2012 Preseason College Football Ranking: Which Top 10 Teams Are Pretenders?

Oklahoma, Florida St, Texas A&M and Nebraska, all of these teams were preseason top 10 in 2011. Each of them finished at least 15 slots lower than their preseason rankings. Each team turned out to be pretenders and not contenders. 

What teams could garner that same distinction in 2012?

Taking a look at many of the teams expected to open the season highly ranked, one jumps out at me immediately: Clemson.

The Tigers are supremely talented. They are led by soon-to-be junior Tahj Boyd at QB and sophomore-to-be receiver Sammy Watkins. They also have some exciting talent returning on the defensive side. So why are they pretenders?

Their effort in the Orange Bowl against West Virginia was horrible. It is one thing to get beat, but to quit and go through the motions is unacceptable. The 70-33 defeat was a disgrace, and the second time in a five-week span I saw the Tigers just not show up for a big game.

They gave a similar effort when they dropped the game at North Carolina State. Navigating an entire college football season without major letdowns takes heart. Clemson didn't show that late in the season in 2011.

Here are two other programs that will receive preseason love, but disappoint by season's end:

Michigan

The Wolverines should have Denard Robinson back, even if they don't, junior-to-be Devin Gardner is ready to start at QB. The Wolverines were a bit overrated this year, and the loss of Junior Hemingway to graduation and the NFL will hurt a young and unproven receiving corps.

The Wolverines defense was among the best in the nation, and they should improve, but the lack of vertical explosiveness will hold them back against high-powered offenses.

They are a solid top 15 team, but they may debut in the preseason top 10.

Kansas State

Expect the Wildcats to get a lot of preseason love. Collin Klein should be back for his senior season, and the Wildcats may have been the nation's biggest overachievers in 2011.

The Wildcats are indeed a team that belongs in the 15 to 20 range. However their strong 2011 may have them considered as the biggest threats to Oklahoma for the Big 12 crown in 2012.

They aren't that good. Bill Snyder deserves coach of the year for 2011, but the Wildcats have limitations, and it starts at QB. In addition, their defense puts a ton of pressure on the offense to outscore opponents in shootouts.

The Wildcats are a fun team, but not legitimate contenders.

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter