A couple of notes: this is largely based off of Mark Schlabach's way to early top 25 on ESPN.com. Also, any team that is facing a bowl ban is ineligible from being ranked (see Ohio State).
Without further ado...
11. USC Trojans. The Trojans are finally eligible
for postseason play. With nineteen starters back led by QB Matt Barkley and WR
Robert Woods, they should be the favorite to win it all.
22.
LSU Tigers. New QB Zach Mettenberger will give
the Tigers much needed offensive balance in terms of throwing the ball.
33.
Alabama Crimson Tide. The defending champs lost
a lot to the NFL. Can Nick Saban reload for another title?
44.
Oregon Ducks. LaMichael James is gone, but RB’s
Kenjon Barner and DeAnthony Thomas still give the Ducks plenty of firepower.
55.
Oklahoma Sooners. Injuries derailed the Sooners’
BCS chances last season. Landry Jones may be the best QB not named Matt
Barkley.
66.
Georgia Bulldogs. The SEC slate is easy (No LSU,
‘Bama, or Arkansas). QB Aaron Murray is the best Georgia has had since Matt
Stafford (or STAFFORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
77.
West Virginia Mountaineers. Now in the Big 12,
the Mountaineers look to score a lot of points on some weaker defenses.
88.
Florida State Seminoles. Will the real Florida
State Seminoles please stand up? If QB EJ Manuel can stay healthy, the ‘Noles
will live up to lofty expectations.
99.
South Carolina Gamecocks. RB Marcus Lattimore is
back after tearing his ACL last season.
110.
Michigan State Spartans. Defense will be the
strength of the Spartans as Andrew Maxwell takes over at QB.
111.
Michigan Wolverines. We won’t have to wait long
to see if Michigan has returned to national prominence. Season opener vs. Bama
looms large.
112.
Arkansas Razorbacks. New coach John L. Smith
inherits a team led by QB Tyler Wilson and RB Knile Davis
113.
Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers got another
transfer QB (Danny O’Brien), but it will be RB Montee Ball carrying the load.
114.
Stanford Cardinal. All that QB Brett Nottingham
has to do is replace some guy named Andrew Luck.
115.
TCU Horned Frogs. Another newcomer to the Big 12
with plenty of offensive firepower.
116.
Clemson Tigers. An offense led by QB Tajh Boyd
and WR Sammy Watkins will score a lot of points. New defensive coordinator
Brent Venables will make sure the Tigers don’t give up a lot of points
117.
Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns’ defense made
major improvements last season. The offense needs to do the same.
118.
Kansas State Wildcats. QB Colin Klein accounted
for 40 touchdowns last season. Can he sustain that success?
119.
Florida Gators. Brent Pease replaces Charlie
Weis as offensive coordinator. Will he help the Gators get back to the top of
the SEC East?
220.
Oklahoma State Cowboys. Mike Gundy chose freshman
Wes Lunt to replace Brandon Weeden at QB. Who will step up and replace Justin
Blackmon at receiver?
221.
Nebraska Cornhuskers. QB Taylor Martinez has to
improve his passing to balance with RB Rex Burkhead’s running.
222.
Virginia Tech Hokies. The Hokies have won ten
games for the last eight seasons. The defense will carry the team until the
offense gets their footing.
223.
Boise State Broncos. Chris Petersen is one of
the best coaches in the country. He faces a hefty rebuilding job if he wants to
sustain the Broncos’ success.
224.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Year 3 could be
Judgment Year for Brian Kelly. The Irish play the nation’s toughest schedule.
225.
Missouri Tigers. One of two newcomers to the
SEC. QB James Franklin will be more comfortable with a year of starting under
his belt.
