It is no surprise to see the Crimson Tide top the nation once more. They are the
A.J. McCarron, Alabama |
Ohio State, Oregon, Stanford and Georgia finished off the rest of the Top 5. The Buckeyes have possibly the nation's best player in junior quarterback Braxton Miller and an easy schedule. Michigan is always a test, and Devin Gardner should be completely comfortable by then but the Buckeyes should still get a win. Oregon is a little bit agressive at No.3 in my opinion. Sure their offense will still be dangerous with the returns of sophomore Marcus Mariota, electric junior De'Anthony Thomas and tight end Colt Lyerla. But, they have to break in a new coach, their defense lost a ton of leadership and the Pac 12 North is brutal (Stanford, Washington, Oregon State). Stanford's defense should carry them to the national championship game even with a young quarterback. They should remind a lot of people of 2012 Notre Dame. Aaron Murray and coach Mark Richt have won a lot of games throughout their relationship but they have yet to break through. The team was a couple of yards away from a national championship appearance after outplaying Alabama for 60 minutes. After that loss, questions have started to emerge about Richt's ability to win big games.
Louisville settled down at the No. 9 spot, the only American Athletic team in the Top 25. They have a legitimate chance at running the table thanks to a weak conference and average non-conference schedule. It will be probably be a magical year for Louisville. Teddy Bridgewater will compete for the Heisman then be a high NFL pick. The Cardinals will cruise into a BCS bowl maybe even higher honors. And Charlie Strong, despite the fact he did just sign an extension, should get plenty of big-time offers.
I think Boise really likes the fact that they are No. 19. This is a team, that on paper, is Top 10 caliber. With the lower rating the Broncos can sneak up on people which is becoming hard considering their recent success. Senior QB Joe Southwick should improve in big ways after a mediocre first year as starter. Matt Miller is the best receiver in the Mountain West, Kellen Moore's brother, Kirby, is an exciting threat and this defense now has leadership and talent everywhere. Boise's schedule isn't a complete breeze; they do face a tough Washington team, Fresno State and a dark horse Utah State squad but they definitely have the look of a BCS buster.
Some notable teams that were snubbed from the poll include: Baylor, Kansas State, Miami, Ole Miss, Fresno State and Michigan State. Baylor has the looks of a dangerous offensive threat but their defense should take big steps. If K-State finds a quarterback, with their great receivers and proven back John Hubert they will fight for another Big 12 crown. Miami has an impressive offense led by Stephen Morris, Duke Johnson and Phillip Dorsett and is in the easy ACC Coastal Division. Ole Miss will compete even in the scary SEC thanks to the return of QB Bo Wallace, back Jeff Scott, linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche and their infamous 2013 recruiting class. Fresno will put up a lot of points with the return of Derek Carr and Davante Adams and Michigan State's defense should be stout.
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