The Baker’s Dozen (Preseason)

25 is too much. If a school is ranked for the first time ever, it’s a nice accomplishment, but if it’s somewhere in the 20’s, it doesn’t really mean much. So at The Bull Gator, we’ve split the top 25 in half. Every Monday throughout the season, I will post The Baker’s Dozen, which represents who we think are the top 13 teams in the nation. Standard polling rules apply: first-place votes are in parentheses; a #1 vote earns 13 points, a #2 vote earns 12 points, and so on and so on. With that, here’s our inaugural poll:

1. Ohio State (1) 0-0 56 – Although the Buckeyes only received one first-place vote, the claimed the top spot from USC by obtaining an average position of 2.8 in the polls and a lowest ranking of only fourth. There may be anarchy if Ohio State makes it to the national championship game again, but the Buckeyes have the talent to do it. They face the #2 team in this poll in week 3, but with the game that early, it is still possible the loser could get themselves back into the national title picture by season’s end.

2. USC (3) 0-0 55 – The Trojans received the most first-place votes and definitely have the offensive firepower to make a run at the title. Led by Joe McKnight, those blue chip running backs USC has been compiling over recent years are ready to play. If key players can remain healthy, another top five finish is practically guaranteed.

T3. Oklahoma 0-0 54 – Bob Stoops has turned the Sooners into a perennial power, but since the 2000 national championship, Oklahoma has had a tough time winning the big game. There are a number of questions on defense, but Sam Bradford should help the offense put up enough points to stay in every game.

T3. Florida (1) 0-0 54 – Besides #1 and #2, the Gators were the only other team to receive a first-place vote and came in tied with Oklahoma for the third spot. With Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, and a number of other offensive playmakers returning, UF should have no trouble putting up points. The concern could be the secondary, which was shaky all of last year. The UF/UGA game is always big, but this year it could determine who might get a spot in the national title picture.

5. Georgia 0-0 46 – The Bulldogs were the final team with an average position under 5 (4.8). The favorite in most polls, Georgia has one of the toughest schedules in the nation. Although they have the luxury of starting the season at the top, games against Tennessee, LSU, Florida, and Auburn won’t make it easy for them to stay there.

6. Missouri 0-0 28 – This is where the big drop off starts due to the fact that Missouri was left off of one poll entirely. The Tigers have plenty of playmakers – led by Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin – but it’s never easy for a non-traditional power to stay great year after year.

7. West Virginia 0-0 25 – The Mountaineers have a new coach, but if their Fiesta Bowl victory last season is any indication, they’ll still be competitive. The end of the year won’t be fun for West Virginia as they face Pittsburgh and USF in their final two games – both of which could play a big part in determining the Big East champion.

8. Clemson 0-0 24 – According to everything you read, this is the year Tommy Bowden finally gets the Tigers to the top of the ACC. With James Davis and C.J. Spiller splitting time in the backfield, there’s no reason Clemson can’t keep up with anyone, but the Tigers do have a history are starting strong and flaming out.

9. Wisconsin 0-0 22 – The Badgers went 12-1 in 2006, but were overshadowed in the Big 10 by Ohio State. This year could be eerily similar. With the talent returning to Wisconsin, it’s not out of the question to think we could be looking at an 11-win team come bowl season.

10. Auburn 0-0 21 – Auburn has a favorable schedule, getting its toughest matchups – LSU, Tennessee, and Georgia – at home, meaning they have a great chance to represent the West in the SEC Championship Game. But home or away, those are tough games. Throw Arkansas, West Virginia, and Alabama into the schedule and it’s hard to imagine the Tigers being a national title contender.

11. LSU 0-0 18 – Had Ryan Perrilloux not been shown the door, the Tigers could be the top-ranked team heading into the season. LSU definitely has the defense to stay competitive, but unless one of the little-known quarterbacks steps in and surprises everyone, there’s little chance the Tigers can repeat.

12. Virginia Tech 0-0 12 – The Hokies have won at least ten games every year since 2004. With question marks on both sides of the ball, that may be harder to accomplish this year, but in the wide-open ACC anything’s possible.

13. Texas 0-0 10 – With the talent Mack Brown consistently brings to Texas, it’s hard to imagine the Longhorns not finishing in the top ten, but with the recent rise of Missouri and Kansas, it won’t be as easy as it once was.

Others receiving votes: Alabama 8, USF 8, Kansas 5, Texas Tech 4, BYU 3, Oregon 2.

Voters: The Bull Gator, KP, One-Eyed Willy, Pinto, Vanilla Bear.