AP Preseason Poll 2012: Teams Deserving of Top 25 Spot

The 2012-2013 college football season is almost upon us, which means we'll have plenty to yell and scream about pretty soon.

Will your favorite football team soar to new heights or collapse like a pocket with a bad offensive line?

There are plenty of predictions and hypotheses floating around the Interwebs, as sports writers and sports fans bicker back and forth like a quarterback and an egotistical receiver.

Here's a look at the teams I believe should have been placed on the AP preseason poll. Yell at me if you wish.

3. NC State

There's a lot to like about the NC State Wolfpack. They have a deep and experienced team, from the defensive line to the offensive line, and they still have quarterback Mike Glennon, who passed for over 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns last season.

The line shouldn't have much of a problem blocking for running backs James Washington and Mustafa Greene (who returns from injury this season), and Art Norman should be even better this season after a team-leading seven sacks and 30 quarterback pressures in 2011-2012.

The biggest concern is the young linebacking corps.

2. Georgia Tech

Whenever you have the ground game that Georgia Tech has, you are always set up to be competitive.

The Yellow Jackets ranked second in yards per carry last season (5.8), complete with quarterback Tevin Washington and backs David Sims and Orwin Smith. They still have dominant offensive lineman Omoregie Uzzi, too.

Of course, the big concerns surround the team's defense, which gave up 25.8 points per game last season. But the unit has had more time together, and even a marginal improvement could make a big difference.

Linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu and cornerback Rod Sweeting need to be leaders.

1. Ohio State

I'm honestly pretty shocked that the AP didn't rank Ohio State in the Top 25. Not only have the Buckeyes brought Urban Meyer aboard, they landed an impressive recruiting class this offseason.

There is talent all across the board, particularly on the defensive line, and the secondary is deep and experienced.

The big questions come at the quarterback spot and the receiving corps. Will Braxton Miller exhibit the promise he has in the preseason, or will he wilt under the pressure when the games begin to mean something?

Freshman receiver Michael Thomas may prove to be huge for Miller's development.

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