College Football Rankings 2011: 7 Undervalued Teams in the Top 25

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The Top 25 typically has a fairly accurate prediction on how the college football season will play out.  There are the usuals like Alabama, LSU, USC and Ohio State, but then there are some that stick out each year, the ones that could maybe pull out the Cinderella story. 

This Top 25 came out before some scandals occurred.  The LSU football team looks to lose the players who were involved in the beating, which will drop them down past fourth place this season, leaving anyone on the list lower than them to be considered undervalued teams.

However, there are a few teams that deserve more credit this season. 

University of South Carolina

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South Carolina is currently ranked 12th for the preseason.  The team is still blossoming among its other SEC competitors but between its draft class including Jadeveon Clowney and its seasoned players including Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina will be a dominant team this season. 

Mississippi State

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They were last year's Cinderella story after starting the season with just one vote in each poll, and finishing No. 15.  The Bulldogs have eight returning starters on the offense that will power them through this season, and further up the poll than No. 20. 

Florida State University

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They may have lost their quarterback when Christian Ponder left for the pros, but E.J. Manuel has the potential to be even greater.  

The Seminoles have two "practice" games against the University of Louisiana-Monroe, and Charleston Southern.  This is where Manuel needs to get in the groove for Oklahoma and the rest of the Seminole competitors. 

Jimbo Fisher has the drive to lead his team higher than the No. 6 spot this season. 

Wisconsin

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North Carolina State's quarterback Russell Wilson is now a Badger and ready to play for the season. He will be a key player in powering Wisconsin through their difficult opponents, including Nebraska and Michigan. 

The Badgers have power players at almost every position and are prepared to take the Big Ten title this season. 

Florida

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While they were a powerhouse with Tim Tebow, Florida has slipped a little in the standings.  The Gators are sitting at No. 22 on the preseason poll but they have the goods to do better than that. 

Charlie Weis is on board as offensive coordinator this season and they have great coaches on defense.  Pair that with John Brantley's professional style at quarterback and the Gators will surprise us all. 

West Virginia

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West Virginia has been making a bigger name for themselves each season.  They are still gaining the respect they deserve and maybe an upset at home against LSU will do the trick. 

Michigan State

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The Spartans are ranked No. 17 in the preseason.  The Spartans just released their two-deep depth chart for the game against Youngstown State and there is so much potential for the players to step up and take charge. 

The entire college football season is going to be a fun ride, watching for upsets and Cinderella stories. There is a great group on the Top 25 but we'll see who can live up to the hype and who fails under pressure.