Who Needs a Blogpoll: Week One

When last we met with RBR's post-Spring Who Needs a Blog Poll, I noted that the pre-season version was apt to have changes based on injuries, fall camp performances, and incoming players. That has proven to be very true, as some on the list have suffered serious setbacks (OSU), and others have lingering issues at crucial spots (Wisconsin, Stanford, Alabama etc.).

On to the show.

1. Florida State Seminoles: No changes here. Still best on the board, especially on the OL.

2. Oklahoma Sooners: Did Trevor Knight benefit from bad corners or is he ready to take control? I have my money on the latter.

3. A quiet fall for Michigan State is a good thing.

4. The Alabama Crimson Tide falls a spot based on a crucial injury in the secondary, lack of playmaker at RG, and that unsettled QB issue.

5. And, the Tide swaps places with Oregon, who should blow through a PAC 12 where the elite teams have new coaches or lost a ton of talent.

6. A fairly overrated UCLA swaps spots with...

7. Wisconsin. The latter can't get its act together at QB, with a former safety likely to take snaps over veteran Stave.

8. Like Alabama, LSU has issues without a settled starter at QB. Unlike Alabama, returns an elite load of proven talent at OL.

9. South Carolina gets a bump because Spurrier has rarely been this at-ease. He knows something we don't. True contender.

10. Georgia Bulldogs: the more I read from camp, and the healthier this team stays, the better they are. Will be in the mix till the end.

11. Baylor gets a bump. Lost no one of significance, but the B12 will be tougher this year.

12. Auburn takes a tumble because of Therezie's issues in an already-bad defense and the fact that the middle of that defense is absolutely crapulent. Will get outscored a few times this season.

13. Clemson Tigers: Auburn with a lake lost its offense, but the defense should be improved. Can a speed demon team slow it down and win with ball control?

14. Ohio State had literally one bright spot on offense. With Miller gone for the season, and Urbz settling with a "field general," that defense and lack of proven ground game will earn them 2-3 losses.

15. Florida stays unchanged. Win 9 or get canned is probably the motto in Gainesville. I think they get there.

16. Cincinnati Bearcats swap places with the

17. Texas Longhorns. The 'Horns have two offensive coordinators and a head coach. That's good for an extra loss.

18. Stanford Cardinal: Upon review, lost way too much on the OL, QB is still shaky, D took some pops. Still a very good team, but Oregon gets its revenge.

19. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: I simply had this team ranked too highly.

20. And I had the Iowa Hawkeyes a tad too low.

21. Mississippi State stands pat at 21, and are joined by their brethren,

22. Ole Miss. Although, I clearly hate this team and hate that coach. They are poop and will lose four-five games, one or two of which will be an "upset."

23. Still seems about right for UCF until they show they can lose their offense and still win.

24. Ditto the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who are wasting a ton of backs with inconsistency and an awful offensive scheme.

25. Houston Cougars: Had this team too high. No defense, but it may not matter with the soup cans they face.

Dropped out:

Louisville Cardinals: Will take a year for Petrino to get it together, and injuries on the OL really hurt in that offense.

Indiana Hoosiers: What was I thinking?

On the cusp:

ECU Pirates: Like Houston, only with a worse defense.

Missouri Tigers: Going to have to show me that Maty Mauk is a full time starter and the defense can be coached up to '13's standard, esp. with losses on the line.

Michigan Wolverines: Quietly could have a good year. Offense should score oodles of points with Nuss at the helm.

Any Arizona team: Both lost a ton; both could still win 8-9 games.