water polo team

A‚ Any phone call exceeding a minute in length means that the player in question must relinquish his controller to the person in closest proximity to you or the guy that screams "I'll play for you!" You are then required to go either outside or in another room to finish whatever business you have on said phone and will not get your controller back until the group recognizes that all business has indeed been taken care of and another conversation will not again interrupt the current game.

6. Shenanigans is a privilege not a right

I swear to God I'm going to pistol whip the next person who says shenanigans!

Hey Farva, what's that restaurant you like that has all the goofy shit on the walls and the mozzarella sticks?

You mean Shenanigans?

Ohhhhhhh!?!

Shenanigans is a very touchy subject in the gaming community. Or at least it is where I come from. If you play enough Madden, you are bound to come across some of the most ridiculous and asinine plays in football history. Whether it's some 5 foot 6 receiver making a leaping catch while fighting off 4 players in the secondary to pick up the first down, a running back bouncing off six defenders in the backfield to break a ninety yard run or folding Tom Brady's spine like a lawn chair with Scoliosis; a player is bound to come across a play or two a game that make you question what the people at EA where thinking, but that's no reason to get wildly upset and is rarely a reason to quit a game mid-stream.

These plays usually happen for both teams, so a player should always understand that what goes around comes around. Yeah, sometimes the play is so inconceivable that you might throw a controller to the ground or it may cause you to question your opponents moral compass, but there are only rare cases where a player can actually utter the word that holds a player and EA sports accountable for what can only be described as complete and utter bullshit.

That word is shenanigans and it is a word so full of venom and spite, that if the word is overused by a player it can actually be used on said player. That's calling shenanigans on shenanigans and the makes you a "shenanigoat" (a person that uses shenanigans as a scapegoat. It's a complicated system.)

The rules for shenanigans are as follows:

A) It has to be used sparingly. More than once a day is cause for suspect and more than once a game is grounds for revoking playing privileges.

B) The play in question has to either tie the score or put the game out of completely out of reach. Otherwise you're just being a pansy.

C) If the play in question is agreed upon to be shenanigans, the person who completed the play must not bring said play up for the duration of the contest, even if it turns out to be the winning play.

No one likes to lose and even more so, no one likes to be lose by means of pure luck for their opponent. So no rubbing it in, even if a Gramtica brother somehow managed to kick a 70 yard field goal into a 10 mph wind to win a game in overtime and didn't even sprain his ankle during the celebration.

These are just a few of the rules to keep in mind when you play your brand new copy of Madden 09 today. These rules are here for everyones benefit. We must abide by the rule, A¢a‚¬A"Honor among men and most importantly honor among Madden. Speaking of which, happy gaming to all those people staying home from work and suffering from the mysterious 24 hour flu that's suddenly making the rounds.

...Shenanigans.

Post some new rules and regulations you deem necessary for MADDEN Man laws

Pretty sweet check out the link has all the vids

Adam Dunn was traded to D-backs for 3 minor leaguers. Good move for D-backs they need an infusion of power into that lineup of theres

This is not a good start for the Madden 2009 cover man Bret Farve. He won't even be wearing the same jersey he is wearing on the cover in real life. He may have cursed himself and his former franchise but only time will tell......

Olympic gold medalist and outspoken Darfur activist Joey Cheek has had his visa revoked by the Chinese embassy, hours before the speedskating champion was set to fly to China. And he wasn't even planning on wearing a mask when he got there.

Chinese officials don't need a reason to revoke anyone's visa but, in their eyes, they had plenty of reasons to snatch Cheek's. He is the founder of Team Darfur, a group of 70 athletes whose goal it is to raise global awareness of the human-rights violations taking part in the Darfur region of Sudan. China's military, economic and diplomatic ties to Sudan have been well-publicized in the lead-up to the Games.

Said Cheek of his ban in a prepared statement:

"I am saddened not to be able to attend the Games. The Olympic Games represent something powerful: that people can come together from around the world and do things that no one thought were possible. However, the denial of my visa is a part of a systemic effort by the Chinese government to coerce and threaten athletes who are speaking out on behalf of the innocent people of Darfur.

Cheek was going to China to support the athletes on Team Darfur -- including soccer player Abby Wambach -- and to promote the cause, one that he has championed for years. After winning gold in the Torino Games, Cheek announced he was donating his $25,000 USOC bonus to Darfur and implored his sponsors to do the same. It seems that Joey Cheek is truly one of the good guys.

And now he's out of China before he even got there. With the Games getting closer (just two days away now), the world seemed ready to forget about all the Chinese issues in order to focus on the Games themselves. Unfortunately, China's actions make that impossible. In a time when we should be wondering who will light the Olympic cauldron, whether Michael Phelps can break an all-time record and how Liu Xiang will react to the pressure of 1.3 billion of his countrymen hanging on his every step, we're instead left to discuss the Chinese government's reluctance to allow any dissension in their country, despite repeated promises that they'd clean up their act when the Olympics came to town.

This guy is a true hero in my eyes more so than if he had gone and won the Gold medal. I hope something happens where he can go compete.

Farve to BUCS on espn ticker to be announced WED details to come.....

Favre On Verge Of Joining Bucs

Posted By Ira Kaufman at Aug 06, 2008 at 12:10 AM

Updated Aug 06, 2008 at 08:44 AM

The Brett Favre saga could end with the NFL icon in pewter.

The Tribune has learned Favre will not stand in the way of a trade from Green Bay to Tampa Bay and the deal is likely to be finalized within 24 hours.

The chances of the trade unraveling are remote and Favre has indicated to the Bucs directly that he is willing to change teams after 16 years of growing his legend in Green Bay.

The Packers, unwilling to deal the 3-time league MVP to an NFC North rival, view the Bucs as a compromise in this ugly impasse. The Bucs view Favre as an upgrade on QB Jeff Garcia, who made the Pro Bowl in 2007 while leading Tampa Bay to an NFC South title.

Once it became clear to Favre that he wasn't welcome back in Green Bay, he became more flexible in terms of accepting a trade to clubs outside the division. The Bucs have been interested in Favre since last month, when he announced he wanted to play again.

The Bucs could make the trade announcement official by Wednesday, but Favre will have little time to learn Coach Jon Gruden's complex system because the Bucs open the regular season Sept. 7 at division rival New Orleans.

Notre Dame investigating Clausen

Posted: Tuesday August 05, 2008 07:23AM ET

For the second time in a year, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen may have to explain his alleged participation in a situation involving alcohol. And at least two other teammates might be doing some explaining with him. Notre Dame will investigate possible school code violations after the Web site The Big Lead posted photos Monday that appear to depict Clausen, teammates Brian Smith and James Aldridge and one other individual attending what the site labeled "Beer Olympics." No matter the date of the photos, at least two of the players would not be of legal drinking age: Clausen, who does not turn 21 until Sept. 21, and Smith, who does not reach 21 until 2010. Aldridge turned 21 on July 6. The pictures are not dated, and while there is beer on the table in front of the players, the photos do not show the players actively consuming alcohol.

1. Florida Yes, I know Georgia's No. 1 in the coaches' preseason poll. But since when did the coaches become good prognosticators? Any team with Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin is No. 1 in my poll.

2. Georgia If Florida and Georgia swapped schedules, I'd probably have the Bulldogs No. 1 in the power rankings. The Bulldogs are good, but not good enough to make it through that schedule unscathed.

3. LSU Sounds like a transfer from Harvard's freshman team, Andrew Hatch, may be LSU's quarterback this year. Say this for the Tigers: If it comes down to the offensive and defensive lines, nobody's better.

4. Auburn This is one of those even years, which means Auburn gets LSU at home. That's typically been good news for the home team. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville has a solid team. Now, if he can only settle on a quarterback.

5. Tenn The Vols should be better in just about every area than a year ago and, despite embarrassing routs to Florida and Alabama, did make it to the SEC championship game. Is Jon Crompton the answer at quarterback?

6. SC The Gamecocks are overflowing with returning defensive starters, including 270-pound middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley. If Steve Spurrier can stick with a quarterback, the Gamecocks could be in for a big year.

7. Ol Miss As the season has drawn nearer, I've decided that the Rebels deserve some more love. Something tells me Jevan Snead will be the third best quarterback in the league, and Ole Miss is loaded in the defensive line.

8. Bama Freshmen figure to play a big role for the Crimson Tide this season, especially at linebacker and receiver. If quarterback John Parker Wilson can play with consistency from the outset, Bama could work itself up.

9. Miss State The first four games are critical for the Bulldogs. They have to find a way to come out of those four at least 3-1. It remains to be seen if Mississippi State has enough offensive playmakers to match last season's success.

10. Kentucky Rich Brooks says he's never had a more talented defense at Kentucky, and he'll need one this season. The Wildcats lost just about everybody on offense, and quarterback hopeful Curtis Pulley is in the doghouse.

11. Arkansas Arkansas will win a game nobody expects it to, but there's just too much unproven about this team to expect a winning season. Bobby Petrino has shown us that it doesn't take him long to put his stamp on a program.

12. Vandy Keep an eye on D.J. Moore, who's one of the most exciting multi-purpose athletes in the league. He'll play receiver and cornerback. Even so, the Commodores will be hard-pressed to climb out of the cellar.

1. OSU Easily the Big Ten's most complete team, the Buckeyes have few position competitions and many more answers than questions in preseason practice. They must figure out how to use freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor and identify a third starting linebacker [ Ross Homan?] alongside standout tandem James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman.

2. Wisconsin The Badgers' hold on the No. 2 spot is a bit shaky. Lance Smith's dismissal provides one less option out of the backfield, though Wisconsin remains very strong in the run game. The key here is health, particularly along the defensive line and in the secondary. Can Allan Evridge finally separate himself in the quarterback competition? We'll find out soon enough.

3. Penn State Depth is a bit of a concern at defensive tackle after coach Joe Paterno dismissed Phil Taylor and Chris Baker, but junior Jared Odrick and sophomore Ollie Ogbu have ample experience there. Penn State has options at the offensive skill positions and, unlike some teams, could benefit from a two-quarterback system as Daryll Clark and Pat Devlin bring different strengths.

4. Illinois The defense could be one of the league's sleeper units, as ends Will Davis and Derek Walker fortify the front and NFL prospect Vontae Davis anchors the secondary. Running back remains the biggest question, though junior Daniel Dufrene will have every chance to win the job. A reliable running back and another strong receiver could move Illinois up the list.

5. Michigan The freshman offensive skill players impressed coach Rich Rodriguez on Monday and give Michigan more options. There will undoubtedly be growing pains at quarterback, but if the offensive line jells after getting into better shape this spring and summer, the offense could be serviceable by Aug. 30. If a few solid linebackers emerge during the coming weeks, Michigan's defense should be among the league's best.

6. MSU Is this the year Michigan's "little brother" overtakes the Wolverines? Michigan State enters the fall oozing optimism after an encouraging 2007 season. If several receivers emerge and coach Mark Dantonio puts a greater imprint on the defense, Michigan State could back up the preseason hype and cause a stir throughout the Big Ten.

7. Purdue The Boilermakers could have a tough time holding their place, as the schedule doesn't do them many favors. Then again, having a senior quarterback with video-game statistics [Curtis Painter] always helps. Purdue needs its veteran offensive linemen healthy when camp opens Sunday and must find a third linebacker to complement Anthony Heygood and Jason Werner.

8. Northwestern Stocked with offensive skill players, the Wildcats turn their focus to the line in camp. If several capable players emerge by Aug. 30, Northwestern should be potent in the no-huddle spread shaped by new coordinator Mick McCall. Linebacker is the area of concern on defense, though new coordinator Mike Hankwitz must find a way to get more out of a defensive line that has underachieved in recent years.

9. Iowa Quarterback Jake Christensen's job appears safe for now, but the spotlight will be on a group of running backs that welcomes back former Hawkeye Shonn Greene. If Greene regains his 2006 form and the offensive line jells, Iowa could easily move up the list. But there are far too many questions in the backfield and at cornerback after the losses of Charles Godfrey and Adam Shada.

10. Indiana Once again, here's a team that could move up, especially with quarterback Kellen Lewis back in the fold. The questions here are typical for a team coming off a breakthrough after a lengthy layoff. How will pass rusher Greg Middleton respond to increased attention? Can Ray Fisher and baseball standout Andrew Means fill the void left by James Hardy at wide receiver? Is Matt Mayberry the answer at linebacker? We'll find out soon.

11. Minn New defensive coordinator Ted Roof says there are no quick fixes, but an influx of junior-college transfers gives the Gophers a chance to stop people, something they rarely did last season. Minnesota needs a reliable running back to complement talented quarterback Adam Weber, and a group of incumbents on defense should have added motivation to keep their jobs -- and move up the list.

1. WVU Coach Bill Stewart's goal during preseason camp: Find playmakers to complement Pat White and Noel Devine.

2. USF The Bulls rely on quarterback Matt Grothe as much as West Virginia uses White. Coach Jim Leavitt hopes Mike Ford changes things this season.

3. Pitt Coach Dave Wannstedt needs to settle on a starting offensive line. Quarterback Bill Stull should take some of the pressure off star tailback LeSean McCoy.

4. Rutgers Coach Greg Schiano says the Scarlet Knights might open their offense a little more. Quarterback Mike Teel and a deep receiver corps are the strength of the offense.

5. Cinn The Bearcats don't expect the NCAA to grant quarterback Ben Mauk a sixth year of eligibility, so the starting job belongs to senior Dustin Grutza.

6. Conn Few fans remember that the Huskies shared the Big East title with West Virginia last season. Road games at Rutgers and South Florida make it tougher this season.

7. L 'ville Coach Steve Kragthorpe's job is safe, but the Cardinals probably need one or two more recruiting classes to rebuild a depth chart ravaged by attrition.

8. 'Cuse Coach Greg Robinson probably needs a winning record to save his job. The Orange won't lose 10 games again, but they'll be lucky to escape the Big East cellar.

1. Mizz Won't be satisfied unless they claim school's first conference title in 39 years.

2. OU Defensive playmakers needed if Sooners have three-peat hopes.

3. Texas Tech Highest expectations on the South Plains since Steve Sloan's tenure there.

4. Texas Mack Brown has got to be loving playing the underdog card -- for once.

5. Kansas Jayhawks could be better than last season -- even if their record won't reflect it.

6. OSU QB Zac Robinson might be the Big 12's most underrated player.

7. Texas A&M Conference's best set of backs might be running behind greenest line.

8. Nebraska Bo Pelini promises to pump passion, energy into underachieving defense.

9. Colorado Hopes hinging on quick development by freshman TB Darrell Scott.

10. KSU Juco infusion on defense could determine Ron Prince's job status.

11. Baylor Killer early schedule could wreck season before conference play begins.

12. Iowa State Too many questions to pick them from crawling out of the cellar.