Texas and Michigan put on a great game in the Rose Bowl.

But what if the Longhorns’ heart-pounding 38-37 victory on New Year’s Day was merely a preview? Imagine the same two tradition-laden powerhouses squaring off again on the same field next January — with a Bowl Championship Series title at stake.

Granted, it’s a long way off. And we try to take them one year at a time, to paraphrase the coaches’ favorite cliche. But spring ball is only eight weeks away on some campuses, and as the 2004 college football season ends, it’s tempting to look ahead to a 2005 national title race that figures to be wide open.

Of course, it’s difficult to make an educated guess when we don’t even know what formula will be used to determine the title-game pairing. When the AP demanded that the BCS remove the AP media poll from its equation, it left the controversial system with only the much-derided ESPN/USA Today coaches poll and the computers. BCS czars are already considering possible changes, including the formation of an oversight panel similar to the one that seeds the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Nothing will be decided until the spring, at the earliest.

This much is certain: the folks at Auburn, which went 13-0 but was locked out of the BCS title game, will be thrilled at the prospect of a new formula. Of course, did the Tigers really want any part of No. 1 Southern California, which dismantled second-ranked Oklahoma 55-19 in the Orange Bowl?

The Trojans expect to have as many as 16 starters back next season. They’ll bring back Heisman finalist Reggie Bush, who might be the most dangerous player in America. They also return star receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith, as well as tailback LenDale White.

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But the key to SC’s shot at a national title three-peat is Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart, who decided not to turn pro after his junior season. The Trojans will almost certainly be the preseason No. 1.

Everything fell into place for USC this year. But what if everything falls apart next year? That would open the door for someone else — and Texas could be that someone.

We realize that this would require Longhorns coach Mack Brown to defeat Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops, which he’s done once in six years.

The Longhorns lose Doak Walker Award-winning tailback Cedric Benson, the sturdy engine that powered their offense with 1,834 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns this year. Texas also has to replace placekicker Dusty Mangum, who nailed the game-winning field goal in the Rose Bowl.

"We lose some guys who have been pretty special to the University of Texas," Brown said. "But if our other guys can pull tight and become a team like this one was, we have a chance. Sometimes you don’t have to have the best players, just the best team."

Indeed, Tennessee won the national title in 1998, the year after Peyton Manning graduated.

Benson will be replaced by Selvin Young, who is no relation to Texas quarterback Vince Young, except in gamebreaking potential. Selvin Young, who redshirted this year after breaking an ankle in the second game against Arkansas, will also return punts and kickoffs.

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