This week's syllabus: Early January edition

__THE FAB FIVE

My look at the top five teams in the country right now__

__MEN

Fall results: 4 starts; 2 wins (Brickyard Collegiate; Isleworth/UCF Collegiate), 3 top-5s, 4 top-10s

If UGa can remain the lead 'Dogs come nationals, Chris Haack would become just the fifth coach since 1950 to win a third NCAA title, joining North Texas' Fred Cobb, Houston's__Dave Williams__, Oklahoma State's__Mike Holder__ and Wake Forest's Jesse Haddock.

Spring opener: Puerto Rico Classic, Rio Mar GC (River course), Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Feb. 27-March 1

__2. Oklahoma State __ (2)

Fall results: 3 starts; 1 win (Ping/Golfweek Preview), 2 top-5s, 3 top-10s

I owe Trent Leon an apology. I figured the newly arriving freshmen would be pushing the senior out of the starting lineup this year. Turns out it's Leon who's showing the youngsters how to play.

Spring opener: Puerto Rico Classic, Rio Mar GC (River course), Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, Feb. 27-March 1

__3. USC __(3)[

](http://blog.golfdigest.com/photos/uncategorized/2009/01/07/usc_200809_logo.gif)

The jury is still out on Matt Giles, but the Aussie sophomore's top-four finishes in both his fall starts were a pleasant lift for the Trojan faithful.

Spring opener: UH Hilo Invitational, Mauna Lani North Course, Kohala Coast, Hawaii, Feb. 4-6

__4. Alabama __ (4)

Fall results: 4 starts; 1 win (Jerry Pate Collegiate), 3 top-5s, 4 top-10s

If only all programs could have "rebuilding" years like the Crimson Tide are experiencing in 2008-09. Jay Seawell just better hope his group closes out a season better than U of A's football team.

Spring opener: John Hayt Collegiate Invitational, Sawgrass CC, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Feb. 22-24

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Fall results: 5 starts; 3 wins (Olympia Fields, Windon Classic, D.A. Weibring), 4 top-5s, 4 top-10s

Fighting Illini have to be happy to have their new indoor practice facility up and running. Today's predicted high temperature in Urbana, Ill.: 26 degrees.

Spring opener: Big Ten Match Play tournament, Coral Springs, Fla., Feb. 13-14

__WOMEN

Fall results: 4 starts; 3 wins (Topy Cup, Mason Rudolph, Stanford Intercollegiate), 4 top-5s

Attending summer school last year allows senior Tiffany Joh to have fewer classes this spring, leaving plenty of time to work on her game and finish off her college career in style.

Spring opener: Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge, Palos Verdes GC, Palos Verdes, Calif., Feb. 9-11

__2. Arizona State __(3)

Fall results: 3 starts; 2 wins (NCAA Fall Preview, Derby Invitational), 3 top-5s

Could Jaclyn Sweeney, released late last semester by Oklahoma State, be carrying a Sun Devil bag this spring? Officials at ASU aren't talking, but the Sun Devils have a vacancy with__Anna Nordqvist__'s departure.

Spring opener: Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge, Palos Verdes GC, Palos Verdes, Calif., Feb. 9-11

__3. USC __(2)

Fall results: 4 starts; 3 top-5s, 4 top-10s

Is it just me or does anyone else have this sneaking suspicion Belen Mozo is about to have a monster spring?

Spring opener: Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge, Palos Verdes GC, Palos Verdes, Calif., Feb. 9-11

__4. Oklahoma State __(4)

Fall results: 4 starts; 3 top-5s, 4 top-10s

New coach Annie Young has little depth with Sweeney's departure (now there are only five on the roster). Then again, Sweeney only played once for the Cowgirls last fall anyway. Bottom line: OSU will sink or swim based on the play of Pernilla Lindberg and Caroline Hedwall.

Spring opener: Arizona Wildcat Invitational, Peninsula GC, Puerto Penasco, Mexico, Feb. 22-24

__5. Wake Forest __ (5)

Fall results: 4 starts; 2 wins (Lady Tar Heel, Landfall Tradition), 2 top-5s

I'm sticking my neck out for the Lady Demon Deacons, and that their two victories to close the fall are a better indication of this team's potential than the ninth and 14th place finishes to open the fall.

Spring opener: Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge, Palos Verdes GC, Palos Verdes, Calif., Feb. 9-11__

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STAT OF THE WEEK, PART I____

115__

Number of days the Oklahoma State women's team is off from competition between the fall and spring semesters  (Final round of the Las Vegas Collegiate Showdown was Oct. 29 and the first round of the Arizona Wildcat Invitational is Feb. 22)

__STAT OF THE WEEK, PART II

106__

Number of days the Oklahoma State women's golf team was off from competition during the summer.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR