Associated Press Preseason College Football Poll: Predicting How Media Will Vote

As college football is just two weeks away from kicking off, it is about that time for the meaningless preseason polls to be released. The laughable USA Today Coaches Poll was released last week, which caused quite a controversy. 

Next, the AP Poll will be released to the public over the weekend.

This poll consists of sportswriters across the country; each submits their rankings for the nation's top-25 teams. It usually is much better than the coaches poll, since at least these voters actually watch the games. (Or at least we hope so.)

But still, a preseason poll is pretty much something to keep our minds occupied as the remaining days till the season continue to count down.

With the poll set to release in less than two days, here are the predictions for how the 2012 preseason AP Poll will look.

25. Boise State

Last year’s record: 12-1

Finished last season ranked: No. 8

We have seen Boise State win at least 12 games in each of the last four seasons. But having to replace the majority of the key starters on both sides of the ball will not be easy for the Broncos. It should be interesting to see if Chris Petersen, who is considered one of the better coaches in the country, is able to keep this squad competitive despite losing so much talent.

24. Auburn

Last year’s record: 8-5

Finished last season ranked: N/A

For the amount of talent the Auburn Tigers had to replace from 2010 to 2011, an 8-5 record wasn't too shabby of a season. Now that they return 16 starters, Gene Chizik's club is looking to take that next step in the SEC. The defense should be improved, returning nine starters, and with Kiehl Frazier likely leading the offense, the Tigers could be one of the surprise teams in all of college football.

23. Florida

Last year’s record: 7-6

Finished last season ranked: N/A 

Florida has to find offensive playmakers before we can give this team a serious shot to win the SEC East. Averaging less than 26 points per game last season is simply not going to get the job done, and with no answer at the quarterback position yet, things aren't looking good for this offense.

The good news is that Florida does return 10 starters from a defense that finished ranked No. 8 in the country last year.

22. Notre Dame

Last year’s record: 8-5

Finished last season ranked: N/A

This is the season where Notre Dame must put up or shut up. The Irish return seven starters on both sides of the ball and have a brutal schedule that will give them plenty of opportunities to prove themselves as a legitimate Top 25 team. Consistent quarterback play and avoiding turnovers will be the key to success for Notre Dame this season.

21. TCU

Last year’s record: 11-2

Finished last season ranked: No. 14

The Horned Frogs only received one first-place vote from the media, which is kind of surprising. Sure, TCU is a newbie to the Big 12 Conference, but let's give this team some credit. Quarterback Casey Pachall is easily one of the better players at his position in the conference, and he has a talented wide-receiver corps to throw to, led by Josh Boyce. The defense has also been ranked No. 1 overall in three of the past four seasons.

20. Virginia Tech

Last year’s record: 11-3

Finished last season ranked: No. 21

Virginia Tech has a ton of work to do if the Hokies expect to compete in the ACC this season. Sure, Frank Beamer always puts together a great defensive team, and returning nine starters from a Top 10 unit a year ago will continue that trend.

But an offense that only returns three starters is a recipe for disaster. A lack of playmakers and a revamped offensive line could really set this team back if players don't decide to step up.

Still, 2004 was the last time the Hokies began a season outside of the Top 20 in the AP Poll.

19. Kansas State

Last year’s record: 10-3

Finished last season ranked: No. 15

Kansas State was the surprise team of the year, winning 10 games when nobody in their right mind had the Wildcats doing anything last season.

In 2012, they return 16 starters, including quarterback Collin Klein, who has emerged as a Heisman candidate. Who knows what type of encore this team will have, but this is certainly one of the more talented teams Kansas State has ever had.

18. Nebraska

Last year’s record: 9-4

Finished last season ranked: No. 24

Nebraska made its presence felt in its first season in the Big Ten. Now, the Cornhuskers will be out for more success.

Returning 15 starters, including eight on offense, is a positive sign that this team could compete for a conference title in just its second season. A lot will depend on whether or not quarterback Taylor Martinez can develop more as a passer for this team to take that next step.

17. Oklahoma State

Last year’s record: 12-1

Finished last season ranked: No. 3

Oklahoma State will likely rely on running back Joseph Randle more than ever with many of the other offensive weapons taking their talents to the NFL.

The good news is that the Cowboys do return eight starters from a defense that led the country with 44 forced turnovers. The media predicted that this team would finish fourth in the Big 12, which is still good enough for a Top 25 spot in the country.

16. Stanford

Last year’s record: 11-2

Finished last season ranked: No. 7

Andrew Luck is no longer around to save Stanford, which is why the Cardinal will drop quite a bit in the rankings. Still, that doesn't mean that you can write this team off in 2012. A solid offensive line is going to continue to block for a two-time 1,000-yard rusher in Stepfan Taylor. The defense also returns seven starters from a unit that was ranked No. 28 in the country a year ago.

Sure, Luck helped Stanford see the most success in school history, but don't count this team out just yet now that he is gone.

15. Clemson

Last year’s record: 10-4

Finished last season ranked: No. 22

Clemson returns the nucleus that averaged nearly 34 points per game last season. The Tigers have also added Brent Venables to try to fix a subpar defense.

If the defensive side of the ball can improve, Clemson is a very dangerous team that can compete with anybody in the country with such an explosive offense. This team could be a few spots higher on the list, but it is still difficult to get the BCS Orange Bowl out of everyone's head. 

14. Texas

Last year’s record: 8-5

Finished last season ranked: N/A

I believe that Texas has to find an answer at the quarterback position before we can start claiming that the Longhorns have what it takes to win it all this season. But I do understand that a lot of people like this team and think that it will be one of the most improved teams in the country.

Mack Brown's club returns 17 starters from last season, including eight from a defense that finished No. 11 in the country. That, and the fact that it is Texas, will result in a high ranking to start the year.

13. West Virginia

Last year’s record: 10-3

Finished last season ranked: No. 17

West Virginia may be new to the Big 12, but that does not mean this team will not compete from day one. A total of eight starters are returning from an offense that averaged 38 points per game last year, which will be great in a conference that plays little to no defense.

The press also gave the Mountaineers the second-most overall votes and first-place votes during media day. Do not sleep on this team this season.

12. Michigan State

Last year’s record: 11-3

Finished last season ranked: No. 11

While the questions about the Michigan State offense are valid, this is a team that does return eight starters from a defense that was ranked No. 6 in the country.

Replacing Kirk Cousins and company won't be an easy task, but the other side of the ball is so good that the Spartans will have a great shot to win each and every game on the schedule this year.

11. Wisconsin

Last year’s record: 11-3

Finished last season ranked: No. 10 

While much of the credit for the success of this Wisconsin team was given to Russell Wilson and Montee Ball, we must remember that the Badgers had a defense that was ranked No. 15 in the country. Well, six starters on that side of the ball are returning—not to mention Ball is still on the roster, along with a terrific offensive line and a quarterback with upside in Danny O'Brien. It could be another great year for that team in Madison. 

10. Michigan

Last year’s record: 11-2

Finished last season ranked: No. 12

Who cares how Michigan won 11 games last year, including a BCS bowl in Brady Hoke's first season as head coach. Just be happy that the Wolverines are competitive once again because college football wins when this team is back in the spotlight. The media gave the Wolverines no love before the season last year, and they certainly won't make the same mistake again this time around.

Of course, we will find out exactly how good this team is in Week 1 of the regular season.

9. Arkansas

Last year’s record: 11-2

Finished last season ranked: No. 5

We aren't used to seeing an SEC team score as much as Arkansas does, but this is a team that averaged 37 points per contest last season. Returning eight starters on that side of the ball and getting a healthy Knile Davis back is a recipe for even more offensive success. The defense could improve, but this is one of the sleeper teams in the SEC that could make some noise if everything goes well.

8. South Carolina

Last year’s record: 11-2

Finished last season ranked: No. 9

South Carolina won the most games in school history last season and is returning for even more success in 2012. The Gamecocks return six starters from a defense that finished No. 3 in the country and will get a healthy Marcus Lattimore in the backfield.

The success will likely come down to quarterback Connor Shaw, but with a year under his belt, you have to assume he is ready to lead this team.

Steve Spurrier is back to pulling rabbits out of his hat.

7. Georgia

Last year’s record: 10-4

Finished last season ranked: No. 19

Georgia is that underrated team in the SEC that nobody seems to be paying much attention to. Quarterback Aaron Murray is arguably the best there is in the conference, and they return nine starters from a defense that finished ranked No. 5 in the country.

The media predicted that the Bulldogs will return to the SEC championship game, which should result in a pretty high ranking once again to start the new season.

6. Florida State

Last year’s record: 9-4

Finished last season ranked: No. 23

Florida State certainly receives a lot of hype for a team that has not reached a BCS bowl game since 2005. Last season, it started the year off ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll, but ended up losing to such teams as Wake Forest and Virginia.

Is this the year the Seminoles finally turn things around?

Who knows? But I do know that the defense, which returns eight starters, is going to be scary good.

5. Oregon

Last year’s record: 12-2

Finished last season ranked: No. 4

Despite losing star running back LaMichael James and their starting quarterback, the Ducks' offense will remain a high-scoring unit.

It is the defense that everyone should keep an eye on, as it returns seven starters from a year ago and look to get many players back from injury.

Oregon did not receive much love as far as winning the Pac-12 title is concerned, but Chip Kelly still has one of the best teams in college football.

4. Oklahoma

Last year’s record: 10-3

Finished last season ranked: No. 16

Oklahoma began last season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll, receiving an overwhelming 36 first-place votes. Of course, we know how the season ended for the Sooners, but this team is very similar to last year's, with many key players returning.

There are concerns at the receiver position and offensive line, but Bob Stoops has a club that will once again be in the national-championship picture when it is all said and done.

3. Alabama

Last year’s record: 12-1

Finished last season ranked: No. 1

Alabama, of course, will be talented on the defensive side of the ball, regardless of how many starters it lost. The Crimson Tide will also be more balanced on offense with A.J. McCarron making huge strides during the offseason, a talented offensive line returning and a deep backfield once again.

While many may have questions about this team, head coach Nick Saban will have an answer by the time September rolls around.

2. LSU

Last year’s record: 13-1

Finished last season ranked: No. 2

Whether the Tigers have Tyrann Mathieu or not, LSU is still a national-championship contender. We are talking about a team that has one of the best offensive and defensive lines in the country, a top-notch backfield, the best special-teams unit there is and a possible star quarterback in the making in Zach Mettenberger.

Sure, LSU will miss the "Honey Badger," but nobody is writing this team off this season because one player couldn't keep his nose clean.

1. USC

Last year’s record: 10-2

Finished last season ranked: No. 6

Everyone likes this USC team this season, as it is the most likely non-SEC team to win it all in 2012. The majority of last year's squad is the same, with an offense that should rewrite the record books and a defense that is arguably the best in the conference.

The media absolutely loved the Trojans winning the Pac-12 this season and could possibly label them the best team heading into the 2012 season.