The Preseason Top 25

August 29, 2006 by Steve Hanway

Preseason rankings in college football are worth about as much as the preseason standings in the NFL, which is to say they’re pretty much worthless.

Each of the top six teams in the first edition of the Associated Press Top 25 rankings received at least three first place votes. Since no games have been played, I don’t find too much fault with the first 5, but anyone who thinks USC is the best team in the country is in outer space. Even if you handicap for their friendly schedule, why would you believe that they could put together a national championship season after losing two Heisman trophy winners and loads of other NFL-caliber players from a runner-up team?

Husker fans can take issue with Michigan being rated six spots above the Husker team that beat them in the Alamo Bowl. Sure Michigan has got some talent, but so does Nebraska and it’s not like the Wolverines have a cakewalk of a schedule. They go at Notre Dame, at Penn State, and at Ohio State, not to mention a home date against Iowa.
As this is the preseason, I’ll give the writers a pass for now.

The biggest blunder would seem to be including Tennessee in the Top 25. This is the same Volunteer team that was ia disaster in 2005 and plays four teams ranked in the preseason Top 15. So not only are the voters suggesting that the Volunteers will be winners, but that they’re ready to knock off a heavy hitter or two. Also on the schedule are dates with Alabama (ranked #26 on the “others receiving votes" list) and a trip to South Carolina (ranked #33). That’s certainly giving the Vols the benefit of the doubt. Apparently, the AP voters think Phil Fulmer is smarter than he looks.

AP Top 25 Ranking
1. Ohio State
2. Notre Dame
3. Texas
4. Auburn
5. West Virginia
6. USC
7. Florida
8. LSU
9. California
10. Oklahoma
11. Florida State
12. Miami (FL)
13. Louisville
14. Michigan
15. Georgia
16. Iowa
17. Virginia Tech
18. Clemson
19. Penn State
20. Nebraska
21. Oregon
22. TCU
23. Tennessee
24. Arizona State
25. Texas Tech

» Enjoy this article?
Send it to your friend or get Husker news by email!

NextPrevious