As we await the release of the preseason AP and Coaches polls in the early parts of August, here’s an attempt to cast a pseudo-vote with minimal bias and some logic that I’m sure will be questioned.
I like the idea of getting my picks out there before they’re tainted by what everyone else thinks in these polls, so if I had a vote in the AP Poll this week, it would go something like this:
25. South Carolina
A new quarterback (Tommy Beecher?) will try to utilize RB Mike Davis and All-SEC WR Kenny McKinley to build a consistent offense in Year Four under The Ballcoach. The defense rests on adjustments and returns several top players, including Eric Norwood, Jasper Brinkley, Captain Munnerlyn, and Emanuel Cook under new coordinator Ellis Johnson. Carolina was 6-1 last year before losing five straight to close; is this the year they find consistent SEC success?
24. Boise State
No reason to start doubting them now with Ian Johnson back and all the pass catchers, though the Broncos must find a new quarterback to replace Taylor Tharp and rebuild the offensive line. Still, Boise returns seven on defense. An early tilt at Oregon will be enlightening for both teams, but the Broncos may not be challenged again until the unofficial WAC Championship Game, when Fresno State comes to the blue turf.
23. Oregon
Nate Costa and Justin Roper (who led the 56-21 Sun Bowl win over USF) duel to replace Dennis Dixon, while tailback-by-committee will attempt to replace Jonathan Stewart. But the Ducks return almost everyone else on offense and seven on defense in a program accustomed to success. The Ducks play Purdue, USC, Arizona State, Cal, and the Civil War all on the road.
22. Alabama
Year two under Nick Saban looks to produce better results than the same six losses that ran Mike Shula off. Still, last season all of Bama’s losses were one-possession games. John Parker Wilson returns for his senior season with an experienced backfield running behind a great offensive line. The defense is more questionable, and Bama may again be asking for too much from their younger kids. Still, if this team puts themselves in position to win as they did last year, look for them to come away with more than seven wins.
21. Florida State
I really didn’t want to put the Noles anywhere on this list because I feel they’re often overrated for simply being FSU, but even though they haven’t won 10 games since 2003, this team has talent. They’ll first have to get past Wake Forest on Sept. 20 while playing without multiple starters due to suspension. When at full strength, their defense is solid at every position. Drew Weatherford will probably still be under center, for better or for worse, but experience abounds throughout the offense. More than anything, they play in a weak ACC and simply don’t play a difficult road game unless you count Miami. The schedule is forgiving enough to allow this team to succeed.
20. Illinois
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