THE ONE TO CATCH, AND THOSE WHO WILL TRY

In a blend of pageantry and color which rivals that of any sport, the big teams of college football are setting out on their championship chase once more. The scene at right is one that opponents of Notre Dame will witness all too often in the next three months: Jim Seymour rising gracefully to catch a pass. On the succeeding pages are some of the men and teams who will try to take the No. 1 ranking away from Notre Dame, followed by scouting reports on Sports Illustrated's own Top 20—selected by our football staff and ranked in order—plus an assessment of the conference races, an analysis of the best small colleges, five sophomores to watch and a listing of the players the pro scouts like the most.

Georgia Quarterback Kirby Moore (throwing here against Florida in a 27-10 win) leads a team with prospects as bright as its colorful jerseys.

The power of Michigan State's fullback, Bob Apisa, typifies a running game so potent that even the Spartan mascot should be smiling.

Dewey Warren of Tennessee runs a play against Alabama on the Vols' darkest day of 1966. Warren is back, and Tennessee's outlook is sunny.

Though Nebraska's tight end, Dennis Morrison, missed this pass against TCU, he brings poise to a young, strong team.

And fervent Darrell Royal has the same kind of squad at Texas, young enough to need a prayer, strong enough to be a winner.

Obviously, UCLA will never become a one-man show, but it is approaching that on the field this year, and the man is Quarterback Gary Beban.

NINE PHOTOS