Preseason College Football Rankings 2013: Overrated Teams That Will Fall Early

Preseason college football polls should be taken with a grain of salt, but that doesn't mean we can't debate the findings.

USA Today released its preseason college coaches poll on Thursday, Aug. 1, and as usual, there were a few surprises on both extremes. Some teams were overrated while others that should have been included in the rankings were conspicuously left off.

For the purposes of this column, it's the overrated teams that will be the focus of this debate. 

Here's a look at the rankings, followed by a closer look at a few top teams that will prove these rankings wrong by losing ground early in the season. 

Stanford, No. 4

Don't get me wrong, I love Stanford's football program.

But No. 4?

Sorry, I'm not buying it.

Not with teams like Texas A&M, South Carolina, Clemson and Louisville gearing up for an epic season.

Stanford should win the Pac-12 this season, utilizing its physically overwhelming style of play to pummel its opponents into submission. However, the SEC is still king and I'd be hard-pressed to pick the Cardinal to win against any of the aforementioned teams.  

Georgia, No. 5

Georgia lost some key players this past winter on the defensive side of the ball.

Jarvis Jones, John Jenkins, Alex Ogletree and Bacarri Rambo were leaders both in words and action last season, helping Georgia finish with a record of 12-2. 

While Aaron Murray is certainly capable of carrying the team's offense this season, it'll take a stellar effort on both sides of the ball for Georgia to get off to a hot start.

With a road game at Clemson to open up the season, the team's defensive losses will surely be a factor. Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins will be one of the most exciting quarterback/wide receiver duos in the nation this season, so Georgia's secondary is likely to get torched.

Even if the Bulldogs win at Clemson, South Carolina looms in Week 2. 

It isn't crazy to think Georgia could start out the season with a record of 0-2. 

Florida State, No. 12

With a new starting quarterback and a defense that will miss many of last year's stalwarts, Florida State is no lock to duplicate its success from a year ago. 

A couple of challenging opponents will give head coach Jimbo Fisher and Seminoles fans an early look at what they can expect later in the year. Starting out on the road against Pittsburgh, Florida State will be tested immediately. Nevada in Week 2 is no gimme, either. 

As defensive standouts like Bjoern Werner, Tank Carradine and Xavier Rhodes get ready for their first season in the NFL, the team's defense will struggle to keep opponents from moving the sticks and scoring points. 

Don't be shocked if the Seminoles lose one of their first two games. With Boston College and Clemson looming a bit further down the line, this program could be looking at two or three losses by the time the season is halfway over. 

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