ESPN College Football

This week's list, conjured up on a flight out to Missouri to see Tigers QB Brad Smith, is about the 10 biggest X-factors in the chase for the BCS title game. One caveat here: The 10 teams represented aren't necessarily my top 10 teams, but if things break right, especially in regard to their X-factor people, they will have a say in who's playing in the Rose Bowl. Also included are the odds that each will please their team's faithful.

1. Marcus Vick, Virginia Tech QB: One of my buddies out in L.A., Alfredo, is a very knowledgeable football fan, but he is convinced that Vick will be a bust and end up losing his job to the Hokies' backup. In fact, he's so sure Marcus will fizzle he's making this claim without even knowing who that backup is. I think my buddy is way off here, and I think Vick will produce every bit as much as Bryan Randall, the ACC's Offensive Player of the Year last season.

Vick has a better arm and is a more accurate passer who is also a much more dangerous running threat. The other big reason why he will thrive is because he has better weapons than Randall did last season. Sophomore Eddie Royal is a rising star, and Jeff King, the Chris Weinke look-alike, is one of the five best tight ends in college football. The one big stumbling block is, well, he's still Michael's brother, and I suspect expectations are unrealistic. Very good, to many, probably just won't be good enough. Even if the Hokies do win the ACC again.

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