Music to listen to: So Gone by The Memorials
Today marks the official start of my preseason top-25 poll for college football.
These polls are usually used to sell magazines, get traffic to your Web site or just to cause some controversy.
I still remember back in the early 1990’s when Sports Illustrated placed Arizona at the top of its preseason poll and people giving blank stares. I don’t even think the Wildcats finished in the top three of the Pac-10 that year, let alone played for the national title.
My poll will have the hard hitting analysis that many people like such as a breakdown of a secondary, the coaching status of the team, the best option at quarterback, etc.
I will also grade uniforms, discuss my favorite player ever in that program, best looking alumna and/or alumnus (I have to show some love to the female readers) and other wacky stuff like that. This will all make sense throughout the next month.
Before I get to the top-25 squads starting tomorrow, here are five squads that just missed making the list.
1) Iowa: Last year had to be considered disappointing because some had the Hawkeyes as a darkhorse Big 10 champion contender especially after looking so impressive in the 2010 Orange Bowl victory over Georgia Tech. This year, the expectations are lower with the departure of star quarterback Ricky Stanzi, three defensive linemen who were just drafted into the NFL, particularly All-Conference performer Adrian Clayborn and a cast of others. If the Hawkeyes can find a viable quarterback and the indications are that talented junior James Vandenberg is the leading candidate to fill that spot, than an eight-win season may be possible especially since they don’t have to face either Wisconsin or Ohio State in the schedule.
2) Penn State: While the Nittany Lions aren’t back to the offensive levels of a few years ago when they were implementing the “Spread HD,” the offense should be OK, especially at the running back position, even with the departure of Evan Royster. Silas Redd showed excellent flashes of skill last year at running back and should have more chances this year. The two things that will prevent Penn State from being a top-25 team are the quarterback situation and lack of depth at defensive line. I wouldn’t trust quarterbacks Rob Bolden or Matt McGloin to give much to Penn State and the knee injury to Pete Massaro, the best defensive lineman the Nittany Lions have will be too difficult to overcome. Plus, look at their schedule. Penn State has to host Alabama, Iowa and Nebraska while traveling to feisty Temple and Northwestern plus end the season at Ohio State and Wisconsin. Ouch.
3) Florida: The belief is that you can never count out programs such as Florida, Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, etc. because the talent is always there. While there are plenty of head coaches on college football that would love to have the services of players such as Chris Rainey, Sharriff Floyd, Ronald Powell, Jelani Jenkins and a cast of others, there have been major transitions in Gainesville. New head coach Will Muschamp and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis will try to make the Gators return to the high levels that their fans have become used to. However, uncertainty at receiver, the secondary, plus home games against Florida State and Alabama combined with road trips to LSU, Auburn and South Carolina will make it tough for Florida to reach the top-25.
4) Air Force: Don’t laugh. With one of the top rushing attacks in the nation, a momentum-buiding victory over Georgia Tech in last year’s Independence Bowl and other factors, the Falcons can sneak into the top-25 by the end of this season. While I like Asher Clark at running back and an underrated offensive line, the rush defense has to improve drastically (the Falcons allowed more than 200 yards rushing yards per game last year) before I can place them higher than this. Plus, the schedule includes trips to Navy, Notre Dame and Boise State. If that wasn’t enough, the Falcons have to host TCU and San Diego State as well.
5) Utah: Welcome to the Pac-12 Utes and enjoy replacing New Mexico, Wyoming, UNLV and Colorado State on your schedule with USC, Washington, Arizona State and Cal…at least you avoid Oregon and Stanford in the regular season. While the Utes’ competition takes a step up this season, they do return quarterback Jordan Wynn, who should be even better this season with the addition of renowned offensive coordinator Norm Chow joining the staff. There is youth in the backfield and the secondary needs to come together. However, if these situations happen, there isn’t a reason that Utah can’t compete for the Pac-12 South crown since USC is ineligible.
Those are my early thoughts, what are yours?
The Sports Inquirer 
Leave a comment