Let's start with the incredibly talented Jason Thomas. The UNLV quarterback is a 6-foot-4, 238 pounder who originally signed on at USC before transferring to the Rebels and sitting out the '99 season. During his first campaign under center at the major college level, Thomas showed remarkable progress from week to week, culminating with his spectacular effort against Arkansas in the Las Vegas Bowl. This southpaw brings a Daunte Culpepper-type physical presence to the QB position, and is a natural leader with an intense passion for the game. And he's just a sophomore.

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While Virginia Tech's Michael Vick and Michigan's Drew Henson could benefit from another year at the college level, their enormous talent is evident on a week-to-week basis. ”

Boston College closed things out with an impressive effort against Arizona State in the Aloha Bowl. Senior QB Tim Hasselbeck didn't post eye catching numbers, but he delivered the big plays in the second half when needed.

Sophomore Byron Leftwich rallied the Thundering Herd of Marshall in the second half of the Motor City Bowl, showing the nation he has long term potential similar to that of former teammate Chad Pennington. In East Carolina's route of Texas Tech in the Galleryfurniture.com Bowl, Pirate QB David Garrard showcased his ability to overpower throws and display the necessary touch. Garrard is also an established team leader who puts in the necessary time studying film.

West Virginia's Don Nehlen enjoyed a winning send off in the Music City Bowl. Ole Miss senior standouts Deuce McAllister and Ken Lucas struggled in their final collegiate game. McAllister was contained the entire way, while Lucas was beaten in coverage on several occasions, once for a TD by Mountaineer senior wide-out Khori Ivy.

NC State WR Koren Robinson's significant natural athletic ability was apparent during the Wolfpack's amazing comeback victory over Minnesota. Not since Purdue's Rod Woodson has a return man caught the ball so effortlessly with hands extended like he was hauling in a pass reception. Robinson, a third year sophomore, has clearly established himself as one of the elite offensive weapons in college football.

Bowl games are especially important for juniors who may be considering a move to the NFL. UCLA junior wide-out Freddie Mitchell--who declared himself eligible for the NFL draft on Friday--talked a lot of trash going into the Sun Bowl, then he backed it up with his play on the field. With an abundance of WR talent in college football this year, Mitchell is often overshadowed on the national stage.

Colorado State was able to come away with the 22-17 victory over Louisville in the Liberty Bowl thanks to the rushing exploits of their strong and determined sophomore RB Cecil Sapp.

In the Peach Bowl, Georgia Tech jumped out to a 14-3 lead, only to see junior signal caller Rohan Davey spark LSU to a come-from-behind 28-14 victory. Davey was superb, providing fire and enthusiasm to the Bayou Bengal offense, while accurately delivering all the necessary throws. The question now is where does this leave junior QB Josh Booty for the 2001 season?

Despite their 35-30 loss to Oregon in the Holiday Bowl, expect Texas to make a run at the national championship this coming season. The Longhorns are loaded with quality young talent and have an exceptional coach in Mack Brown. Nowhere in college football will you find a more gifted and deep wide receiver corps. Sophmore blue chipper Roy Williams could establish himself as one of the elite offensive players in the nation.

Fresno State came up just short in their attempt at a huge comeback against Air Force, but junior quarterback David Carr is ready to make his mark as one of the top signal callers in the country.

Texas A&M and Mississippi State's ability to deal effectively with the snowy conditions in Shreveport, Louisiana made the Independence Bowl one of the most exciting games of the bowl season. Mississippi State won the thriller in overtime by a score of 43-41. Ja'Mar Toombs continues to demonstrate Jerome Bettis-type ability for A&M, but keep your eye on Mississippi State's senior DT Willie Blade. His breakout performance came against Florida on September 30th when he recorded a pair of QB sacks. Against LSU, he was active with eight tackles, then posted nine stops late in the season against Alabama. The 6-foot-2½ , 315 pounder uses leverage, quickness, and a relentless approach to present all kinds of problems for opposing centers and guards. Blade is a player on the rise in the NFL Draft.

Lou Holtz worked his magic once again, as the Gamecocks rolled past Ohio State in the Outback Bowl. Sophomore RB Ryan Brewer effectively filled in for Derek Watson as the Gamecocks completely controlled the Buckeyes.

While Virginia Tech's Michael Vick and Michigan's Drew Henson could benefit from another year at the college level, their enormous talent is evident on a week-to-week basis. Vick has a chance to develop into a Steve Young-type signal caller, and Henson emerged as a big-time QB in just his first season under center for the Wolverines.

In the Fiesta Bowl, Oregon State proved to the nation that they are one of the top teams in college football. QB Jonathan Smith does a good job maximizing the talent around him, while senior wide-out Chad Johnson provided a huge spark with his dynamic big-play ability. Notre Dame's talent base has to improve if they are to compete once again for the national championship.

While Florida should be a national championship contender next season, Miami had the answers in the second half of the Sugar Bowl. The Hurricanes will be without a number of their key difference-makers on both sides of the ball next season, with RB James Jackson, WR's Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss, DT Damione Lewis, MLB Dan Morgan, and CB Leonard Myers all going to the NFL. Fortunately for the 'Canes, steadily improving sophomore QB Ken Dorsey does return, along with RB Clinton Portis and their bookend OT's, Joaquin Gonzalez and Bryant McKinnie. Hurricane fans have to hope talented underclassmen such as McKinnie and SS Edward Reed decide to return to Miami for their senior campaigns.

Hopefully, the Oklahoma Sooners will finally garner the national respect they deserve. Florida State is the latest top drawer program the Sooners sent packing this season. They beat Kansas State twice, rallied from an early 14 point deficit to dominate Nebraska, routed Texas 63-14, and put together a comeback victory over Texas A&M 35-31 at College Station. In four of those six games, the Sooners went into the game as the underdog. And in the other two--against A&M and the Big 12 championship re-match against Kansas State-- several college football observers expected the Sooners to lose both games. What Bob Stoops accomplished in just his second year as the Sooners head coach is remarkable. Prior to Stoops taking over, the Sooners had not enjoyed a winning season since '93.

For the Seminoles, the distractions--Chris Weinke winning the Heisman and Mark Richt being named Head Coach at Georgia--and injuries proved too much to overcome. FSU lost valuable change of pace senior RB Jeff Chaney to a knee injury in mid-November and were operating without blue chip senior CB Tay Cody during the second half of their 13-2 loss to Oklahoma. After the game, Bobby Bowden showed once again why he should go down as one of the most revered coaches in college football history. Not only has he won two national titles and just missed out on two other occasions, the OU game included, but he's also displayed the humility and class that should be a model for all coaches to emulate.

In high profile contests where a championship is one on the line, the marquee players have to deliver "A" games. That didn't happen with the Seminoles, who really missed the services of senior WR Marvin "Snoop" Minnis as well as their former PK'ing standout Sebastian Janikowski.