Preseason College Football Rankings 2012: 3 Most Likely Overrated Teams

Eric BallApr 5, 2012

As the spring game season begins to blossom, it’s never too early to start thinking ahead.

The college football preseason polls actually mean something. That’s a shame because, every year, there are teams that look good on paper that, in reality, are incredibly overrated and will end the season on the outside of the top 25.

Look no further than last year, where Texas A&M was No. 8, Ohio St. started the year ranked 18^th and Florida was 22^nd. All of them had massively disappointing seasons and were far away from the top 25.

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This year there will be plenty of similar examples. Here are three of them:

17. Michigan Wolverines (2011 record 11-2)

The good news is that QB Denard Robinson is going to be back for his senior season. The bad news is they lost a lot of their depth to graduation and are on much thinner ice if they get hit with the injury bug.

Look no further than running back, where Fitzgerald Toussaint is without a doubt the strong starter after rushing for 1,041 yards on carries.

After that? Redshirt freshman Justice Hayes? Sophomore Thomas Rawls? The depth chart is very thin and, for a team that loves to run the ball, that’s not a good thing.

The linebacker position is in a similar state.

21. Texas Longhorns (2011 record 8-5)

The entire state of Texas is waiting on the Longhorns to return to form, but their QB issues are holding them back severely.

Last year, the defense finished first in the Big 12 in yardage allowed and second in scoring. Sure the conference wasn’t exactly chock full of Alabamas and LSUs, but it’s still a note-worthy achievement. With the majority of the unit returning, that’s not going to be the big problem on this team.

The QB carousel is a joke and if you can’t decide between David Ash and Case McCoy, then you don’t have a legit option. Coach Mack Brown has to make a decision and stick with it or the team is going to be destined for another mediocre season.

24. Oklahoma State (2011 record 12-1)

The majority of the defense will be back for coordinator Bill Young; they’ll have to strap the offense to their collective backs.

It’s one thing to lose the best receiver of the last five years to the top five of the NFL draft in Justin Blackmon, but to lose your QB Brandon Weeden as well?

No amount of T. Boone Pickens' dough can fix those gigantic holes. They’ll only be ranked in the preseason because of their success last year.

2012 College Football Preseason Top 25

1. LSU

2. USC

3. Alabama

4. Florida State

5. Oregon

6. Arkansas

7. Georgia

8. South Carolina

9. West Virginia

10. Nebraska