Predicting What 2013 College Football AP Preseason Poll Will Look Like

Ah, the AP preseason poll.

The list of the Top 25 teams that drive college football fans mad will be released this Saturday. Polls are always sure to spark a range of emotions among fans. Some think a certain team is overrated, while others think the media has bumped its head and isn't paying enough attention to said team.

Polls are one of the many things that make college football so great.

How will the AP preseason poll look this season?

Who knows, but it's a certainty that the top team has won the last two national championships.

Note: Rankings were put together by a combination of the talent that each team returns and where they were ranked in the USA Today Coaches Poll. While both polls have a history of being completely different, many teams should be ranked in the same ballpark.

25. USC

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: N/R

Offensive Returning Starters: Eight

Defensive Returning Starters: Seven

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 24

When all else fails, voters usually end up picking the big-named program. USC doesn't have nearly the same expectations it did a year ago after finishing the year with a 7-6 record, but there is still enough talent to be considered one of the better teams in the country.

If the quarterback situation can be addressed, USC would be respectable offensively with one of the best wide receiver tandems in the nation (Marqise Lee and Nelson Agholor). The defense also returns six starters from a front seven that helped produce 45 sacks.

It's possible USC could start the season unranked, but it's hard to make a case that 25 teams are better, even under these circumstances.

24. Arizona State

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: N/R

Offensive Returning Starters: Six

Defensive Returning Starters: Eight

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: N/R

Coaches didn't give Arizona State much love in its poll, as teams such as Fresno State, Virginia Tech and Michigan State received more votes than the Sun Devils (51). It's cool, not everybody can be right all of the time.

Arizona State is easily one of the more balanced teams in the country. A combination of quarterback Taylor Kelly and running back Marion Grice makes the offense as dangerous as ever, while the defense is loaded with athletes who fly to the football. Defensive lineman Will Sutton and linebacker Carl Bradford return after each finished last season with double-digit sacks.

Some consider the Sun Devils to be Pac-12 contenders, so don't be surprised when they find a spot in the AP Poll.

23. Northwestern

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: 17

Offensive Returning Starters: Eight

Defensive Returning Starters: Seven

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 22

For the first time since 2001, Northwestern will begin the season ranked in the AP Poll. Time to throw a party before the season begins!

Seriously, while everybody is drooling over Ohio State and pretending the Big Ten consists of just one team, Northwestern is quietly playing the background role and looking to surprise some folks. The offense is led by quarterback Kain Colter, who is one of the most underrated players in the country, while the defense returns three of its top four tacklers.

It may be a stretch to believe Northwestern could top last season's 10 wins, but don't count this program out just yet.

22. Wisconsin

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: N/R

Offensive Returning Starters: Eight

Defensive Returning Starters: Seven

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 23

Wisconsin is a perfect example of last season having nothing to do with the upcoming year. Even after finishing with a mediocre 8-6 record and making a head coaching change, the Badgers will crack the preseason AP Poll for the fourth straight season.

Why?

Because it's Wisconsin. It's also a team that doesn't have to do much rebuilding under new head coach Gary Andersen. The offense is loaded with experience such as playmaker Jared Abbrederis, while the third-best defense in the Big Ten returns six starters from its front seven.

Wisconsin may have wrinkles to iron out, but on paper, this is a team folks should respect.

21. Nebraska

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: 25

Offensive Returning Starters: Nine

Defensive Returning Starters: Four

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 18

Nebraska may have the best offense in the Big Ten. Yes, Ohio State fans, your team may have to take the backseat for once.

With quarterback Taylor Martinez, four offensive linemen and the top three wide receivers all returning, this unit will build on last season's 34.8 points per game average. The problem for the Cornhuskers is the defense, as the team allowed a combined 1,229 yards in its final two games. That's inexcusable and won't result in a Big Ten title if those performances become a habit.

The offense is good enough to believe Nebraska is a sleeper for a conference title, but the defense must drastically improve for that to be a realistic goal. A spot outside the Top 20 is a solid start for the Cornhuskers.

20. Baylor

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: N/R

Offensive Returning Starters: Six

Defensive Returning Starters: Seven

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: N/R

Baylor is another team that the media should include that the coaches did not. Baylor's 80 votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll were fewer than Michigan State, Miami and Kansas State.

Talk about disrespect.

The Bears head into the season in great shape, as running back Lache Seastrunk is a Heisman candidate, and the defense returns a majority of its key players. Some are concerned about the quarterback, but there wasn't much of a drop-off when Nick Florence replaced Robert Griffin III last season. The spread attack will help the offense remain one of the best in the Big 12.

For the first time since 1986, Baylor should be ranked in the AP preseason poll.

19. UCLA

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: N/R

Offensive Returning Starters: Seven

Defensive Returning Starters: Six

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 21

UCLA is one of those teams that everybody is paying attention to entering the season. After winning nine games under first-year head coach Jim L. Mora and recruiting well, the Bruins are building quite a buzz.

UCLA is a dark horse this season to win the Pac-12. Brett Hundley is one of the top young quarterbacks in the country, and linebacker Anthony Barr leads a physical defense that racked up 46 sacks. The Bruins won three games against Top 25 competition and should continue to surprise college football fans in Year Two of the Mora era.

For the first time since 2007, UCLA will begin the season ranked in the AP preseason poll.

18. Oklahoma

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: 15

Offensive Returning Starters: Seven

Defensive Returning Starters: Four

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 16

Bob Stoops faces more questions this season than likely ever before in his coaching career. How does the offensive line look? Is there a legit starting quarterback? How in the world is that defense going to improve with only four starters returning?

But it's Oklahoma, a school that has cracked the AP preseason poll every season since 1999.

Even with all of those questions, it's a guarantee the Sooners will be ranked to begin the year. Unfortunately, the ranking will be outside the Top 10 for the first time in more than a decade.

17. Boise State

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: 18

Offensive Returning Starters: Six

Defensive Returning Starters: Seven

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 19

Last season, Boise State replaced nearly its entire roster. The result? It still managed to win 11 games and finish the season ranked in the AP Poll for the fifth straight season.

Now, the Broncos return a majority of its team, including seven starters from a defense that ranked 12th in the country. The offense could certainly use a boost, but it would be foolish to doubt Chris Petersen, who should be considered one of the best head coaches in the country.

Boise State has proven that it will win regardless of who is on the field. Doubting that things will change now isn't a wise move.

16. Notre Dame

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: Four

Offensive Returning Starters: Six

Defensive Returning Starters: Eight

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 11

Last season, Notre Dame began the year unranked in the AP Poll. It's safe to say that voters have learned their lesson after the Irish ran the table and qualified for a spot in the BCS National Championship Game.

However, don't think everybody is drinking the Notre Dame Kool-Aid. The Irish have a questionable quarterback in Tommy Rees and an offense that isn't going to light up the scoreboard. The defense will remain elite, but this formula resulted in plenty of games that were too close for comfort.

Voters are bigger believers in the Irish now, but they won't go overboard with that confidence.

15. Michigan

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: 24

Offensive Returning Starters: Six

Defensive Returning Starters: Six

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 17

Michigan has the potential to do something special this season. Go ahead and give all the glory to Ohio State, but don't be shocked when the Wolverines push its heated rival to the breaking point for a Big Ten title.

For the most part, Michigan will finally be healthy on defense. The same unit that ranked second in the Big Ten, the veteran defense is what gives Michigan an advantage over a majority of the conference. The offense should also take a step forward with quarterback Devin Gardner and a plethora of talented running backs.

Michigan will crack the AP preseason poll for a second straight season.

14. Texas

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: 19

Offensive Returning Starters: 10

Defensive Returning Starters: Nine

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 15

Whether or not you are a believer in Texas is one thing. It's still a program that began the season ranked in the AP Poll in 13 of the last 14 years.

Do you really think this season will be any different?

The Longhorns return 19 starters, which is tied for the most in the country. There is depth across the roster and more than enough talent for them to qualify for a BCS bowl for the first time since 2009. This would be the season if Texas is ever going to return to its glory days.

Like almost every season, Texas will start with solid positioning in the poll.

13. Oklahoma State

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: N/R

Offensive Returning Starters: Seven

Defensive Returning Starters: Seven

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 14

Oklahoma State finished last season with an 8-5 record, but there are plenty of reasons to buy into this program. 

The Cowboys averaged 45.7 points per game despite not having a single household name on the roster. Those numbers were also produced with three different quarterbacks starting at least one game. Head coach Mike Gundy and his coaching staff have turned this offense into a well-oiled machine. Whoever steps in is able to contribute at a high level like the last guy.

Oklahoma State is considered one of the favorites in the Big 12 and should make a run for a BCS bowl.

12. Florida State

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: 10

Offensive Returning Starters: Six

Defensive Returning Starters: Four

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 12

There's been only one season (2008) Florida State wasn't ranked in the preseason AP Poll in the 21 years it has been a member of the ACC. The school will improve its ranked streak to five consecutive seasons.

A lot of optimism is floating around campus, as the Seminoles are going to be extremely young on both sides of the ball. However, talent isn't a question. The defensive front is as athletic as it gets, and Jameis Winston at quarterback adds a lot of excitement to the offense.

Florida State is a team that shouldn't be counted out in the ACC race and BCS bowl picture.

11. LSU

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: 14

Offensive Returning Starters: Eight

Defensive Returning Starters: Five

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 13

Oddly enough, LSU enters the season mighty quiet. Besides the off-the-field incident with running back Jeremy Hill, the Tigers haven't been mentioned much during the offseason.

That's scary.

LSU is entering the season as an underdog, even with a solid 14 starters returning. The offense is going to remain effective in the SEC, especially with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron taking over. Defensively, sure, there are concerns with six starters leaving, but when was the last time LSU had to worry about the defense being elite?

Fans may be sleeping, but voters certainly won't.

10. Louisville

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: 13

Offensive Returning Starters: Six

Defensive Returning Starters: Nine

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Nine

Louisville doesn't have much to worry about entering the season. The offense will remain in great hands with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater leading the way, while the defense showed bright spots throughout the year to get stops consistently.

The Cardinals were dominating the Florida Gators the last time they took the field. With a majority of the team returning, there's good reason to believe they will get a solid start in the polls.

Now the question is if the competition of the schedule is good enough to push Louisville into the national championship conversation.

9. Florida

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: Nine

Offensive Returning Starters: Six

Defensive Returning Starters: Five

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: 10

Much like LSU, it's a given that Florida will remain a quality team defensively. So while you're busy counting the lost production, head coach Will Muschamp will plug in numerous young bodies and watch the domination continue.

The concern is the offense that ranked 78th in the country. Where are the playmakers Florida is known for producing? Can quarterback Jeff Driskel take a step forward? How do the unproven running backs look?

The questions are legit, but Florida will crack the preseason AP Poll for the 10th straight season.

8. Clemson

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: 11

Offensive Returning Starters: Seven

Defensive Returning Starters: Six

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Eighth

It didn't take head coach Dabo Swinney to get Clemson back on track. After two consecutive double-digit winning seasons, a Top 10 start in the AP Poll could happen for the first time since 2008.

Clemson will continue to focus on offense with quarterback Tajh Boyd and wide receiver Sammy Watkins returning for another year, but the defense is what grabs folks' attention. With six starters coming back, Clemson is hoping last year's performance against LSU carries momentum. In the 25-24 victory over LSU, Clemson's defense allowed only 219 yards.

Clemson is a national championship contender if it can put everything together.

7. Georgia

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: Five

Offensive Returning Starters: 10

Defensive Returning Starters: Three

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Five

Georgia should take a slight step backward to begin the season simply because of the questions on defense. There are plenty of unproven guys who will be expected to step into the starting lineup and contribute immediately. While many have terrific upside, nothing is guaranteed the makeover project will pan out.

The reason the Bulldogs will be highly respected is due to the high-scoring offense. This team will continue to score a ton of points with quarterback Aaron Murray, a two-headed monster at running back in Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley and an underrated receiver in Malcolm Mitchell.

Of course, Georgia could improve its ranking with a victory over Clemson and South Carolina to begin the season.

6. South Carolina

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: Eight

Offensive Returning Starters: Seven

Defensive Returning Starters: Five

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Seven

South Carolina will be ranked in the AP preseason poll for the third straight season, which is also the first time in school history.

A lot of the hype surrounding the Gamecocks is due to defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. He can carry the defense on his shoulders at times and change the momentum of a game with one play. However, there is also experience at quarterback, four offensive linemen return, and there are promising offensive players in wide receivers Bruce Ellington, Damiere Byrd and Shaq Roland.

South Carolina continues to rise under head coach Steve Spurrier.

5. Texas A&M

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: Five

Offensive Returning Starters: Six

Defensive Returning Starters: Four

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Six

It will interesting to see how the voters treat Texas A&M.

Do voters assume that quarterback Johnny Manziel will play this season, or do some see a suspension coming on and decide to drop the program in the rankings?

Either way, the ongoing NCAA investigation will weigh heavily on voters' minds, as Manziel is the main reason the Aggies are a legit national championship contender. Without Manziel, the offense will have as many questions as a defense that only returns four starters.

Voters will likely give Texas A&M the benefit of the doubt by giving it an impressive starting point.

4. Oregon

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: Two

Offensive Returning Starters: Eight

Defensive Returning Starters: Seven

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Three

Oregon has cracked the Top Five of the AP preseason poll the last two seasons, and that trend will likely continue even with a new head coach.

Most coaching changes can scare away voters, but Mark Helfrich was the offensive coordinator for the team and isn't expected to change much. With eight offensive starters returning and the same system in place, the Ducks will continue to score points in bunches and win games by 40-plus points with ease.

It's tough to keep up with Oregon and even tougher to argue with five straight years of at least 10 wins. Oregon will start the season off right in hopes to reach a fifth consecutive BCS bowl.

3. Stanford

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: Seven

Offensive Returning Starters: Eight

Defensive Returning Starters: Seven

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Four

While it may be tough to fathom Stanford playing for a national championship, the possibility is real. Stanford has a SEC-caliber defense that could go toe-to-toe with any in the country. Remember, it's the same defense that held Oregon to 14 points.

Defense wins championships? Stanford has that and more.

The Cardinal also return four starting offensive linemen, running back depth and a dual-threat quarterback in Kevin Hogan.

Don't be surprised when Stanford has its best start in the AP Poll in program history.

2. Ohio State

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: Three

Offensive Returning Starters: Nine

Defensive Returning Starters: Four

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Two

Ohio State is back on top of college football and is widely considered the best non-SEC team in the country. Head coach Urban Meyer has the experience to lead this team to the Promised Land, and quarterback Braxton Miller has the ability to overcome all obstacles.

The one concern with the Buckeyes is a defense that must replace seven starters. The entire defensive line will feature new players, and the linebacker corps will need to be retooled.

Even then, Ohio State has more than enough talent and a wonderful coaching staff that could run the table for a second straight season and appear in the national championship for the third time since 2006.

1. Alabama

Last Year’s Final AP Ranking: One

Offensive Returning Starters: Six

Defensive Returning Starters: Seven

USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: One

No shocker here.

Alabama will remain the best team in the country until somebody proves otherwise or until Nick Saban has had enough of winning and decides to hang up his headset.

On paper, the Crimson Tide are the best team from top to bottom. While that would be enough for most teams, they also have the results to back up the talent by winning three of the last four national championships.

The players, the coaching staff and the results are the reasons Alabama is sitting a little too comfy at the top spot.

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