A Comprehensive Overview of the 2003 College Football Season
The 2003 NCAA Division I-A football season was a captivating year marked by intense competition, surprising upsets, and the emergence of standout players. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the season, encompassing preseason expectations, key matchups, conference breakdowns, and the crowning of the national champion.
The Landscape of College Football
Unlike most sports, college football's governing body, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), does not bestow a National Championship title for Division I-A football. That title is primarily bestowed by different polling agencies. There are several polls that currently exist. The main weekly polls are the AP Poll and Coaches Poll. Two human polls and one formulaic ranking make up the 2003 NCAA Division I-A football rankings.
Preseason Buzz and Expectations
The preseason was filled with anticipation as teams geared up for the challenges ahead. Several articles and expert opinions shaped the initial perceptions of the season.
Expert Opinions and Predictions
- Coaches Under Pressure: The pressure to perform was high for many coaches, with some facing potential job security concerns if their teams underperformed.
- Repeating is a Tough Test: Ohio State found out early repeating is a tough test.
- Potential BCS Bowl Contenders: Five teams were identified as potential dark horses that could sneak into a BCS bowl game this fall.
- Rule Changes: Bob Davie provided insights into the latest rule changes, helping fans and analysts understand the evolving landscape of the game.
- The Coach to Win One Game: ESPN experts selected their coach if they need to win one game.
Conference Breakdowns
- Big Ten: Herbstreit suggested that the Big Ten might be the nation's best conference.
- Pac-10: Questions abounded in the Pac-10.
- ACC Recruiting: Tom Lemming identified the ACC's top incoming freshmen.
- Big East Recruiting: Tom Lemming named the Big East's top incoming freshmen.
- SEC Recruiting: Tom Lemming named the SEC's top incoming freshmen.
- MAC, Sun Belt, and WAC Recruiting: Tom Lemming named the MAC's, Sun Belt's and WAC's top incoming freshmen.
- Conference USA, Independents, and Mountain West Recruiting: Tom Lemming named Conference USA's, Independents' and the Mountain West's top incoming freshmen.
- Mountain West Overview: A general overview of the Mountain West Conference.
Key Players
- Bruce Perry (Maryland): Maryland's Bruce Perry missed much of last year with injuries.
- Philip Rivers (NC State): NC State's Triangle Offense: Armed with QB Philip Rivers, RB T.A.
- Top 100 Players: Bruce Feldman ranked the Top 100 players in the country.
Regular Season Highlights
The regular season was filled with memorable moments, stunning upsets, and dominant performances. Here's a glimpse into some of the key storylines:
- Games to Watch: A selection of must-see games throughout the season.
- State of Washington Football: A lot has happened since last year's Apple Cup.
The Championship Chase
The culmination of the season was the quest for the national championship. Teams battled through their conference schedules, vying for a spot in the BCS bowl games, which ultimately determined the national champion.
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