Looking Back: Stanford, Texas, And Florida Show Why Preseason Polls Gotta Go

It has been over three months since the AP Preseason Top 25 poll was released.

For years, skeptics around the country have discussed the downside and inaccurate nature of releasing a poll before games have even been played.

Once again in 2010, the predictions are a far cry of the current polls we see today. Here is a comparison of the preseason Top 25 and where we can find those teams today. 

25. West Virginia

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 20: Noel Devine #7 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs with the ball during the Big East Conference game against the Louisville Cardinals at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo b

Current Rank: # 23

Normally led by an explosive offensive, this season the Mountaineer defense has been exceptional. The defense is second nationally in points allowed, and their worst performance was giving up 21 points to Marshall early in the season.

Senior running back Noel Devine has yet to reach 1,000 yards heading into this Saturday's game against Rutgers. 

West Virginia is 8-3 on the season, and stands in a logjam atop the Big East conference with Connecticut and Pittsburgh. 

AP Preseason Grade: A

24. Oregon State

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 09: Runningback Jacquizz Rodgers #1 of the Oregon State Beavers rushes the football for 6 yards during the fourth quarter of the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Tucson, Ariz

Current Rank: N/R

The Beavers may look back at their 2010 non-conference schedule wishing they had faced a few more cupcakes.

In recent years, Mike Riley has shown a knack for getting his players to finish strong after slow starts. James Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury halfway through the season, and the Beavers have struggled ever since.

At 5-6, Oregon State must knock off Oregon in the Civil War to become bowl-eligible. 

AP Preseason Grade: C+

23. Georgia

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: Brandon Boykin #2 of the Georgia Bulldogs stiff arms Jerrard Tarrant #37 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on a return at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Current Rank: N/R

A four-game losing streak before the middle of October is never a good sign. The Bulldogs opened the season 1-4, after defeating Louisiana-Lafayette in the opener. 

Quarterback Aaron Murray showed immense progress in leading his squad to five wins in their last seven games of the season. 

Georgia is 0-3 against ranked opponents on the season. At 6-6, they now await their lower-tier bowl destination. 

AP Preseason Grade: D

22. Auburn

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Gene Chizik of the Auburn Tigers leads his team onto the field to face the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Current Rank: #2

Possibly the biggest surprise this season has the been this preseason middle-of-the pack SEC squad making a run at a BCS national title.

With the support of an average defense, the Tiger offense led by Cameron Newton has the ability to score lots of points at the opportune time. In 2010, Auburn has defeated LSU, Alabama, Arkansas and South Carolina.  

With a victory over the Gamecocks on Saturday, the Tigers will play in the BCS Championship game in early January.

AP Preseason Grade: B

21. LSU

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Stevan Ridley #34 of the Louisiana State University Tigers reacts after scoring the go-ahead toucdown in the final minutes of the fourth quarter against the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rou

Current Rank: #11

Playing a relatively strong schedule, it is safe to say the Tigers have met their preseason expectations.

The SEC team is ninth nationally in points allowed at 17.8 per game, and holds victories over Alabama, North Carolina, Florida and West Virginia. A victory over Arkansas most likely would have placed LSU in a BCS bowl game.

The Tigers are currently 10-2 and await their future bowl destination. 

AP Preseason Grade: A- 

20. Florida State

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles huddles with his team against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Le

Current Rank: #20

In the first season of the post-Bobby Bowden era, the Seminoles have been rather consistent other than a beat down from Oklahoma early in the season. The offense is averaging 31.7 points per game, and the defense has been solid, only allowing 17.8 points per game.

Florida State defeated both in-state rivals (Miami, Florida), and is 9-3 heading into the ACC Championship game against Virginia Tech. 

AP Preseason Grade: A

19. Penn State

Hunter Martin/Getty Images

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 27: Tight end Brian Linthicum #88 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by cornerback D'Anton Lynn #8 and linebacker Gerald Hodges #6 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during a game on November 27, 2010 at Beaver Stadium in

Current Rank: N/R

The Nittany Lions are 7-5, and have looked the part of a very average team this season.

The offense is 81st nationally in points per game at 24.6, and the defense ranks 41st nationally with 22.6 points allowed per game.

Penn State failed to show up against the best in comprising an 0-4 mark against ranked opponents. 

AP Preseason Grade: C

18. North Carolina

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 13: The defense of the Virginia Tech Hokies takes down Todd Harrelson #82 of the North Carolina Tar Heels hard to the ground during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Str

Current Rank: N/R

Suspensions, accusations, and turmoil have surrounded the Tar Heel program for the past five months. 

Starting rosters have been inconsistent, giving rise to a mediocre season.  The team opened with tough losses to LSU and Georgia Tech, only to win seven of their last 10 games.

Both the defense and offense have not lived up to expectations, and the Tar Heels are 7-5 and awaiting their bowl destination. 

AP Preseason Grade: C+

17. Arkansas

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 06: Terrell Williams #25 of the Arkansas Razorbacks against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Current Rank: #8

The Razorbacks have put together an exciting, solid season with both of their defeats at the hands of top 10 SEC teams (at the time).

Quarterback Ryan Mallett has met preseason expectations with 30 touchdown passes, and nearly 3,600 yards throwing.

Arkansas has won six straight games, sitting at 10-2 heading into postseason play. 

AP Preseason Grade: B+

16. Georgia Tech

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 09: Head coach Paul Johnson converses with quarterback Joshua Nesbitt #9 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in between downs against the Virginia Cavaliers at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C

Current Rank: N/R

Despite leading the nation in rushing (327 yards per game), the Yellow Jacket defense provided little support in allowing an average of 26.2 points per game.

Joshua Nesbitt fell below preseason expectations, and the team struggled down the stretch. Sitting at 5-2 in the middle of October, the Yellow Jackets have lost four of their last five games.

At 6-6, Georgia Tech waits their lower-tier bowl destination. 

AP Preseason Grade: D-

15. Pittsburgh

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 23: Ray Graham #1 of the Pittsburgh Panthers evades a tackle by Ramon Buchanan #45 of the Miami Hurricanes on September 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Current Rank: N/R

After stellar seasons in 2009, the Panthers offense expected big things from Jonathan Baldwin, and Dion Lewis in 2010.

With lofty expectations unreached, coach Dave Wannstedt and the 69th nationally ranked offense sit disappointed at 6-5.  The team has struggled against quality opponents with losses to West Virginia, Utah, Notre Dame, Connecticut and Miami.

Pittsburgh is bowl-eligible heading into this Saturday's match-up with Cincinnati. 

AP Preseason Grade: C-

14. Southern California

Harry How/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 16: Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans reacts at the line during the game against the California Golden Bears at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 16, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Current Rank: N/R

Despite being placed on probation, many (including myself) expected the Trojans to dominate the 2010 season.

The program is stacked with talent, the schedule was right, and Lane Kiffin would arrive with a new found level of enthusiasm. Looking back through 12 games, the defense is below average, and the team is generally uninspired.

The Trojans began the season 4-0, only to lose five of their last eight heading into this weekends rivalry game against UCLA. 

AP Preseason Grade: F+

13. Miami (Fla.)

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 9: Jacory Harris #12 hands the ball off to Damien Berry #20 of the Miami Hurricanes against the Florida State Seminoles on October 9, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Seminoles defeated the Hurricanes 45-17. (Photo by Jo

Current Rank: N/R

The Hurricanes entered the 2010 season with expectations of an ACC title run, and a potential BCS bowl berth.  Stocked with talent, and a young vibrant head coach, the sky was the limit. 

Fast forward three months later, and the "U" is reeling in disappointment. Gone is Randy Shannon, the Canes got blasted by rival Florida State at home in early October, and the word "Heisman" is far from Jacory Harris' name. 

The Hurricanes are 7-5, and will enter 2011 still searching for an ACC title. 

AP Preseason Grade: D+

12. Wisconsin

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 20: James White #20 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks for running room while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Wisconson won the game 48-28. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Ge

Current Ranking: #4

The Badgers have been very impressive this season. The offense is balanced and explosive, averaging 43.3 points per game.

Following an early October road loss to Michigan State, the team rebounded with solid victories over Ohio State and Iowa. Wisconsin has won seven straight, including drubbings of Indiana and Northwestern.

Sitting at 11-1 and tied atop the conference standings, the Badgers will most likely be representing the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl. 

AP Preseason Grade: A- 

11. Oregon

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Wide receiver Josh Huff #4 of the Oregon Ducks breaks into the open in the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 48-29. (Photo by S

Current Ranking: #1

High expectations turned to uncertainty when Jeremiah Masoli was given the Chip Kelly boot in the 2010 off-season. Oregon returned the talent, speed, and senior leadership to make a title run this year. The only question was quarterback play.

Sophomore Darron Thomas is now regarded as one of the best in the conference, LaMichael James is a Heisman hopeful, and the defense is often forgotten.

The Ducks stand 11-0, and 3-0 against ranked opponents this season. They meet Oregon State in the Civil War this Saturday. 

AP Preseason Grade: B+

10. Virginia Tech

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies stands on field with other members of the Hokies offense during a timeout against the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Blacksburg, Virgini

Current Rank: #12

Once again in 2010, Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer has proved why he is one of the best in college football. The nation gasped as the Hokies began the season 0-2, including a stunning home loss to James Madison. 

Currently riding a 10-game winning streak, the Hokies will take their potent offense (34,8 points per game) against Florida State in the ACC Championship game this Saturday. 

Beamer is on the verge of taking his program to yet another BCS bowl game.

AP Preseason Grade: B+ 

9. Iowa

David Purdy/Getty Images

IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 30: Wide receiver Marvin McNutt Jr. #7 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes smiles as he scores a touch down against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half of play at Kinnick Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa

Current Rank: N/R

Many in Iowa City believed this was the year for the Hawkeyes to return to Pasadena.

The defense proved solid yet inconsistent, and the offense failed to show up down the stretch. Behind Ricky Stanzi and Marvin McNutt, the Hawkeyes stood at 7-2 in early November.  

After three straight defeats to end the season, the Iowa faithful look back at what could have been. The team is now 7-5, and awaiting their postseason destination. 

AP Preseason Grade: D-

8. Nebraska

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Dontrayevous Robinson #27 and Brandon Kinnie #84 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers celebrate a touchdown during their game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated

Current Rank: #13

Heading into a Big 12 Championship fight against Oklahoma, the preseason pollsters weren't too far off the mark. The Cornhuskers suffered a home loss to an average Texas squad in October, and a 9-6 defeat in College Station.

The defense has been solid, and the running game has been productive. Nebraska is 10-2 and very close to a BCS bowl berth. 

AP Preseason Grade: A- 

7. Oklahoma

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Jeremy Beal #44 and Jamarkus McFarland #97 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrate a quarterback sack against the Texas Longhorns in the first quarter at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty

Current Rank: #10

The Sooner offense, led by Landry Jones, has scored at least 27 points in every game this season. Jones has thrown for nearly 4,000 yards, and 34 touchdowns through 12 games.

Other then road losses at Texas A&M and Missouri, the Sooners have looked the part of a very solid team this season.

Oklahoma is 10-2, and somehow managed to squeeze their way into a meeting with Nebraska this Saturday for the Big 12 Championship. 

AP Preseason Grade: A- 

6. Texas Christian

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 30: Ed Wesley #34 of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs runs for yardage after getting away from Will Chandler #1 of the UNLV Rebels during the first quarter of their game at Sam Boyd Stadium October 30, 2010 in Las Vegas, Ne

Current Rank: #3

The Horned Frogs have done all they can on the field. Much like Boise State, TCU falls victim to playing a weak conference schedule. The team has dominated Utah, Brigham Young, Baylor, Air Force, and Oregon State.

Led by Andy Dalton, the Horned Frogs are fourth nationally in points per game, and the defense is first in the nation in allowing only 11.4 points per game.

One of only three undefeated teams, the Horned Frogs are 12-0 and awaiting their BCS bowl destination. 

AP Preseason Grade: A

5. Texas

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Zac Lee #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers is tackled by the Texas longhorn defense during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Texas Defeated Nebraska 20-13. (Pho

Current Rank: N/R

To think that Texas was playing for a BCS national title only last January.

The offensive has been downright depressing in averaging only 23.8 points per game. Mack Brown's squad opened the season 3-0, only to lose seven of their next nine games.

One of the strongest programs of the past decade, the Longhorns could be considered this year's biggest disappointment.

Currently they sit at 5-7, and can only wait for 2011 to redeem their status. 

AP Preseason Grade: F- 

4. Florida

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 13: The Florida Gators enter the field during a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Current Rank: N/R

The Gators fell back with a season of mediocre play following the departure of Tim Tebow. The team is 0-4 against ranked squads on the season, and 3-5 since Oct. 2.

Florida is loaded with young talent, and will need improved quarterback play to succeed in 2011. 

Florida sits at 7-5 awaiting their post-season bowl destination. 

AP Preseason Grade: F

3. Boise State

Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images

BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 19: The Boise State Broncos celebrate after a touchdown against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Bronco Stadium on November 19, 2010 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)

Current Rank: #9

Before the season, many assumed if the Broncos could get past Oregon State and Virginia Tech, they would be primed for a BCS Championship appearance.

Returning a wealth of talent and leadership, Boise State was given their highest preseason ranking ever. Quarterback Kellen Moore has led the offense to a 46.4 points per game average, and the defense is fourth nationally allowing 13.5 points per game.

After a late-November overtime loss to a ranked Nevada squad, the Broncos are on the outside looking in at a BCS bowl game. 

AP Preseason Grade: B

2. Ohio State

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Current Rank: #6

In order to meet very high preseason expectations, this was a season the Buckeyes couldn't afford to lose any games.

The team has been solid and impressive all-around. The offense is 10th nationally in points scored per game, the defense is third nationally in points allowed, and Terrelle Pryor has been a leader on the field.

Ohio State suffered their lone defeat in a tough battle at Wisconsin during the middle of October. The Buckeyes are 11-1 on the season, and still stand a good chance of playing in a BCS bowl game. 

AP Preseason Grade: A-

1. Alabama

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Wide receiver Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a 56 yard touchdown with running back Mark Ingram #22 against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Current Rank: #17

The defending national champions, have arguably played the nation's most difficult schedule in 2010. The Crimson Tide have played seven ranked opponents this season.

A Heisman winner a year ago, Mark Ingram currently sits at 816 yards rushing, and quarterback Greg McElroy suffered the first defeats of this college career this season.

At 9-3 on the season, Alabama will miss a BCS bowl game for the first time since 2007. 

AP Preseason Grade: C

Pleasant Surprises

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal lines up his team against the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Notable Current AP Ranked Teams

#5. Stanford - Behind Jim Harbaugh, and Andrew Luck, the Cardinal are 11-1 and well-positioned to play in a BCS bowl game. They began the season unranked.

#7. Michigan State - Sparty has shown up big in 2010. Michigan State is 11-1, and co-champions of the Big Ten. They began the season receiving zero votes in the AP poll. 

#16. Oklahoma State - The Cowboy offense has been explosive all season long. Their two defeats came to ranked Nebraska and Oklahoma squads. Now 10-2, they began the season unranked. 

#15. Missouri - At 10-2, the Tigers play great defense and are 2-1 against ranked teams. Missouri began the season unranked. 

#18. South Carolina - The Gamecocks (9-3) have spent the majority of the season ranked, and now face Auburn in the SEC championship game.