Pacific Takes Ballot - Week 19
Rank | Team | Delta |
---|---|---|
1 | LSU Tigers | -- |
2 | Alabama Crimson Tide | -- |
3 | USC Trojans | -- |
4 | Georgia Bulldogs | 1 |
5 | Oklahoma Sooners | -1 |
6 | Michigan St. Spartans | 1 |
7 | Oregon Ducks | -1 |
8 | South Carolina Gamecocks | 1 |
9 | Michigan Wolverines | -1 |
10 | Kansas St. Wildcats | -- |
11 | Wisconsin Badgers | 3 |
12 | West Virginia Mountaineers | -- |
13 | Arkansas Razorbacks | -2 |
14 | Florida St. Seminoles | -1 |
15 | Nebraska Cornhuskers | 1 |
16 | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 1 |
17 | Oklahoma St. Cowboys | -2 |
18 | Texas Longhorns | -- |
19 | Clemson Tigers | 1 |
20 | Virginia Tech Hokies | 2 |
21 | TCU Horned Frogs | -2 |
22 | Stanford Cardinal | -1 |
23 | Florida Gators | 1 |
24 | Utah Utes | 1 |
25 | Boise St. Broncos | -2 |
SB Nation BlogPoll College Football Top 25 Rankings "
We've got our first ballot of the season! Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
1. LSU
The most talented team in the country, even without the Honey Badger. Should make it to the national championship game if they are steady at quarterback.
2. Alabama
Not much less talented than LSU but did lose a ton of experience to the NFL. It is hard to say that the two best teams in the country are from the SEC, but LSU and Alabama's defenses are simply too good to not rank one and two.
3. USC
I think that a lot of people are overlooking the lack of depth and talent on both of USC's lines but with the addition of Silas Redd, they are far and away the most talented team in the country at the skill positions.
4. Georgia
The Bulldogs have seemed to underachieve whenever they have big expectations under Mark Richt, but all the pieces are in place on both sides of the ball this year for a run to the SEC Championship Game.
5. Oklahoma
It seems like Sooner fans have been waiting for this season for years now and with Landry Fields now a senior behind an excellent offense line, they should be the class of the Big 12.
6. Michigan State
Consistently one of the most underrated teams in recent seasons, the Spartans are a tough, hardnosed team that is well coached and isn't afraid to take risks. If they can find some new weapons on offense they can win the Big 10.
7. Oregon
The Ducks lost two of their most prolific players of all time, but with their system they have been able to seamlessly transition between offensive starters in recent years and the scary news this year is that the defense should be the best in the Pac-12.
8. South Carolina
Surprisingly Steve Spurrier's teams at South Carolina have been more well known for their defensive prowess and this year should be no different with the Gamecocks being a sleeper team in the SEC.
9. Michigan
The Wolverines are back, but whether or not Denard Robinson can become consistent will determine whether or not they will return to being a truly elite team in 2012.
10. Kansas State
Collin Klein is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the nation and if the Wildcats can hang onto their late game magic, they can make some noise in the Big 12 and sneak into the top 10.
11. Wisconsin
Russell Wilson and some great offensive linemen are gone, but Montee Ball returns and the Badgers know how to mold linemen so they should be fine up front. The defense will need to improve, but they could easily challenge for the Big 10 title again.
12. West Virginia
Will be facing a much tougher schedule in the Big 12, but their high speed offense could take their new conference by storm.
13. Arkansas
The Razorbacks have been very good in recent seasons, but haven't seemed to be able to get over that next hurdle to be an elite team. A very talented team, but they will have to overcome the loss of Bobby Petrino.
14. Florida State
It seems like they have been overrated going into the season for a lot of years now, so I'm finally resisting ranking them as high as others are. Clearly the favorites to win the ACC though and have the potential to be a top 10 team.
15. Nebraska
Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead will form a dangerous duo on the ground, but they will have a hard time challenging for the Big 10 championship if they can't form a passing game.
16. Notre Dame
I like Brian Kelly in South Bend and the Irish are due for a really good season. Their schedule will always hold them back from ever being the elite team they were ages ago, but I wouldn't be surprised if they get to 10 wins.
17. Oklahoma State
The Cowboys lost a lot of firepower, so it will be interesting to see if they can stay near the top of the Big 12. They still have a lot of the glue parts remaining and should have a great running game.
18. Texas
It is simply almost impossible to see a time this talented not be near the top 10 every year, but there still isn't a ton to get excited about on this team.
19. Clemson
The Tigers should still be red in the face after their performance against West Virginia, but they are quietly stocking themselves with talent with every recruiting class and should be right at the top of the ACC.
20. Virginia Tech
Never underestimate a team with a stable coaching staff, the Hokies seem to get better as each season progresses and don't make many mistakes.
21. TCU
I am really interested to see how they transition to a BCS conference and facing major programs every week. They are well coached and I could see them filling the role of Texas A&M in the Big 12.
22. Stanford
With Andrew Luck and a couple of All-American linemen gone, I'm in wait and see mode with the Cardinal. However, they have enough talent at running back, on the offensive line and at linebacker to warrant being ranked.
23. Florida
Same thing as Texas, simply too talented to not be ranked for very long. It will be tough sledding in the SEC, but if the Gators can be solid at QB, they should be okay.
24. Utah
I think defensive tackle is the most important position in college football after quarterback and if Star Lotulelei can live up to expectations, the Utes could have a huge season.
25. Boise State
Another wait and see team. The Broncos should still be able to win the weakened Mountain West, but it will be a new era in Boise with Kellen Moore finally gone.