College Football Preseason Rankings 2011: Predicting the AP Top 25 Poll

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws the ball in the second half against the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The coaches have spoken.

The preseason edition of the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll just came out last week. Now, we wait anxiously to see how the AP Poll will turn out.

While we will surely see a lot of similarities between these two major polls, don't expect them to be identical. After all, it is still the preseason and there is a whole lot of educated guesswork that goes into these polls.

So, how will the AP writers vote? Read on.

No. 25: West Virginia

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountineers warms up during the Champs Sports Bowl against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Ge

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

While the Coaches Poll left the entire Big East out in the cold, West Virginia should slip into the AP's Top 25.

Barely.

Now that all the drama is done and Dana Holgorson is in complete control of the team, expect QB Geno Smith's numbers to go up this season.

Way up.

No. 24: Texas Longhorns

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 25: University of Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert #7 calls a play during the first half against Texas A&M at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2010 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Darren Carroll/Getty Images)

Darren Carroll/Getty Images

Texas is going to be ranked in the top 25 because they're Texas. After all, how could a program like Texas with a coach like Mack Brown possibly fall out of the top 25 two years in a row?

Mack Brown has shaken up the coaching staff and if Texas plays like Texas this year, then all will be forgiven.

But does anyone else still have misgivings about QB Garrett Gilbert?

No. 23: Auburn Tigers

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers looks on against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Auburn is still going to be ranked in the AP top 25, but they won't be as generous as the coaches were.

After all, the Tigers lost pretty much every key piece that helped them win the national championship except Michael Dyer.

No. 22: Georgia Bulldogs

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Aaron Murray #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The AP is going to give Georgia one last chance and start them in the top 25. The only reason why is because Aaron Murray really is an awesome QB.

But with their first two games coming against Boise State and South Carolina, the Bulldogs' stay in the polls may be a short one.

No. 21: Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, FL - APRIL 9: Coach Will Muschamp of the Florida Gators directs play during the Orange and Blue spring football game April 9, 2011 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

While no one expects Florida to perform like they did during Urban Meyer's heyday just yet, they do expect them to be good under new Head Coach Will Muschamp.

And QB John Brantley probably will play better under the new Charlie Weis offense.

No, the Gators haven't proven themselves to be the dominant team in the SEC East, so No. 21 sounds just about right.

No. 20: Mississippi State

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01: Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullens is interviewed by ESPN following the Bulldogs victory over the Michigan Wolverines during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Field on January 1, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida (Photo by Rick

Rick Dole/Getty Images

After a good showing last season, Head Coach Dan Mullen has people believing in Mississippi State.

Their beatdown of Michigan in the Gator Bowl did a lot to build that belief.

The question still remains, however, of how high can Mississippi State really go in the always-difficult SEC West.

No. 19: Michigan State Spartans

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans leads his team onto the field before a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 27, 2010 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. The Spartans w

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

Michigan State was a fun team to watch last season. And with Mark Dantonio still at the helm, the trick plays will continue.

Dantonio wasn't able to take the pebble out of Nick Saban's hand just yet, but the Spartans will still get a lot of respect.

No. 18: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Brian Kelly and quarterback Tommy Rees #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish embrace after the game against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. No

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Hopes are high in South Bend, and those hopes will be reflected in the top 25.

After all, how much longer can such a prominent program like Notre Dame be down?

Head Coach Brian Kelly knows that if he likes his job, he needs to get the Fighting Irish back into BCS Bowls and start winning them. Otherwise he'll go the way of Ty Willingham and Charlie Weis.

No. 17: Ohio State Buckeyes

COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 30: Assistant Head Coach Luke Fickell speaks to the media during a press conference before the start of Spring practices at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center at The Ohio State University on March 30, 2011 in Columbus, Ohio. Fickell wil

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Ohio State would have its perennial place in the top 10 if Jim Tressel and Terrelle Pryor were still there.

But they are not there, are they?

Luke Fickell is going to have his work cut out for him. He's got to rebuild the Buckeye brand that's taken a severe licking over the offseason.

No. 16: USC Trojans

PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans celebrates following a touchdown by running back Allen Bradford (not pictured) late in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, Ca

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

While USC is still banned from the Coaches Poll and the postseason, expect to see the Trojans in the AP.

QB Matt Barkley and the Trojans are too good to keep them out right now. While they haven't recaptured the glory of the Pete Carroll days, things do seem to be going in the right direction.

No. 15: TCU Horned Frogs

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers is sacked by linebacker Tank Carder #43 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Gett

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Despite losing QB Andy Dalton to the NFL, the Horned Frogs are still going to get a lot of love after winning the Rose Bowl last season.

LB Tank Carder is one of the reasons why.

No. 14: Virginia Tech Hokies

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Head coach Frank Beamer of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks on against the Stanford Cardinal during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

No Tyrod Taylor still means no problem for Virginia Tech as long as Head Coach Frank Beamer is still around.

Beamer's Hokies have won 10 or more games every year since 2004. There's no reason to think that will change now.

No. 13: South Carolina Gamecocks

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 4: Running back Marcus Lattimore #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs with the ball during the 2010 SEC Championship against the Auburn Tigers at Georgia Dome on December 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty I

Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

With all the chaos going on in the SEC East, the Gamecocks have been able to come out ahead.

No, people aren't going to pick them to win the SEC, but they're a popular pick to make it to Atlanta at the end of the season. And with RB Marcus Lattimore back and QB Steven Garcia promising to behave, that's not a bad prediction.

No. 12: Texas A&M Aggies

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws against the LSU Tigers during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Ryan Tannehill made the Aggies into one of the hottest teams in college football after taking over the starting position, which is why Texas A&M will get a lot of votes.

Never mind that LSU completely destroyed them in the Cotton Bowl, but I digress...

No. 11: Nebraska Cornhuskers

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers drops back to pass against the Oklahoma Sooners during the Big 12 Championship at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Nebraska may be the new team on the block in the new B1G (is anyone else bothered by the Big Ten's new abbreviation?), but they'll be one of the favorites in the Legends Division (I still can't get over those silly division names...).

It all depends on whether Taylor Martinez can stay healthy...

No. 10: Arkansas Razorbacks

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Knile Davis #7 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Im

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Yes, this would mean that there would be three teams from the SEC West in the top ten.

But it's still entirely plausible, thanks to the legs of Knile Davis.

No. 9: Wisconsin Badgers

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: The Wisconsin Badgers huddle together during their game against the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Wisconsin is probably the team benefiting the most from Ohio State's offseason meltdown (well, Michigan is enjoying it the most, for sure...). The Badgers also benefit from the addition of NC State transfer QB Russell Wilson.

All this is sending the Wisconsin stock soaring.

No. 8: Oklahoma State

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Brandon Weeden #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks for an open receiver against the Oklahoma Sooners at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Image

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Defense? Who needs a defense when you have a high-power duo like QB Brandon Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon?

However, the lack of a better defense will keep the Cowboys out of the top five...for now.

No. 7: Stanford Cardinal

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal drops back to pass against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Here are two words why Stanford will make the top 10 in the AP:

Andrew Luck.

That was made sure the moment the star QB decided to make the NFL wait at least one more season for him. He's a popular early pick for the Heisman this year after all.

No. 6: Boise State Broncos

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos warms up before playing against the Utah Utes in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium December 22, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State Won 26-3. (Photo by Et

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Just a year ago, there were debates on whether a team like Boise State should be allowed to start in the top ten of the polls.

Now, it has become routine to see the Broncos near but not at the top.

If Boise State is going to break through to the national championship game, 2011 is going to be their best shot in a while. A lot of seniors, such as QB Kellen Moore, will be gone after this season.

No. 5: Florida State Seminoles

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: EJ Manuel #3 of the Florida State Seminoles against the Virginia Tech Hokies during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

A lot of people are buying into the hype that Florida State is finally back on track with Jimbo Fisher at the helm.

Good thing new starting QB EJ Manuel already has a lot of experience.

No. 4: LSU Tigers

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Jordan Jefferson #9 of the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Texas A&M Aggies during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Tex

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

LSU will gain a lofty ranking despite question marks concerning QB Jordan Jefferson. If Jefferson really has matured as much as LSU Head Coach Les Miles claims he has, then LSU will truly deserve that ranking.

Still, the Tigers have an excellent defense.

No. 3: Oregon Ducks

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: LaMichael James #21 and Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks react to the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jona

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Oregon returns all of the key components that made them the most explosive offense last season, including QB Darron Thomas and RB LaMichael James.

So, it would be a no-brainer for the AP to put the Ducks high up on the list.

No. 2: Alabama Crimson Tide

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 24: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 24, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Despite losing Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Greg McElroy, Alabama is going to pick up some first-place votes. There's three main reasons why:

1. They're an Alabama team coached by Nick Saban.

2. They have Trent Richardson, who will help pick up the slack on offense.

3. They have one of the best defenses in the nation (No. 3 scoring defense in 2010).

No. 1: Oklahoma Sooners

DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns in the second quarter at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Oklahoma has the most complete team right now on paper. They have Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles on offense. They have Travis Lewis and Jamell Fleming on defense.

Everyone else in the top five has question marks while the Sooners don't seem to have any.

That's why the media will pick them as the No. 1 team preseason. Will they finish that way?

We'll just have to find out.

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