My Analysis of the Preseason USA Today Coaches Poll
Posted on August 5, 2011 by Jacob Bunn
Thursday, USA Today released its preseason edition of the college football poll, which is voted on by current coaches. This poll is one of the three polls that factor into the BCS standings, so it is the most significant preseason poll.
- Oklahoma
- Alabama
- Oregon
- LSU
- Florida State
- Stanford
- Boise State
- Oklahoma State
- Texas A&M
- Wisconsin
- Nebraska
- South Carolina
- Virginia Tech
- Arkansas
- TCU
- Ohio State
- Michigan State
- Notre Dame
- Auburn
- Mississippi State
- Missouri
- Georgia
- Florida
- Texas
- Penn State
The first thing that stands out to me is how many teams on this list are from one particular conference. If this poll is to be taken as an indication, the Southeastern Conference may be on its way to its sixth consecutive championship.
Oklahoma is a solid number one. They have plenty of experience and talent. The top spot last year was, of course, occupied by the team immediately below the Sooners, Alabama. But don’t forget about that other team from the SEC West in the top five, LSU.
Everyone seems to be falling in love with Florida State, but I am not sold. I think E.J. Manuel is a good field leader to have returning. However, I don’t like the Seminole’s chances to make it through the season unscathed.
As far as Oregon goes, I think they are overrated. I don’t believe they will be the last team standing in their own conference, let alone the nation.
I guess it has become a tradition to put teams like Boise State in the top ten every year. That makes it that much easier for them to climb to the top while playing a relatively weak schedule. They will face their toughest test, though, on week one when they play Georgia.
Auburn is ranked 19th as the defending BCS Champion. That is the lowest ranking of a defending champion since the USA Today Coaches Poll began. Needless to say, there is not a lot of national confidence placed in the Tigers. But remember, there wasn’t much last year either, and we all know what happened.
Georgia is sure not getting much respect at 22nd, but such is life when you come off of a disastrous season and a losing record.
The same can be said about Texas and Florida. If any of those three teams show positive signs early (and they will have plenty of chances) they will shoot up in the polls.
Here are the teams that I think are overrated and underrated in the first USA Today Coaches Poll.
Teams that I think are overrated –
Oregon – I think this year could be a big disappointment for Duck fans with all of the hype surrounding them
Boise State – The Broncos may have a great team, but they should not start as high as seventh in front of some other teams that play much tougher schedules
Ohio State – There is way too much turmoil going on in Columbus for the Buckeyes to be in the top 20
Notre Dame – They have not proven anything yet
Teams that I think are underrated –
LSU – They should be ahead of Oregon
Arkansas – With all of the talent the Hogs have returning, there is no reason they should be behind Oklahoma State
At the end of the day, this poll is as imperfect as the next preseason poll, but it is the only one that matters.
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Email Jacob at jacob@bunnsports.com and follow him on Twitter at @JacobBunn
