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' Michigan T < Crimson Tii % By TRACY HELMS Sports Editor The Michigan Wolverines, who rebounded from two heartbreaking losses for a nine-game win streak in 1980, stand atop the Gamecock 1981 preseason poll. After a last-minute loss to the Gamecocks in the Wolverines' third contest of last season, Michigan rolled over its final nine opponents, including Rose Bowl foe Washington, with methodical ease. Coach Bo Schembechler's 1981 squad is composed of seven starting offensive returnees, while eight starters are back on defense. Last season's quarterback John Wangler has graduated, % but Michigan has three sturdy replacements to fill the gap. Wide receiver Anthony Carter, most likely the nation's best, will join a trio of experienced running backs to charge the offense, while the defense?which did not yield a touchdown in the last 22 quarters of 1980?is thoroughly jelled. The Wolverines should revenge last year's final-seconds loss to Notre Dame in their second game Sept. 19 and then waltz to a comerence showdown with Ohio St. in the regularseason finale. Although Alabama lost 13 starters to graduation, the Crimson Tide is a heavy favorite to capture a national championship due to a super surplus of talent and one of their weakest schedules in years. Paul "Bear" Bryant will certainly earn his 315th career % coaching win to become the winningest coach in football nisiory during i?8l, as he only needs nine wins to do so. Alabama has had to replace its quarterback, two running backs and four offensive linemen, but if the Tide gets past opening opponent LSU, it's a cakewalk to an undefeated season, with Penn St. late in the year the only other serious obstacle. LSU's balanced and experienced attack has been overlooked by many, however, so an upset is quite possible. Gerry Faust moves from high-school level coaching to the helm of Notre Dame, but 16 returning starters should make 1 /the\ Corner of Beltine & I)< 782-8260 Have a Real Party with '10 Ini and '100 Wines from The La You Can experience the taste of such as New Zealand, Fran Czechoslovakia, PhillipiiK anil many iiiwu*. W v ? - 1 - ops Poll; flo (arniiil the adaption comfortable. Faust's formula for a wide-open offense should, along with the Irish's strength and experience, put opponents on the defensive. After a probable loss to Michigan, the Irish will face key contests with Florida St., Southern Cal, Penn St. and Miami to decide their true potential. After 1980's disappointing and scandalous season, Southern Cal has plenty to prove. The Trojans will have a new signal caller, but he will be re-enforced by running backs Marcus Allen and Michael Harper and mammoth lines. Oklahoma should not havp a <cnliH naccina Cont oc ? ?? ? ..w ? -v ?? ?/v?av? ubittvn MJT V1IV kJV J-/ L, ?j\) engagement with Southern Cal, resulting in a Trojan triumph. That win could give Southern Cal the momentum needed for tough tests against Notre Dame and Stanford. Texas, disappointed by an early fold from the no. 1 spot last season, is more determined and balanced heading into this season. Seventeen 1980 starters, including running back A.J. ' "Jam" Jones, will enable the Longhorns to steer the Southwestern Conference crown. Texas' fourth contest of the season against Oklahoma should determine the Longhorns' percentages for a lofty ranking. Despite losing 11 starters, Oklahoma is optimistic. The missing men from a year ago include quarterback J.C: Watts ana lanoacK David (Jverstreet, but the Sooners have depth to cover the gaps. Darrell Shephard should gain quarterback honors, but as a backup last year he only threw two passes. The underdeveloped pass attack should spell a loss to Southern Cal in the Sooners' second game. A heavy favorite to pull down the ACC title, North Carolina has a shining opportunity to record a high finish in the national ranks. The Tar Heels can thank a soft schedule for this chance, but returning talent is the other factor. Quarterback Rod Elkins and tailback Kelvin Bryant head the list of 12 returning starters. nk;n cintn 1^.* - i? ir -f i ?A ?- ' ?? * - ?- * vsiiiu ouji,c iuai uuc-iiiiii ui lasi season s ursi siring, DUl Heisman candidate Art Schlichter and depth could bail the See Poll, page 14 ??? *1 ririilglj j | \ resta : i ! ; Happy I evinc I : f ? lzill ti porieu iK-ers k \ " st Chance. | Hors Varied Cultures ! Com ce, Ireland, | es. China I I t GAMECOCK Top Twenty 1. Michigan 2. Alabama 3. Notre Dame 4. Southern Cal 5. Texas 6. Oklahoma 7. North Carolina 8. Ohio St. 9. Nebraska 10. Florida 11. Miami (Fla.) 12. LSU 13. Pittsburgh 14. BYU 15. Arizona St. 16. Penn St. 17. Georgia 18. Houston 19. Stanford 20. USC/Ctemson mrant & lounge ?28 Rosewood Drive J < < >pen: 3:30 Mon. - Fri. ? 2:00 Sat. < Hour: 3:30 - 8:00 Mon. - Fri. < 2:00 - 6:00 Sat. < 'itchers: Busch $1.75 < lie time) Michelob $2.25 < d'oeuvres Every Tuesday < at < ling Soon: Monday Night < Football On 1 Tli?* Hifir C/^rAAn "v. ^^.iv.^11 1 < < i