 |
| I'm using SI's chart, I hope they don't sue. |
1.) The, and I want to make sure I get this right, Amyway Coaches Poll came out which gives us our first real opportunity to argue about how wrong everyone else' opinion is. Although to be fair it actually looks pretty good to me. Florida State definitely deserves the top spot considering their offense returns basically in tact as well as their defense. Not to mention Jameis Winston returns who has as good a shot to win back to back Heismans as anyone. They are definitely the odds on favorite to repeat this year.
2.) Alabama gets the number two spot although this is probably the most questions Alabama has gone into a year with in a long time. They start the year with an untested quarterback as well as a young defense but then again it seems like we say this every year about Alabama and the result is usually the same. Finishing the year at or near the top of the rankings.
3.) Oklahoma should start the year with strong confidence considering their demolishing of the above mentioned team at the end of last year. College football is always good when their is a real dislike between coaches and Bob Stoops seems to have it in for just about everyone in the SEC. The Sooners' starting QB, Trevor Knight should pick up right where they left off last year albeit without one weapon in Joe Mixon who got in trouble for assault. OU's defense is the real ticket to their championship hopes with a tremendous front seven who should make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks all year.
4.) For as great as Oregon has been recently this could potentially be a make or break year for the Ducks. Oregon has been on the precipice for so long it must be frustrating for their fans to have never made it over the last hump. Returning veteran QB Marcus Mariotta should provide the stability the Ducks need on offense while defenseman Ekpre-Olomu will dominate on that side of the ball. However, there are questions on either side of the ball particularly if a revamped O-line will be able to protect Mariotta. Mariotta's skill with his feet will make up for a little shakiness though.
5.) Auburn comes into the year with Nick Marshall back at the helm but without Tre Mason and the nation's leading rushing star. Marshall will find some comfort in the fact that most of his receivers are the same. There will be some questions regarding the Tigers' defense
6.) Like last year Ohio State's hopes rest firmly on Braxton Miller's arms and feet but that shoulder injury is always in the back of my mind. This should also be the make or break year for Fickell and the Buckeyes' abysmal secondary. If Ohio State gives up yards like they did last year I don't see how Meyer can not make a change at the coaching level. Ohio State's schedule is about has cushiony soft as cotton candy so even one misstep will probably cost them a spot in the new CFB playoff. Ohio State's one challenge will come against MSU who frankly I'm surprised isn't ranked above us. Considering how soft our schedule is I think we need to not only beat every single team but probably also beat them by 10 or more points to impress the playoff selection committee. Thankfully Urban Meyer is known to step on the throats of opponents so I'm sure that's just what will happen. The running back position will be key and will be mighty difficult for whomever does end up replacing Carlos Hyde. Miller will for sure be dependent on it though to take off some of the pressure.
7.) UCLA has won the most NCAA titles of any school, just never in football. Will this be the year for the Bruins? Probably not, but a Pac-12 title could very well be within reach. UCLA returns most of their offense from last year including veteran QB Brett Hundley. The Bruins' main concerns should be on the defensive side of the ball mostly with a pass rush that leaves a lot to be desired.
8.) Michigan State enters the year with high hopes. I feel like although they have a much tougher schedule than we (OSU) do they also have a little more room for error. The Spartans' week 2 game against Oregon being the key. A win or even close loss will probably be rewarded by the selection committee, at least I hope it will be. Teams should be encouraged for scheduling tough OOC opponents. Sparty returns most of the key offensive positions as well as on the defensive side. Like I said before I'm not sure why we are ranked higher than they are.
9.) South Carolina sort of reminds me of Oregon in that both are usually pretty good but have not yet won the big one. Spurrier has provided great entertainment all off-season with his fantastic media appearances and the constant Spurrier vs. Saban arguments are also great. The SEC East is about as up for grabs as it has ever been and the Gamecocks should be able to capitalize on that. SC loses some key pieces most notably Connor Shaw at QB and some guy named Jadeveon Clowney but nonetheless they should have the pieces to get through. If SC can get through the front end of their schedule unscathed or at least un-bruised they have an easy route to SEC East champions.
10.) It's hard to believe not even five years ago the Baylor Bears were the doormats of the Big-12. It just goes to show how one player can make a huge difference even in a team sport like football. Baylor has become synonymous with extremely high scoring high-octane offenses, maybe even more than Oregon. Baylor returns plenty of weapons in the offense and QB Bryce Petty should be able to continue his Winning Ways™. Of course as much as they are known for their high powered offense they are also known for their abysmal defense. It will be incumbent Oakman and Singleton to at least provide some resistance. With Texas and all their questions as well as a now Manziel less A&M, the way to a Big 12 championship Winning Season™ should be relatively easy.
No comments:
Post a Comment