Pour some sugar on these. (Insider).

Fast forward to January 2004. Imagine the Sugar Bowl--the national championship game. Who will be there? Here's an early look at 13 teams with the best chance of getting to New Orleans.

Auburn. No defense was playing better toward the end of 2002, and most of the crew will return. The ground game again will be strong and deep, but what is most exciting is the prospect of a blooming passing attack--quarterback Jason Campbell is ready to come of age, along with a group of exciting, young receivers.

Georgia. There are questions about the offensive line and linebackers. Everything else, including perhaps the nation's best quarterbacking duo--David Greene and D.J. Shockley--looks good for a team that appears to be the new king of the SEC East.

Miami. The big issue? Replacing three-year starting quarterback Ken Dorsey. The defensive line also will have holes. But the Hurricanes are loaded with talent--highly touted Brock Berlin is the top candidate to replace Dorsey, and Miami has a commitment from Nate Robinson, considered the top high school defensive lineman in the nation.

Michigan. Quarterback John Navarre is a proven producer, and the young offense will he even better as the line matures. The defense needs work, especially along the fine, but coordinator Jim Herrmann is one of the best in the business.

N.C. State. Quarterback Philip Rivers, running back T.A. McLendon and receiver Jerricho Cotchery are great starting points for the offense, which may have to carry the load while the defense matures. There is no hotter coach than Chuck Amato.

Ohio State. The Buckeyes will return running back Maurice Clarett, receiver/cornerback/return man Chris Gamble and quarterback Craig Krenzel, among many others. Plus, they'll have the swagger of defending national champions.