Folks, I am really behind the 8-ball this year and struggling to get it anywhere near the corner pocket. Feels more like the side pocket, really. And even though we know that's a bigger pocket, it's often a harder shot, mentally - at least for me. But this isn't pool we are talking about, it is college football that gets it's 2005 season underway this very evening, highlighted by the 'ol ball coach (Read: Steve Spurrier at South Carolina for those not acquainted with SEC football) trying to get things off to a good start against UCF. George O'Leary might have a thing or two to say about that, and I find myself rooting for Mr. Vietnam Vet far more than I ever have before. I imagine Easy Rider is as well. By the way - you still out there, my friend? I hope you got the kid home and safe and all is going well. Congrats are very late, but congrats all the same.
My preseason poll this year is far too scientific and no where near as in-depth as I would like to do. But events of late have kept me from being able to devote the time to it that I might like. First, the recent trip getting my sister back home to Georgia from the West Coast sapped much of my late August energy and time. And then to come home (from New Orleans no less) and find that Hurricane Katrina has wiped out much of what I just drove through...well, let's just say that my thoughts are in a different place right now.
I have still given the preseason rags the once over and tried to form a good concensus from them as to who best represents the top 25 teams in college football as the season begins. I have used both the AP and Coaches poll (now showing who among them has voted), as well as The Sporting News, Street & Smiths, Athlon Sports, College Football News, and Sports Illustrated to average out the best top 25 I could. My knowledge of schedules and teams is woefully inadequate at the moment. It is something I will need to spend much time on during the season. But I still think it comes out to be a solid list, and those of you that disagree, you are always free to let me know why...with good explanation of course - no, "You 'stoopid' moron...how could you rank so and so above that team. You stink!" I'll take all the comment I can get, but only if there is solid argument behind it.
So, with that caveat out of the way, let's take a look at the teams that comprise my first top 25 of the current college football season:
- USC
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Michigan
- Oklahoma
- LSU
- Ohio State
- Virginia Tech
- Miami
- Florida
- Iowa
- Georgia
- Florida State
- Louisville
- Purdue
- Auburn
- California
- Arizona State
- Texas A&M
- Boise State
- Virginia
- Pittsburgh
- Texas Tech
- Georgia Tech and Alabama
- Fresno State
You'll notice I have an extra team above. I thought, and it ended up that way, that Georgia Tech and Alabama seem awfully close in talent this year. I could have designated one 24 and one 25, but thought it unfair to do so. Thus Fresno State gets the last spot, just inching out teams such as Boston College, Utah and Colorado.
Also, there are some changes to take stock of this year, mostly that Boston College moves over to the ACC and they begin their divisional play, and that Louisville moves to the Big East, and I've no doubt, will dominate. Is it possible to trade Louisville for Vanderbilt in the SEC?
Georgia begins this weekend with a tough game against Boise State. If they win it, they score major points in the media (and fan's eyes.) If they lose...well, there is the season right there. The Dawgs still have to face yearly headaches Florida and Tennessee (both highly ranked) but also decent Auburn and GA Tech teams. Further, three of the four are on the road (or as much as the cocktail party can be considered "on the road.") We'll see if D.J. Shockley made the right decision to wait behind David Greene. I'll say this - we will be running the ball this year. And I look forward to seeing if it works.
But mostly, I look forward to autumn, which means that the temp gets crisper and the football starts flying through the air. Plus, there is always the baseball post-season to look forward to...if the Braves make it. But this post is about football. Look over the list and tell me what you think. And stop by weekly throughout the season and see how it progresses. One thing about this yearly preseason poll is that it lets me know my blogging birthday is coming up (near the end of the month.) Until then...Go Dawgs!!! Sick 'em!!! Woof, woof, woof!!! That is all.
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