Everyone else did a list so why can’t I?
In all seriousness, without much representation out West for coverage, I like doing a list too. It definitely feels like there is some East Coast bias out there among most of the media. So we have to have some balance somewhere. However I would say the Ducks have been able to overcome most of the bias.
The Spring transfer portal window is closed. Signed recruits are on campus for the most part. I think the rosters we see today will closely resemble the rosters the top schools start Fall camp with.
I will agree pre-season rankings are relatively pointless. However it’s a talking point and just like recruiting rankings, I think it serves as more of a guideline than a truth. We see LSU, Florida, others ranked in the top ten every year only to collapse it seems like. Meanwhile there are consistently teams that get overlooked because of conference affiliation or some other factor.
This article isn’t specifically about Oregon or how I think the Ducks are being overlooked. They aren’t. We’ve pretty consistently seen them in the top five and on occasion just below but still in the top ten. I can’t really argue with a range of rankings from around 2-9 for the Ducks. We’ve got some unknowns and I understand that. As you work through this list, you’ll realize others do too.
In any event. That’s my rant. I’m only doing a top 15 simply because once you get beyond that it’s really a whole lot of guessing and just ordering schools that are minimally separated.
- Penn State – Loaded team. Tons of returning production and a high-caliber QB. September 27 is going to be something.
- Oregon – The schedule and depth is why I list Oregon here. If we admit Oregon has some question marks, like they do, we must admit the same for 3-6.
- Texas – If Arch Manning is ready, this is a really good team. If he’s average it’s still a really good team. But Texas has questions just like the rest. But Oregon’s schedule is much tougher than Oregon’s.
- Ohio State – Ryan Day will reload. But that was a super team that just left Columbus and entered the draft. Still Jeremiah Smith is the truth and the Buckeyes will be tough.
- Georgia – Kirby Smart didn’t forget how to coach. Carson Beck is an addition by subtraction. If Georgia wins 8 or more games this season, they will be battle-tested.
- Clemson – Strong QB play and a weak conference should allow Clemson to pile up wins.
- Notre Dame – Through mid-October the Irish will play: Miami, Texas A&M, Boise State and USC. If they can go 500 there, they should win out.
- Illinois – I can’t believe people aren’t talking more about what Bielema is returning this season. They really only play USC and Ohio State so they should win a lot of games.
- South Carolina – Sellers could be really good but I’m still in wait-and-see mode just a bit. Should be solid on defense.
- Alabama – Serious question, will this be enough to erase the doubt about Deboer in Bama? These guys will not tolerate 7-8 win seasons. It’s a “more” favorable schedule for the Tide.
- BYU – Don’t sleep on the Cougs. They are tough. And their toughest game is maybe Utah, Iowa State or Texas Tech… but they could win all three.
- Michigan – It all depends on what Bryce Underwood brings to the table as a true freshman. I’m not sure Michigan is a top 15 team this year. But we’ll find out early at Oklahoma in week two.
- Arizona State – Dilly Dilly. We’re all pulling for you buddy. Keep feasting on that terrible Big-12 conference.
- Florida – Billy Napier nearly got fired. And I stand by the fact they made the right choice. Florida has a lot of talent, both returning and new. They will be a tough out for anyone this season. This is my sleeper along with Illinois.
- Baylor – They play Auburn in week 1 and ASU in week 4, after that I think the Bears can win out.
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