ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 11, 1996 TAG: 9608120133
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
Here's a new twist for Nebraska: For the first time in 13 years, the Cornhuskers will start the season as the No.1 team.
Nebraska, seeking an unprecedented third consecutive national title, was the overwhelming No.1 pick in The Associated Press' preseason college football poll.
Since the AP started its preseason poll in 1950, the Cornhuskers have opened at No.1 four times but each time failed to finish in that position. The last time was 1983, when the Huskers went 12-0 before losing 31-30 to Miami in the Orange Bowl.
``Somebody has got to be No.1 in the preseason,'' said Tom Osborne, Nebraska's coach. ``We are as willing to accept that position as anyone.''
The Cornhuskers received 50 first-place votes for 1,644 points, easily outdistancing No.2 Tennessee, which had seven first-place votes and 1,538 points.
Virginia Tech is No.16 and Virginia is No.23.
The 16th spot marks Tech's highest ranking ever in the preseason AP poll, which makes Tech coach Frank Beamer happy.
``Our goal is to be a top program and I'm flattered that the people think we belong there, not only at the end of last year but at the start of this year,'' Beamer said. ``But let me say one other, thing, too. It's not where you start, it's where you finish.''
After beating Texas 28-10 in the Sugar Bowl, Tech (10-2) finished 10th in the final AP poll, its highest ranking ever.
No team has gone wire-to-wire ranked No.1. Like Nebraska in '83, Florida State came close in '93. The Seminoles were No.1 for most of the season, lost the top spot after falling to Notre Dame, then beat Nebraska in the Orange Bowl to claim the title.
``I don't think it adds a whole lot of pressure,'' Osborne said of starting out No.1. ``We have enough attention and pressure as it is. I don't think anything can really make it worse.
``These are awfully high expectations on us, and we hope to measure up.''
It also marks the first time in seven years a team from Florida was not atop the preseason rankings. Florida State was first in 1991, 1993 and 1995, while Miami was No.1 in 1990 and 1992 and Florida No.1 in 1994.
Nebraska, riding a 25-game winning streak, could find it tougher to get back to a title game this season because the new Big 12 Conference has a league championship game Dec.7. On the field, the biggest change is at quarterback, where Scott Frost replaces Tommie Frazier.
The Volunteers, led by quarterback Peyton Manning, lost once last season, collapsing in the second half in a 62-37 loss to Florida. This year, the Vols play the Gators on Sept.21.
Florida State, last year's preseason No.1, is third. The Seminoles received five first-place votes and 1,529 points. Running back Warrick Dunn returns to lead the Florida State attack.
Florida, unbeaten in '95 until humbled by Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl, is No.4 with one first-place vote and 1,490 points. Danny Wuerffel is back after passing for 3,266 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Colorado is fifth, its highest preseason ranking since it entered the 1972 season at No.2. The Buffaloes, with three first-place votes, also were ranked fifth to start the 1990 season - the year they won the national title.
Notre Dame, with one first-place vote, is sixth, followed by Southern California, Texas, Ohio State and Syracuse.
Penn State is 11th, followed by Miami, Texas A&M, Michigan, Alabama, Virginia Tech, Auburn, Northwestern, Louisiana State, Arizona State, Kansas State, Iowa, Virginia, Kansas and Clemson.
Northwestern, the surprise team of '95 with a 10-2 record and No.8 final ranking, makes its first preseason poll appearance since occupying the 20th spot in 1971.
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: Chart by staff: Preseason AP Top 25.by CNB