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Way-Too-Early 2012 Preseason Top 25

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With No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama ready to decide the 2011 national champion in New Orleans on Monday night, it’s time to look ahead to 2012 for next fall’s initial Preseason Top 25. With LSU returning tons of talent on both sides of the ball and QB Matt Barkley coming back to a USC team finally eligible for bowl season, we see the Tigers and Trojans taking their talents to South Beach to settle next season’s national championship in a match-up of the top two programs of the last decade.

2012 College Football Preseason Top 25
RK 2011 Rec. Current RK COMMENT
1 13-0 1 This team is absolutely loaded for next fall with the return of CB Tyrann Mathieu, DE Sam Montgomery and all their offensive playmakers aside QBs Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee. If the QB spot is handled, expect the party to just move from Bourbon St. to South Beach.
2 10-2 NR If you thought Lane Kiffin was already unbearable, imagine if he wins a national title. No one finished the season stronger than the Trojans and the return of QB Matt Barkley makes them a favorite for the BCS Championship Game. Getting Oregon in the Coliseum is huge.
3 12-2 5 No LaMichael James, no problem. Oregon’s go-go-gadget offense will be humming with QB Darron Thomas and RBs Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas. The defense brings back a lot, which is good because they’ll need to be much better to win it all.
4 11-1 2 The Tide loses a ton but they did last year too and how’d that turn out? The offense will be fine with QB A.J. McCarron and RB Eddie Lacy but how will the defense recover from its back seven being decimated?
5 11-2 6 Those awesome WRs are gone but QB Tyler Wilson (hopefully) and stable of running backs including Knile Davis are back. If the Hogs were returning more pieces on defense, they would be ranked above Alabama.
6 10-3 14 We know, we know. We’re tired of the Sooners being overrated, too. But with QB Landry Jones back, the OU offense could be completely lights out. With Mike Stoops reportedly back as co-defensive coordinator, there’s hope OU’s defense will return to its former dominant self.
7 10-4 16 The second-half collapses against LSU and Michigan State will leave a sour taste in UGA’s mouth but it brings back virtually the entire team from this season. The last time Georgia had huge expectations in 2008, it choked like dogs. Will it happen again?
8 11-3 10 The right side of the O-line is gone and so are QB Russell Wilson, WR Nick Toon and most of the secondary. But RBs Montee Ball and James White are back and UW is an offensive line factory. The Badgers need to figure out a QB fast and revamp a defense that got shredded in its last two games.
9 10-3 8 That Cotton Bowl performance was uninspiring but K-State gets many of its key cogs back in QB Collin Klein, LB Arthur Brown, CB Nigel Malone and S Ty Zimmerman. And of course a Bill Snyder team will win three more games than it probably should.
10 11-2 9 We can hear the “S-E-C!” chants from here with another Top 10 team. There’s a big talent exodus to the NFL but the Ol’ Ball Coach has his swagger back. If RB Marcus Lattimore returns to form, the Gamecocks have a great shot at reaching the SEC Championship Game.
11 9-4 NR The 2011 season was a disappointment but the ‘Noles finished strong and the return of DE Brandon Jenkins and CB Greg Reid mean FSU could have the best defense in the NCAA. The offense, on the other hand, must seriously step up.
12 10-3 23 After a slow start, Dana Holgorsen was hitting on all cylinders to end his first season in Morgantown. The offense next season will return almost exactly intact and could be flat-out nutty. However, losing DC Jeff Casteel to Arizona would be a big blow.
13 11-2 13 It was a magical first season for Brady Hoke as UM caught every break in the book and a soft schedule. Year two includes vs. Alabama and at Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State. Yikes. Key losses on both lines hurt and QB Denard Robinson must improve his throwing.
14 11-2 18 TCU put the nation on notice with a road win at Boise State on Nov. 12. This team returns almost everyone aside LB Tank Carder and should be an offensive juggernaut led by QB Casey Pachall, RB Ed Wesley and WR Josh Boyce. Big 12 be warned.
15 10-4 15 The Jekyll-and-Hyde Tigers were laughed out of the Orange Bowl but QB Tajh Boyd, RB Andre Ellington and WR Sammy Watkins are a deadly trio. But DC Kevin Steele is on the hot seat after giving up 70 points in Miami and he loses his best player in DE Andre Branch. Doh!
16 12-1 3 It’s tough to project for a team that loses as much as the Cowboys (i.e. QB Brandon Weeden, WR Justin Blackmon) but QB Clint Chelf looks like the real deal and we know RB Joseph Randle is. Will Tracy Moore finally become the WR many expected?
17 11-3 17 The bad news? The top three WRs, QB Kirk Cousins and DT Jerel Worthy are all gone. The good news? RB Le’Veon Bell is just getting warmed up, LB William Gholston can be great and QB Andrew Maxwell looks legit. Sparty on.
18 8-5 NR The Tigers quietly closed the season very strong behind QB James Franklin but both sides of the line are getting gutted. Still, Franklin is a poor man’s RGIII and getting RB Henry Josey and WR T.J. Moe back is huge. They better be good because the SEC is going to be a bear.
19 11-3 11 The Hokies always find a way to finish near the Top 10 but RB David Wilson and CB Jayron Hosley are going pro early and QB Logan Thomas essentially returns by himself to the offense. Bud Foster’s talented defense is going to have to play out of its mind.
20 8-5 25 The Tigers would be ranked a lot higher if OC Gus Malzahn and RB Michael Dyer were still part of the program. Auburn still has plenty of talent in the cupboard, but Gene Chizik needs to find another offensive mastermind pronto.
21 8-5 NR Yes, 2011 was another overhyped season for Notre Dame and Brian Kelly is on the hot seat entering 2012. With TE Tyler Eifert and LB Manti Te’o both passing up the NFL to return to South Bend, the excuses are up. Either Tommy Rees or Andrew Hendrix must grab the QB job and run with it.
22 8-5 NR The Longhorns bumbled their way through the Big 12 but still ended up ranked and with a bowl win. The defense has too much talent to continue having huge off games and the offense has pieces if UT can finally find a quarterback.
23 7-6 NR If you hadn’t heard of QB Keith Price before the Alamo Bowl, you certainly found out during his 7 TD performance there. He’ll have to be even better without RB Chris Polk or WR Jermaine Kearse back. Hiring Justin Wilcox as DC was a steal but he’s got his work cut out for him.
24 9-4 20 Following the second straight late-season implosion, it’s anyone’s guess how the Huskers will fare in 2012. Taylor Martinez’s passing will be a huge factor in this team’s success. If he doesn’t improve, expect Nebraska to underachieve again.
25 10-3 NR After dropping two of its first three, the Cougars fell off the map. But the future is bright after winning nine of the last 10 and and the offense returning the likes of QB Riley Nelson and WRs Cody Hoffman and Ross Apo.

 

12:14 PM on 1/9/2012
  • woebegong

    ^ SEC teams out of the top 25. Darn, I think we are letting the NCAA down a little next year.

  • woebegong

    ^=6, it’s early in the morning for this ole man.

    • Chris

      Its actually 7. Don’t forget that Missouri will be in the SEC East next season.

  • Anonymous

    Where’s Penn State?

    • Anonymous

      Looking for a QB that can throw to someone other than the defense!

  • Eric

    SEVEN sec teams. Missouri will be sec next year.

  • It’s About Time

    SEC versus a Pac 12 Team that plays Defense AND can throw the Ball. SEC-USC is way overdue. Hope it happens.

    • Reality Check

      C’mon… Firswt, it’s wat too early to make these predictions. Second, USC is led by “let’s stab TN and the SEC in the back” Lane Kiffin, who’s not gonna be able to live off of his father’s coattails forever. The SEC is seeking payback for his “sudden” departure (and the theft of some TN recruits), although his departure is actually a good thing for the entire SEC. He’s a rude, underachieving bug that will coach his team right into mediocrity. Don’t they call that the “Peter Principal?”

      • @reality check

        come on! drop that $hIt already…any one of us would leave their current jobs for the one they deemed “the job”! You are kidding your self if you say you wouldn’t. besides, Saban didn’t exactly leave LSU on good terms and then he came back to SEC and BAMA. whatever! Saban is class, and he left LSU clearly in good hands as I like the Mad Hatter. Also, to call him underachieving is classles, his first season was a winning season and his second was even better. road to the championship isn’t easy
        .

  • voice of reason

    Are these the same buffoons who picked Oklahoma 1st for last year? Will Michigan State drop in the rankings when they lose to Boise State right out of the box next season? And USC? Don’t make me laugh. By how many touchdowns did Arizona State beat them again?

    • TRJNFNZ

      Voice of Reason your comments are flawed that Arizona State game was early and on the road with a young defensive team. USC has an identity on both sides of the ball and was the hottest team in the country to finish. There was no team this season that would have wanted anything to do ith Matt Barkley or this USC offense and the defense was scary also. USC would have givin Alabama a better game than LSU. This years BCS National Championship game will be PAC 12 VS BIG 10 USC vs Michigan.Look out football USC is back and you had better be shaking in your cleats.

      • JB!(((

        PAC 12 VS BIG 10 USC vs michigan. USC is back! I agree with the championship but NCAA better be shaking in there cleats about Michigan. Yah thats right michigan is gonna crush all the other teams this year including your little USC team.

  • godzilla

    Mizoo? In the top 25?? HaHaHaHa!!!!

    • Anonymous

      Only because they will join the SEC next year, otherwise they would find a way to get a different SEC team there instead.

  • adam

    @woebegong: theres actually 7 SEC teams, LSU, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, Missouri, and Auburn. Missouri is making the move from the Big 12 to the SEC this next year

  • BJ

    I think this pole is a bunch of bull how can you not add Boise State but you put TCU on there i think BSU will show up again you will see and why everybody hates BSU is beyond me or is it because they can proably beat any team in the nation.

  • BSU BANDWAGGAONER

    Are you kidding me? No Boise State in the top 25? Ok i understand they lost all of their starting defense and the most productive seinior class in NCAA history ( 50 wins) , along with >>>yes i will say it…. aguably the best QB in the nation in Kellen Moore, but come on is there no respect for coach Chris Peterson and his staff? Look the Broncos play in a crappy conferance and only play a couple of good games a year blah blah blah, i got it, ive heard all the big boy talk about how they dont belong, but You have to look way back to see them having a loosing record, yes i said it aginst BCS teams. Its truly sad that when they finally get an invite to a BCS conferance it happens to be the lack luster Big East…….Heres to the rebirth of a conferance led by Boise State. To all you haters out there……two words….PLAY US! out

  • Anonymous

    The problem is USC has to beat Oregon twice next year, or vice versa, because of the championship game. That may be tough to do.

  • Walkco

    I looked at this and did not see Boise State on the list, and said to myself…. self…. This is bull! I have watched Boise for years and they will be as strong again next year as they have been the past 10 years. They re-load every year and need to get some respect. After watching the BCS championship game I was reassured that Boise would of won that game if they would of had a chance to play in it. Both Bama and LSU teams are built up in the media and are a total joke. Look at LSU and Bamas schedule for start of the 2012 season. Can anyone say weak!!!! ESPN’s independant writers have the SEC so far up their rears they can’t see anything else.

    • Tony

      Alabama’s preseason schedule this year was a joke.

      • ANPRDP

        College football teams do not play a preseason.

  • Anonymus

    Wacko,
    FYI, Bama starts their season on a nuetral field against Michigan in 2012. Do the Smurfs play anyone of that caliber at all in 2012. Five of the above listed teams are on Bama’s schedule next year and as many are probably on LSU’s schedule. You need to get a clue and the Smurfs need to get a real schedule!

    • Walkco

      Hey Anonymus… Are they good because they are good or are they held up in the polls by the media selling them? I say play Boise and see… The problem is they will never schedule them. Look at all the Big BCS teams who had the guts to do so. Georgia last year, Virginia Tech, Oregon, and in the BCS Bowl’s, Oklahoma, TCU. Must I go on? I think the media sells a great product of how great these confrences are and how great these teams are and withholds the oppurtunity to Boise State to play them. What if Boise had been able to play someone other than TCU in 2010-11 Fiesta or was given a Bowl worthy of their efforts this last year. I watched all the games in the bowl series and honestly they were not up to Boise’s calibur of play.

      • @walco

        you were also creamed by Georgia a few years ago, I think 2005, so please you are 1-1 against the dawgs hardly anyting to brag about. Boise has had a good run, they were able to pick up a good QB in Moore, but about next year? Who is the back up?

        • tone

          Both back ups played almost the entire second half of almost every game this year.

    • Anonymous

      BSU gets Michigan State

  • Stacie

    This poll is bull, but it might be good for Boise to fly a bit under the radar. They play Michigan St. on the road for their opener, and then they have BYU for week 3. If they start 3-0, expectations will rise very fast.

  • Athletic Supporter

    Boise State is getting used to being treated this way. After beating Oklahoma in the Fiesta in 2007, they went into 2008 not ranked in the top 25. BSU probably isn’t a very talented team, but they are superbly coached and the program is well crafted to fit the personnel available. At the end of 2010, with the loss of Titus Young and Austin Pettis (to the NFL), the Broncos were expected to disappear. However, they came back with a new look and quickly established that they were among the elite college teams, once again. To leave them off this list of top College teams is incredibly disrespectful. Shame on you.

  • BUD WILLIAMS

    LSU WAS THE MOST OVERRATED TEAM THIS PAST SEASON,ALABAMA JUST SHOWED US

  • anonymous

    Say what you will about Boise State, but a team with fewer losses in 5 years than some teams on this list, should at LEAST have been included.

    • Anonymous

      *than some teams on this list this season*

    • anonymous

      *than some teams on this list this season*

    • Anon

      Boise didn’t play anybody…………

  • BSU fan

    Hahahahahah Hohohohoho Hehehehehehe…thump thump. That was me laughing my head off. This whole stanind is a complete joke.

  • OSU fan

    Where is OSU? How can you leave that team out of the top 25? They are getting Meyer and a lot back to the team. USC #2? Wow you can tell what college whoever wrote this list went to.

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