I am not a big fan of pre-season polls. If I had it my way, polls would not be released until the season was at least 4-5 weeks underway. I understand the need for hype and fan spirit. However, being ranked in the top ten pre-season is a built-in advantage for the most visible programs. It leads to media bias and lost objectivity of both voting coaches and voting reporters. But that's a whole other topic.
I'm going to swallow my distaste for pre-season polls and do my best to identify who I think are the top 25 football programs (on paper) in the country for the 2008 season. This is not a prediction of how the season will necessarily end. I'll leave that for the end of the column.
#1 Ohio State. Beat USC in the Coliseum and they have a very good shot at getting in the national title game again to every college football fan's (except for buckeyes) dismay. The schedule is that easy. Only Rich Rodriguez and the Wolverines stand a real shot of keeping the bucknuts out of the title game and that chance is minimal unfortunately.
#2 Southern Cal. Basically, the same deal as The University of Ohio State. Win on September 13 against the poisonous nuts, and they're well on their way to the BCS championship game in Miami. The Pac 10 is a horrific conference, even worse than the Big 10 in my humble opinion. With Dixon gone, Oregon is now a middle tier team and the Trojans have the Ducks at home. The Sun Devils visit the Coliseum as well. And UCLA is nowhere near ready to challenge Pete and his boys. I give TUOOS (the university of ohio state according to incoming frosh Terrell Pryor) the edge simply because of the returning talent. USC has plenty of its own but whoever wins that game is headed to the title game.
#3 Oklahoma. Very favorable home schedule, another year of experience for Bradford and Murry as well. Add in the embarrassment they suffered in the Fiesta Bowl last year and you have an extremely motivated team. The early part of their schedule should be a roll over. The Sooners have Texas Tech and Kansas at home and if they get out of the Big 12 with one or less losses they have a very good shot at getting to Miami.
#4 Florida. Out of all the SEC powers, Florida has the most favorable schedule. Miami at home and the road challenges are Tennessee and Florida State. Add to that the fact that they do not have back to back tough games and that's a recipe for getting to the SEC championship game. Beat Georgia and they're in. Don't think that the Gators have forgot how last season ended as well as how the cocktail party went in Jacksonville against the Bulldogs. This Florida team will be vastly improved on defense and will likely add a true running game in USC transfer Emmanuel Moody and frosh Chris Rainey. That will take a little bit of the pressure off Tebow. Florida is a very real threat.
#5 Georgia. Absolutely loaded on offense. But a murderer's row of a schedule. Central Michigan is no pushover at home. Immediately following that game, they're on the road against the fighting Spurriers, the Sundevils in Tempe, and then have tough home games against Bama and Tennessee before going away from Athens at LSU, in Jax against the Gators, and at Auburn before finishing at home against Georgia Tech. SEC or not, that schedule looks like at least two losses minimum. Plus, as good as a QB as Stafford is, UGA is still weak at wide receiver and their not exactly a program that has lived up to expectations in the past. I think they'll make a BCS game but not the title game.
#6 Clemson. If the offensive line steps up, this team could be in the national championship hunt come December. A senior QB in Cullen Harper, Davis and Spiller at RB, and an cake schedule makes Clemson a viable contender. The only question is, will Tommy Bowden choke it away as usual?
#7 Missouri. If Mizzou gets past Illinois on August 30th and Nebraska on October 4th, they could be looking at a showdown at Texas on October 18th. Loaded with juniors and seniors, Missouri is likely to build on its great 2007 season. Potential trap game at home against Colorado on October 25th but other than that and the finale against Kansas, this Mizzou team should have a real shot at getting another crack at Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game.
#8 Texas.Talent, talent, talent. Colt McCoy should be much improved and if they find a running back they could be dangerous. Opener at home against Florida Atlantic should be very interesting and could determine the Longhorn season. Adding former Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp should translate into an improved Texas defense.
#9. Auburn. One of my sleeper picks this season to make some serious noise on the national scene. Coached by one of the best in the country at getting the most out of his talent, Tommy Tubberville and company, should get off to a fast start this season against be 3-0 when LSU comes to town on September 20th. I predict a victory for War Eagle that day. Tennessee is the next week but Auburn has them at home. After that, a road trip to West Virginia should be interesting. And Georgia and Bama to close the season. Auburn has a real shot at winning the SEC West and getting to the SEC Championship game.
#10 LSU. The Tigers open with Appalachian State. With a QB who has never started a game. They're once again blessed with talent but a five game back to back stretch of at Auburn, Mississippi State, at Florida, at South Carolina, and Georgia should equal a minimum of two losses if not three. The Tigers crack the top ten based on respect for last year and their talent more than anything else.
#11 West Virginia. Time to see how WVU plays now that Rich Rodriguez and company have left town. Having a trained by Rich Rodriguez and staff Pat White doesn't hurt. The only thing that can appear to stop Noel Devine is himself or injury. The defense should be improved and the Mountaineers should be one of the top teams in the Big East. Will they survive at home against Auburn and early in the season on the road against Colorado? If they do, they could end up playing at Pittsburgh for a potential BCS championship spot.
#12 Kansas. Can the Jayhawks build on last year's success? Todd Reesing and company look to do just that and have a beneficial early schedule. October 18 at Oklahoma should be a major wake up call for Kansas. Four of their last five games are against Texas Tech, at Nebraska who is looking for payback, Texas, and Missouri. A tough tough road. Kansas most likely drops three on the season and ends up in Florida on New Years Day.
#13 Tennessee. The Vols are in the middle of the toughest conference race in the country. Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina are also vying for the SEC East Division. Fortunately for UT, Florida is at Knoxville this year. However, the Vols have to travel to Athens for what is sure to be a very heated contest against the Dawgs after Tennessee blasted Georgia last year in Neyland. Luckily, Tennessee's defense, especially the secondary, is loaded. Add in a new offensive coordinator who has Knoxville buzzing and the SEC better be on high alert for the Vols this year.
#14 BYU. Loaded with upper classmen on both sides of the ball and a relatively easy schedule, BYU looks to build on its ten game winning streak. At Utah to finish the season is going to be a battle but if they get through that the Cougars could be a potential BCS bowl sleeper team.
#15 Texas Tech. Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree are back and this team has a healthy schedule. Could this be the year Texas Tech challenges for the Big 12 championship? Many think so and I agree. At Kansas, home against Texas and Oklahoma State, and at Oklahoma is as tough as it comes for a four game stretch but it is towards the end of the season and the Red Raider offense ought to be a hummin' by then.
#16 South Florida. What a job Jim Leavitt has done at this program. Having Matt Grothe back along with George Selvie, the Bulls will have some star power this year. A home friendly schedule should put them in the Big East Championship race.
#17 Utah. This team is dangerous. The opener at Michigan will thrust Utah's name into the national scene. A senior dual threat QB in Brian Johnson and an underrated RB in Darrell Mack are going to put pressure on opposing defenses all season long. At Michigan and BYU at home in the season finale will determine Utah's BCS fate.
#18 Arizona State. Erickson year two is exciting for Sun Devil fans and rightfully so. The man is a terrific coach. Having 13 starters back should help ASU's chances as well. However, who is going to block for Carpenter and Herring? If the Sun Devils can find a suitable offensive line, they can challenge for #2 in the Pac 10. Forget about beating USC though Sun Devil fans. That game is already over.
#19 Pittsburgh. This is a hard one for me. Dave Wannstedt has proven to be a terrible in game coach. However, he has also proven to be a great recruiter. Landing LeSean McCoy was huge and he keeps bringing in more talent. Freshman Jonathan Baldwin is a highlight reel type of receiver. The schedule is very healthy and should give Pitt a chance to compete for the Big East title. This is all assuming that Pitt can field decent QB play this year.
#20 Wisconsin. This team could go either way. The Badgers have a brutal four game stretch in which they start at Fresno State, go to Michigan, have Ohio State the next wee at home, and then Penn State. Add in at Iowa and at Michigan State and this thing looks really tough. It's kind of ironic given the fact that Wisconsin is one of two Big 10 teams that usually skip out on playing all three of Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State (Iowa being the other). PJ Hill is a bruising back and Beilema should have the Badger back in Tampa or Orlando on New Year's Day.
#21 Rutgers. The defense is loaded this with juniors and seniors and has a chance to be very good. Mike Teel will steady the offensive attack for the Scarlet Knights and if they can find a running game, they might just join USF, Pitt, and WVU in the Big East championship race.
#22 Penn State. This may be it for Joe Paterno. Losing linbeacker Sean Lee was a big blow for Nittany Lions but Penn State is always loaded at linebacker. The offense has three very good receivers and if Daryll Clark performs and PSU gets anything out of the run game this could be a special offense. Add that to a less than difficult schedule and PSU should no worse than 8-4.
#23 Illinois.Can the Illini back up last year's strong season with a top 15 or better finish in 2008? Opening in St. Louis against Missouri should be a stiff test for the Illini defense. Juice Williams will start but split time with Eddie McGhee. Can Illinois find an adequate replacement for Rashard Mendenhall? They better if they hope to challenge for the Big 10. Back to back road games at Happy Valley and at Michigan are not going to be walks in the park.
#24 Florida State. This could very well be the end for another coaching legend: Bobby Bowden. The Noles are loaded on defense and assuming Weatherford can get it together this year, the Noles will have a shot at the ACC but it won't be easy. FSU draws Wake, Virginia Tech, Clemson, and Florida at home this year but has to go on the road to hated Miami, NC State, and Georgia Tech.
#25 Michigan. I'm not buying the doom and gloom. Michigan is loaded on defense and there is plenty of talent on offense as well. Michigan will be inconsistent due to playing a freshman quarterback in a new system but Rich Rodriguez is pretty darn competitive. Following this program as closely as I do, I guess you could argue I am biased. But my friends would tell you differently and even label more of a pessimist when it comes to Michigan. This team will most likely end up 7-5 but an 8-4 season is not as unlikely as some would like to think.
Close but no cigar: Virgina Tech, Oregon, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Arizona, Cincinnati, Miami, Boston College, Michigan State, Wake Forest, Florida Atlantic, South Carolina.
This list got very tough to order when choosing between #20-#25. A lot of this is just me reading the tea leaves.
I do like to predict the national championship game every year and this year is no different. This year I'm going with USC vs. Florida in Miami. I'm taking USC to win it all. Thanks for reading.
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3 months ago
No offense or anything, but that is the worse pre-season top 25 I have ever seen.
Sorry, just had to say that.
from 3 months ago
Yea this list is awful... No way Ohio St. is #1... That should be Georgia.
3 months ago
too many sleepers. not all the dangerous teams will actually do well. There is a lot of potential in many of your sleepers, but a little of a stretch. Other than Texas Tech, Utah, Rutgars, Pitt, Penn St, and Michigan...much of the placements I agree with. But so many are unproven, I wouldn't put them in the top 25 just for potential.
from 3 months ago
Texas Tech is going to be there.
3 months ago
Penn State has a very difficult schedule. The play Wisconsin, Purdue, Illinois, Ohio State and Michigan in consecutive weeks
from 3 months ago
that's funny.
from 3 months ago
That's a good point. I expect them to lose to 2 of those five. Ohio State and Illinois most likely.
from 3 months ago
I dont think they will lose to Illinois, if they lose to one it will be Wisconsin
3 months ago
How is this the worst ever? Looks pretty good, although I think Stafford is going to be more bark than bite and the Dawgs will be destined to another year of what if's...
OSU is a solid pick with Wells in the backfield and a QB (who isn't flashy at all) with experience. Throw in a little Terrelle Pryor, could be a good year in Columbus.
3 months ago
I'm sure you just made every SEC fan in the world hate you. Only 4 SEC teams in the top 10.. there should be 10 of them in the top ten!.. haha just kidding... i just wanted to know what it felt like to say the same things that SEC fans say.... I better go wash my mouth out with soap now.
I think I agree with Andrew.. too many sleepers but hey it's your opinion not mine. And also you saying that other than USC.. Ohio State has an easy ride..... how about their trip to Camp Randall to play a dangerous Wisconsin team?.. or the trip to Michigan State where they have to play against a coach that knows their teams defensive scheme.. because he put it into place there?..
from 3 months ago
Come on Adam, we both know Ohio State has a pretty easy ride to the top if they beat USC. Wisconsin is breaking in a new quarterback and they can't match OSU's offensive firepower. And Michigan State, well, they're Michigan State and I don't expect Mark Dumbtonio to put up as good a fight as he did last year.
3 months ago
saying that the big-10 is good and the pac-10 is bad is flat out dumb.
interesting picks but bad order.
from 3 months ago
Agreed. After the SEC, the Pac-10 is the best conference in college football.
from 3 months ago
ummm... so I guess the fact that the Big 10 had 10 out of eleven teams with at least a .500 record and the Pac 10 had 6 out of 10 makes the Pac 10 better...... wow.
from 3 months ago
Its easy when you have such an easy non-conference Adam
from 3 months ago
Both the Big 10 and Pac 10 are weak but at least Ohio State does have to play teams that can compete with them. The Pac 10 will be very weak this year imo. Oregon without Dixon and Stewart won't be near the team they were last year. UCLA is two-three years away at least. Washington State is busy trying to field a team. Washington isn't very good. The only other team worth a potential challenge to USC in that conference is Arizona State and they didn't improve their offensive line which got them destroyed last year in Tempe.
The SEC is by and far the superior conference right now. It's not even close. In fact, the Big 12 is stronger than the Big East, Big 10, Pac 10, or ACC. Who's third? Who cares?
3 months ago
Clemson is a pop culture pick. They'll get beat by Alabama in the 1st game of the year.
from 3 months ago
Pop culture pic? Please explain.
from 3 months ago
Disagree. We shall see. You can let me know when it happens.
3 months ago
Just like the rest of the media, giving Texas too much credit before anything is said and done. Texas lost their whole SECONDARY!!! Talent they may have, but game experience? Texas' defense last year was top 5 against the run.....improved is a poor choice of words, maybe reloading on the front 7, but it's the DB's that are in question.
from 3 months ago
I agree, Texas is ranked too high. They are going to struggle in the Big 12 because it is such a deep conference in terms of highly powered teams: Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, with potential sleepers in Texas A&M and Nebraska.
3 months ago
There is no question that USC has a defense strong enough to ALMOST carry the Trojans to an undefeated season. However almost is not quite good enough. A very inexperienced and as yet unknown offense will have to prove itself for USC to come through this schedule undefeated.
It should be a very interesting year for college football.
3 months ago
Thomas... other than last year find me a schedule that Ohio State had an easy non-conference schedule. The Pac-10 has a few good teams don't get me wrong.. but west coast football is by far the worst brand of football I have ever tried to watch.
And Babytate I know what your saying by pop culture pick and absolutely agree. Seems like every year they start out in the top 10 or 15 and blow it every year... great athletes on the team but the Bowden can't win the big games.
from 3 months ago
funny I feel that way about watching Big 10 football....btw...look at the computer rankings of the conferences for an unbiased look at the Big 10. All of the computers rank SEC and Pac -10 #1 and #2. The Big 10 gets listed anywhere from 3rd to 6th...ouch
3 months ago
No Virginia Tech? I can't even remember that last time that Virginia Tech was not ranked in Top 25.
from 3 months ago
I think they're on the cusp Timmie but they need to be able to run the ball. Not sure they can do it.
3 months ago
I think Wisconsin is legit John... I think Illinois will be solid.. and I think Michigan St. will upset some teams..... on top of that the rivalry with Michigan... for all I know they can go into the Horseshoe 0-11 and still pull out a win.... it's not an easy ride...
from 3 months ago
Given the talent OSU has this year, I wouldn't be worried too much Adam. OSU will not get beat by a Mendenhall-less Illini, Michigan State will be better but not good enough, so that leaves Wisconsin and Michigan. Those two will be tough games most likely assuming Michigan doesn't fold in C-bus. But how many teams can claim they have only two real conference challenges on their schedule? All the respect in the world for signing up for a home and home with USC btw.
3 months ago
What's your beef with Dantonio exactly anyways... is it because he is doing a good job already up there?
from 3 months ago
No beef with a grown man who gets so upset he puts a countdown clock in his player's lockerrom at the beginning of his first season, says they will beat that team, blows a lead, and then proceeds to call out a college football player on the winning team for being short. He's delusional. Sent by Tressel to divide Michigan. Not a problem for us one bit.
from 3 months ago
I have to agree that it was pretty childish on his part to call out Mike Hart.
from 2 months ago
Hey little john,if you don't fear Dantonio then u wouldn't say anything about him.But you spew lame insults(if that's what u call a insult-defending his team).And yes he will be a problem for UM,you can't relie on history to win games.UM has jack coming back with experience on the offensive side,and as any person that knows CF can tell you that its all about experience on the field.Get a clue little john.
3 months ago
And your claiming that Michigan is more of a challenge than Illinois or Michigan State..... sorry man but I think Purdue is more of a challenge this year than Michigan. Don't get me wrong cuz RR will eventually get the team turned around... I dont think he will turn the rivalry around back to Michigan ever but the team will be good. Losing your O-line is going to hurt anybody no matter how good the running back is. And lets face it... Kevin Grady was a 5 star recruit that hasn't done a thing up there yet. Tells you something about high school football up in Michigan huh... was overrated and won't do anything this year either. Brown has potential... but no offensive line. Defensively you guys did a great job shutting Beanie down last year too.
from 3 months ago
I think you underestimate how smoothly this transition is going Adam. We shall see, however, I think you're the guy who said this, "on top of that the rivalry with Michigan... for all I know they can go into the Horseshoe 0-11 and still pull out a win."
I think you're wrong about the offensive line as well. My guys say they're lean and the blocking is simplified now.
from 3 months ago
Clearly OSU has never had a 5-star bust from their state, hmm? Grady has issues with fumbling and it got him in a doghouse, as well as the fact that he was behind Mike Hart all this time. Even now, after blowing a .281 breatalizer he has again wasted his own talent. Hard to blame fumbles and bad decisions on the university or the state's talent.
3 months ago
Ya.. so smooth that you have players walking out of spring practice... one transferring to Ohio State.... that's always a sign of smoothness. Maybe the blocking is simplified but it is not experienced.
And about the rivalry... simply making the point that you never know with "The Game"... but I guess for a second there I forgot Cooper was gone and you just made the mistake by hiring the outsider this time.
from 3 months ago
Tell me in a few years how well Boren does for you. Fact is he didn't feel like "family" because he wasn't coddled after the workouts got too hard for him. Should have a great work ethic. I would be shocked if he ever sees the field again. He may even transfer from OSU after another year. Akron, Toledo, Bowling Green, Miami (OH), Dayton? We'll see.
3 months ago
Alright Adam we've been back and forth enough. Justin Boren, oh I could say so much. Let's just say the entire team applauded when they heard the news he had left. I should have known better to respond to a "The University of Ohio State" poster. I won't make the same mistake again.
3 months ago
Guess you couldn't back up your own words... it happens.
But either way i still have a ton of respect for Michigan when they are playing in their Bowls and against good teams from other conferences. Congrats to beating Florida and restoring some credit back to the Big 10.. because even a buckeye fan will admit... Ohio State hasn't exactly made the Big 10 look too great lately when it comes to their bowl games.
With a little time I think RR will have a damn good program up there. I'm not as bias as you may think I am. If I thought Michigan was going to be good this year, I would not be afraid to admit it. I've done my research on every team in the Big 10 much like you have, and obviously we have come to two different opinions.
Michigan has two good athletic quarterbacks verbally committed already for next year and I can't say it doesn't scare me to think about the possibilites RR can do with an athletic qb (like he had in Pat White) at Michigan. Only time will tell. Best of luck to you in your 2008-2009 season except for on November 22.
Thank you for calling Ohio State by it's proper name... THE Ohio State University.
from 3 months ago
First, he didn't call it "THE Ohio State University", he called it "The University of Ohio State", same way Terrelle Pryor did. Might be the first lesson he learns when he gets on campus.
I wholeheartedly agree that UM will have a rough year. I just don't agree with the Herbstreit's (Les Miles was a good call though) or Beano "I died and was burried with ND rosary 14 years ago" Cook's of the world about a 6-6 record. The Big Ten is not strong this year. He predicted a 7-5 or 8-4 record. That's completely possible. While Threet is not the answer for this offense, he is a very intelligent kid who was a 4 star for his ability. All he needs to do is hit guys in space. If he can learn to make a quick read, the team has several guys that can do something with it once they get it. The line is thin, but he doesn't need to have the line hold while a WR gets 30 yards down field.
That being said, I think you are both right. You are right in thinking they won't be in the top 25, and he is right in thinking they'll win at least 7 games. You have to go back to 2004 to find the last time a 5-loss team was in the top 25 at the end of the season, and it was Florida ranked 25 in one poll and 26, just missing the top 25, in another. This year 7-5 (or 8-5 if they can manage a bowl win) won't get UM in the top 25. They may make an appearance in the top 25 once or twice during the season, but unless they shock ALL of us, they won't be there in the end without 9 wins - and 9 wins is very much a stretch this season.
3 months ago
Here we go again. Three years in a row, Ohio State, Ohio State, Ohio State and the last two years they got clobbered in the BCS. They ain't any better this year either. As for the crack about the Pac 10, it is such a well balanced conference, it is very difficult to go undefeated, hence the stats tend to skew reality.
from 3 months ago
Mervin, I'm just not seeing it with the Pac 10 this year. I live out here and pay decent attention to the teams. I'm open ears if you feel like making the argument that I'm mistaken. Thanks for reading.
3 months ago
Good article. I would put either UGA or FLA at #1. The confrance will be just as strong or even stronger than last year, USC at # 2, the by week before the OSU game puts them over the top, plus talent and a favorable schedule. I think the SEC deserves the # 1 ranking till somebody proves they can beat them in MNCG. Four SEC teams in top 10 is right , just need to change that # 1 pick. OSU has two big L's to overcome, two years ago they were picked to beat a good not great FLA team, we all know how that came out.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the comment Mark. Remember this poll is more of where I think they "deserve" to be ranked based on schedule, last year, returning starters, etc. This poll is not how I think it will end. I think USC beats Florida in Miami for the title.
3 months ago
How is it possible that Ohio State is at the top of this poll as well as every other one? Did we not learn anything from the last two years in regards to Ohio State Football? I would think that SoCal would be a better fit. But don't expect Oklahoma and Ohio State to be in the top five come midseason.
from 3 months ago
Ron, this poll isn't how I expect it to finish. Just where I think they should be ranked pre-season.
3 months ago
For the most part, I think I agree with this list. I like seeing Michigan actually in there, though I may be biased, seeing as that is where I go to school.
My only disagreements would probably be with Wisconsin being at #20 and South Florida at #16. Wisconsin's team did well enough last year, and I think they are going to have an adequately strong team on both sides of the ball. South Florida, on the other hand, I do not the will be able to match the start it had last year. I don't really see any reason to think that they will improve from what they did last year, and they did not finish out the season too well in 2007.
from 3 months ago
Ross... USF returns 10 starters on offense, and only loses three starters on defense (both corners and a linebacker). However, they reloaded at corner and their best lineback led the nation in tackles last season is back (Tyrone McKenzie). Nate Allen is a pre-season 1st team selection at safety (which will definitely help the newer corners out). Oh yeah... sack leader George Selvie is back (although I think Tyrone McKenzie is the bigger impact player). Teams will have to shut down our offense... and we will have to recover from the Oregon debacle closing out the season. The key early game... Kansas coming to our house. My money would be on USF at home in a big time payback victory. Other games of interest... Rutgers (USF has never lost three times in a row to one team in our brief history). The Pitt game scares me because McCoy is a beast of a back. We own WVU... and there will be no let down at their house this season after smacking them around the past two seasons. Cinci is the team though that has been the thorn in our sides. Worse case scenario for USF, 9-3 (losses to Cinci, Pitt, and WVU). Best case scenario (11-1 or 12-0). My gut says either Pitt or Cinci is going to ruin our magical run this season. FWIW... our QB and running back (Mike Ford) will be back the following season as well.
3 months ago
I couldn't believe VT was on there and LSU and Auburn will not finish the year in the top 10. LSU just lost to many players and will lose at least 3 or 4 games this season. I don't see why everyone is all hyped up on Auburn, they are starting a QB whose only thrown 26 passes and have implimented a brand knew offense.
Futhermore i can't see Tennesse having a great year either. Kansas benifited from a easy schedule last year and may only win 6 games this season.
3 months ago
Texas will lose at least 4 games this year. They have to go to Lubbock and surely will lose to Oklahoma. Why are they ranked so high in so many polls. Colt McCoy sucks. So does Bradford for that matter. He will have a huge drop off in his Soph. season.
3 months ago
Thanks for the love you dished to the Auburn Tigers...I'm not sure we're worthy of #9, but I'm with you--this could be a special season. Here's hoping...
3 months ago
You should submit your top 25 poll at the BCS Fan Poll: http://www.bcsfanpoll.com
3 months ago
what happened to the west virginia's lsu's florida's they got tons of fresh talent coming in lsu's defense will be hard to get by and florida just got loads of talent all over the field and anyone think of fresno st. being this years Hawaii??
3 months ago
look for virginia cavaliers and pitt panthers to make some noise and possibly cincy
3 months ago
wow this year should be an interesting year a lot of teams are rebuilding hell we could see any team in the bcs game
i think usc will stumble too much as in the past i think ou has a good chance and i think florida can sneak by harvey, tebow and the great new defense who knows and did we all forget about kentucky?? i dont think they can senak into the top 25 but they can surley upset teams like tennessee who knows
3 months ago
and i honestly dont agree being number one two three or four i see them as a # 6
3 months ago
i think byu can sneak into a # 9 or 8 team if... if they dont get stunned by the weak conference teams...
3 months ago
I think a huge sleeper team that no one has on their Radar is Colorado...I watched their bowl game, and even though they lost I saw a lot of promising play from their Freshmen QB. And now they have the number one RB in the country. Colorado is definately a sleeper for top 25
from 3 months ago
I'd agree but the schedule is brutal. I think they're more of an "on the cusp" team.
3 months ago
Not bad but not good. This writer is drastically underestimating the Big Ten which is poised for a strong turn around with three teams likely finishing with Ten wins or more in Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin and two national title contenders. Ohio State should be number two to Georgia's number one. Penn State should be slotted in around number ten. The winner of the Ohio State vs. Penn State game at the Shoe will determine the Big Ten title and one spot in the national championship game. Wisconsin has a good shot at ten wins and should be ranked closer to fifteen while Michigan State and Illinois fall somewhere in the twenties. Purdue, Iowa and Northwestern close out the the Big Ten's roster of teams that should finish bowl eligible and have winning records whereas Michigan, Indiana and Minnesota will fill out the bottom of the rankings.
3 months ago
Interesting picks. I have to put Georgia higher though... five is too low for a team that talented. Schedule or no schedule, you're ranking by talent right now.
Penn State could surprise. Lee gone is tough, but there are a ton of talented LB's ready to step in, and Lee will likely be back for a fifth year next season.
3 months ago
What baffles me is how Oklahoma is ranked 3rd, and WVU 11th. The Mountaineers destroyed the Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl, and they have their offense back almost intact. WVU loses only WR Darius Reynaud and FB Owen Schmitt. Reynaud won't be missed. WVU has plenty of skill people to catch passes. The loss of Owen Schmitt's blocking may be significant. But with all the changes in WVU's offensive game plan it may not be missed either, and WVU has a few options in that direction as well.
The defense lost most of its starters. But with this offense, it may not be a problem. The Dline coach, and the defensive coordinator did not follow Rodriguez to Michigan, so one of the best defenses in the nation last year still has its architect, and the foundation is laid. All that is required now is to assemble the structure.
There is also Pat White at QB for the Mountaineers. His career shows 327 pass completions in 509 pass attempts for 4207 yds., an average of 8.3 yds. per pass, 493 rushing attempts for 3506 yds. and a 7.1 YPC avg., and a record of 33-5 as WVU's starting QB that speaks volumes for itself. And if that wasn't enough, WVU has RB Noel Devine to take a few carries now and then, and he's just as dangerous a runner, averaging 8.6 YPC last season. He's also harder to see behind those big linemen.
The Mountaineers may have the best rushing attack in college football, and they've decided to explore little known territory for opposition defenses during the Rodriguez era - the pass. The same WVU rushing attack with a passing offense to go with it? Opposing defenses are about to find out what this offense can really do. Everyone hang on and enjoy the show because when the season ends, Oklahoma will be looking up in the polls at the Mountaineers again.
from 3 months ago
West Virginia's offense won't be the same imo. Rich Rodriguez made West Viriginia, not the other way around.
3 months ago
How can you say the Pac-10 is worse then the Big 10?? The Big 10 has only one team in OSU, everyone else is weak including Michigan in this transitional year.
3 months ago
The depth: OSU, Wisky, Illinois, Michigan State, possibly Purdue, and Michigan make the depth better in the Big 10. Who competes with USC in the Pac 10? Arizona State? UCLA? Oregon? None of those teams will challenge USC this year. OSU will have to beat teams that can actually compete with them. That's why I think the Big 10 has a slight edge.
3 months ago
Historically you may be right, but this year the Big 10 is WAY down this year. How many big 10 teams will be ranked? Illinois is down with Rashard Mendenhall gone, Michigan has a new coach and will struggle early but wont be their usual self. Wisconsin is always decent, but the Big 10 will be much worse then the Pac 10
from 3 months ago
Respectfuly disagree on your conclusion Jeremy, we shall see though in due time. I'm not a Big 10 homer by any means but I think Wisky, Penn State, Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois, obviously OSU, and maybe Michigan could all be ranked by year's end.
With the Pac 10 I see USC, Arizona State, possibly Oregon, and that's about it.
3 months ago
Really? BYU, Kasnas, Texas, and Tennessee in front of Texas Tech.
3 months ago
USC WILL DEMOLISH ALL OF THESE TEAMS
=]
3 months ago
"I'm not a Big 10 homer by any means but I think Wisky, Penn State, Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois, obviously OSU, and maybe Michigan could all be ranked by year's end."
Dude, did you really write that silly and completely contradictory statement?
App State, Troy, North Texas and Tulane. Yeah, the SEC is clearly the strongest conference. What a joke.
from 3 months ago
You're right Stephen, maybe that was a little much. I reply too fast sometimes without fully thinking through. But I do expect a minimum of five Big 10 teams to be ranked by the end of the year. Doesn't mean I think they're great teams.
3 months ago
You are correct John in that five Big Ten team be ranked at the end of the year with Ohio State and Penn State finishing in the top ten and perhaps top five, Wisconsin and Michigan State some where in the bottom two thirds of the teens and either Illinois or Purdue near the bottom of the rankings.
2 months ago
this year is pretty much a rebuilding year for a lot of teams
a lot of the teams lost key players but are bringing in new hopeful talent
we will have to see who finishes number one
people say sure georgia should be number 1 but i guarantee you they wont be at the end of the season
theyre conference is just too hard and challenging for them to win every game or only lose on or two
i think oklahoma, ohio state, and usc have the best chance at finishing on top
2 months ago
wow how can u ppl be saying the pac-10 is one of the top conferences
look at the big 12 texas, oklahoma, kansas, mizzou, texas tech,
then u go over to the sec as second best
then the big 10
and maybe some pac 10
2 months ago
Full disclosure: I'm an Alabama fan.
Wow! Why the heck do people continue to give Ohio State such credit? They've been murdered by the SEC two years in a row! Since 2000, the SEC has 3 National Championships. If Auburn hadn't been screwed out of the title game in 2004, that would be 4 National Championships! If Ohio State played in the SEC, you could count on 3-4 losses every year. Carve it in stone. Same with Oklahoma. Although, Oklahoma is a much better program than Ohio State.
In my humble opinion, Georgia should get the nod for preseason #1. Most college observers would agree that Georgia would wipe the floor with OSU's rump and then whip it again for leaving a waxy, yellow buildup. (Credit Roy Mercer.) Go Dawgs! I hope they win every game this year... except when they play Alabama! :-)
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