Preseason Football Polls: What About Boise State?

In a shocking twist of fate, the USC Trojans are the number one team in the country. Is this a joke? Here's my take on the top five:

 No. 5: Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines have been in the Top 15 for the past few seasons, with miserable results: no national championships, countless heartbreaks at the Horseshoe, and, to top it all off, a barrage of whining and complaining.

The Wolverines ended last season with two losses and lots of questions. Lloyd Carr wouldn't stop bitching about being shut out of the national championship game.

To the voters: Pick another Big Ten team if you have to. Speaking of which, why isn't Ohio State in the top five?  

No. 4: Texas Longhorns

The Longhorns haven't been the same since the departure of Vince Young—but I could see them playing for a national title come January.

Nebraska could pose a threat, and Texas A&M might be trouble, but Texas is the obvious favorite in the Big 12. Offseason troubles will doom Oklahoma. Colorado can't get out of first gear. And Mizzou won't have any effect on UT's season. 

If the Longhorns are going to finish number two, they're going to have to step up their game and accept the fact that Young isn't coming back...unless his jersey is getting retired.  

No. 3: Florida Gators

Florida shocked the world by spanking Ohio State for the BCS title last year. But with the loss of two offensive and defensive leaders, people are losing faith in the G-Men.

The Gators clawed their way to the championship in 2006, and I won't be surprised if they do it again. Florida has a young defense and a young quarterback in Tim Tebow—but they're known for their surprises.

Their biggest surprise this season: Another SEC Championship...and maybe another BCS trophy.  

No. 2: LSU Tigers

  

Last year, the Tigers excelled with a stud quarterback and a stingy defense.

 

This year, things have changed.

 

JaMarcus Russell is gone. The defense isn't as dangerous as it used to be. That said, the Tigers' biggest obstacle in 2007 won't be Auburn, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, or Florida. The only team that can keep LSU from winning it all this season is...LSU. The only team that can beat LSU this season is...LSU.

 

Are you getting the point, yet?

 

Good.

No. 1: USC Trojans

USC looked like a lock to meet Ohio State in the title game last year...until they forgot about UCLA and coughed up their invite to Florida.

The 2007 Trojans are dangerous on defense, but they aren't the Pac-10 powerhouse they used to be. No Carson Palmer. No Matt Leinart. No Reggie Bush. Here's the best advice I can give SC at this point: Defense wins championships, but offense gets you there.

Beware the Pac-10. 

And what about...Boise State Broncos?

The Broncos didn't complain about their Fiesta Bowl date with Oklahoma in January, but some observers felt they deserved a shot at the BCS National Championship.

This year, I'm on their side before the season starts.

The Broncos earned the right to be in the top five with their David-versus-Goliath performance against the Sooners. They're certainly more deserving than Michigan...and far, far better than their number 23 ranking.

And seriously—who conducted this poll anyway? Kobe, OJ, Bonds, and Beckham? It's time for a change. Bring on the college playoffs!