Springing toward 2003. (College Football).

Looking for news to help thaw from winter? How about this: Texas, among others, already has started spring practice. That means the countdown to the 2003 season has begun.

The Longhorns are among the major teams lurking among the top 15 issues for this spring.

1. The buzz at Texas is on replacing quarterback Chris Simms--the job figures to go to Chance Mock over Vincent Young--but the real issue is settling an uncertain defensive end slot. Cozy Redding is gone, and Kalen Thornton will miss spring practices because of injury. The Longhorns are to the point of auditioning linebackers.

2. Look for Southern California's quarterback race to be between Brandon Hance, a transfer from Purdue, and Matt Cassel. Hance may have the edge because coordinator Norm Chow typically likes his passers to be quick and mobile. Plus, Hance has starting experience.

3. Off the field, pay heed to how well Nebraska coach Frank Solich's six new coaching hires blend. On the field, it looks as if senior Jammal Lord will retain the starting quarterback job, but Mike Stuntz and Curt Dukes could close the gap.

4. Alabama faces a radical change from Dennis Franchione's ground-based offense to Mike Price's spread attack. The biggest concern? Teaching the linemen how to pass block. There's also a big need for multiple receivers, so there will be plenty of auditions.

5. At Miami, the focus will be on replacing quarterback Ken Dorsey. Many assume Brock Berlin will take over, but don't count out athletic Derrick Crudup, who can make something out of nothing. That may be a key for an attack that's looking for receivers.