BAHL Revere: College Football 2013 Preseason Top 25

Alabama has an opportunity to reach a level of dominance rivaling any in the history of college football if they can capture the national championship again this season, which would be the third in a row for the Crimson Tide. In recent memory, only the run by Nebraska in 93-97 can rival the accomplishments to Crimson Tide, but winning three in row, against some stellar competition, would elevate Bama to the top of the pedestal. Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel has had a busy offseason, with his eligibility even in question, but if he can continue to play at the level we witnessed a year ago, Texas A&M could win them all. Bama is stacked, but can someone outside the SEC win the title? Perhaps. Odd are against Bama, but they have a very strong team and an easier than usual schedule. We can't wait for the action to begin! Please feel welcome to use the comment link to post your thoughts on the upcoming season.

1. Stanford

There are some big goings on out on the farm. Building upon what Jim Harbaugh began before moving on the San Francisco 49ers, Coach David Shaw has put together a team that resembles those among the best in the SEC. The Cardinal are among the nations best on the offensive line, becoming somewhat of a pipeline to the NFL. Four of five starters return, including standout guard David Yankey. While they are short on experienced skill position players, they do return Kevin Hogan at quarterback to direct a balanced attack. Stanford will be very strong on the defensive side, returning All America candidates at each level. Linebackers Trent Murphy and Shayne Skov and safeties Ed Reynolds and Jorden Richards are dynamite. Up front, Henry Anderson and Ben Gardner, all conference candidates at a minimum, return. The Cardinal defense may turn out to be the nations best. Stanford does have four game stretch beginning in late October, but Oregon comes to the farm and the Cardinal will likely be favorites in every game. They are built like an SEC team, strong in the trenches, and like to methodically take care of their own business. This team could dominate the west, and given an opportunity, match up nicely against a counterpart from the SEC in the BCS.

2. Alabama

Few teams in history can lay claim the dominance exhibited by the Alabama Crimson Tide over the last five years. Even when Auburn won the national title, Bama lost a huge lead over the Cam Newton directed Tigers or they may have had another. Alabama returns running back TJ Yeldon, quarterback AJ McCarron and wideout Amari Cooper, who as only a sophomore is getting Hall of Fame comparisons. This is Alabama, so you know the offensive line will be a strength, with Anthony Steen and Cyrus Kouandjio lead the way. Not only talented, but experienced and efficient. On the stop side, as you expect, Bama will be stout. Inside linebacker CJ Mosely and strong safety Ha Ha Clinton Dix, both preseason All Americans, anchor the defense. Landon Collins and Geno Smith make the secondary outstanding, and there are 5 star recruits everywhere ready to fight for open positions. Ed Stinson returns on the end up front, and youth is the only the only thing in the way of the defense being dominant. Everyone is picking Alabama, with good reason. The schedule is favorable, and Texas A&M is at home. Odds so strongly favor a team failing in their bid for three consecutive national titles, I do not see Bama getting it done. However, I am not sure where they may stumble, unless they look in the mirror and find a team that looks just like them in the BCS; Stanford.

3. Oregon

Although Chip Kelly has left for the Philadelphia Eagles, Oregon remains a team with a lethal offense and underrated defense that is a legitimate challenger for the national title. For the Quack Attack, it begins on offense. Three starters return on the offensive line, but it is the skill positions where Oregon excels. Marcus Mariota, who performed in excellent fashion a year ago, is back at quarterback to direct the attack, equally lethal via air or ground. All the starters are back on the perimeter, and explosive De'Anthony Thomas is back at running back, as is Byron Marshall. A track meet to be sure. The secondary is young, but returns intact led by corner Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. Taylor Hart anchors the edge up front. The Ducks will outscore most, and will challenge for PAC 12 if not national titles; however, they must travel to Stanford. Oregon could not get that in Eugene last year, and odds are not on their side in a road contest. Everyone else had better tighten up those cleats.

4. Georgia

Georgia will welcome perhaps the most explosive offense in the country this season, one that should propel the Dawgs to a rematch with Alabama in the SEC Championship game. Aaron Murray returns to direct the offense, which returns four starters up front. This should produce a strong running game, as Georgia has perhaps the best running back tandem in the land, Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, affectionately tabbed Gurhsall in remembrance of the great Herschel Walker. Georgia can throw it with the best of them, with Murray set to attack the Georgia record books in addition to opposing defenses. Michael Bennett will return at receiver, to enhance this potent offensive unit. On the stop side, the Dawgs lost a ton of talent, and this is an area of concern Even with all the NFL talent on the stop side a year ago, the unit did not always play to their talent. Georgia does have a starter returning at each level of the defense, with Damian Swan leading the secondary. Outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins is an emerging star to keep an eye on. Georgia has it real rough early, and could be looking at a 1-3 start if the defense fails to gel early. The opener at Clemson may dictate the season, with South Carolina coming to Athens the following week. If Georgia starts 4-0, very possible with their high flying offensive unit, a chance at the national title is in reach.

5. Texas A&M

With Johnny Football arriving in College Station, 2012 was quite a special season for Texas A&M. Capitalizing upon that success, found with the combination of new Coach Kevin Sumlin and Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, a banner recruiting class was hauled in and expectations are high. The Aggies hammered Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl, and although losses on both sides of the ball were suffered, playing for a national title is a legitimate expectation. It all starts with Manziel, who accounted for over a mind boggling 5000 yards and led the conference in rushing as a redshirt freshman quarterback, and that is the good and bad news. Perhaps a talent not seen in decades, Manziel can do it all and has plenty of weapons at his disposal. Ben Malena returns at running back, and Mike Evans is a quality wideout. All America left tackle Jake Matthews returns to anchor the line. Three of the top five tacklers return, but the 2013 version of the Wrecking Crew is young. Davonte Harris is an emerging star patrolling the secondary. Given Manziel, A&M will score plenty to allow the stop troops to get settled. If Manziel picks up where he left off, if A&M can win at Alabama, look out. But Johnny Football has been on a celebrity tour making our Celebrity in Chief president jealous. There are potential eligibility issues surrounding some autographs, and numerous other false starts and tabloid fuel which have enveloped Manziel. There is too much fire there to think he is focused enough on the pigskin to take the Aggies to the top, but then again, maybe he is. If Manziel is able to elevate his game this season, look out; but Alabama is waiting.

6. Ohio State

The Buckeyes are thought of by many as the main candidate to take out Alabama and end the SEC dominance. Historically, in the second season of an Urban Meyer tenure as head coach, great things have occurred, inclusive of Florida winning the title. Meyer guided a probation shackled team to an undefeated season in 2012, fueling the optimism for 2013. While there were some great moments, punishing Nebraska and dumping Wisconsin and Michigan, there were some very close games against inferior foes, leaving questions. The Buckeyes are loaded with talent, and that starts with Braxton Miller at quarterback. Miller is dynamic, and he has plenty of tools to work with. Carlos Hyde, who may face some suspension, is back at tailback and the starters at wideout return. The offensive line returns four starters, and will be a strength. Linebacker Ryan Shazier and cornerback Bradley Robey, also potentially facing some suspensions, are All America candidates. The secondary is strong, but the line, although emerging talent, is young and inexperienced. The Buckeyes have the offense to blister the Big Ten, but can the stop troops take them to the next level? Although the schedule is favorable save the trip to Ann Arbor, everyone will take Ohio State seriously this season. Although we find those ranking Ohio State highly to start the season supported, we do not see them making through the season without a loss, or two.

7. Florida State

Florida State will again be one of the most talented teams in country, and once again the expectations are lofty. For the first time in many moons, the Seminoles will be breaking in a new quarterback. Jameis Winston, and Elite 11 winner, starred in the spring game after doubling as a outfielder and relief pitcher for the 'Noles on the diamond, and his performance seemed to cement him as the starter. Make no mistake; Winston has all the tools, and perhaps his strongest current attribute is his calm demeanor, which will be helpful as Winston travels the learning curve. Winston has a lethal offense to work with. The offensive line, led by Tre Jackson, returns four starters with over 100 cumulative starts. A slew of versatile running backs, led by James Wilder, Jr and Devonta Freeman, join an elite receiving core led by Rashad Greene, giving Winston the framework to grow. On defense, there were significant losses, however the Seminoles will again employ a gifted unit. Lamarcus Joyner moves back from safety to corner, to anchor the unit. Ronald Darby, Nick Waisome and Karlos Williams also return. Timmy Jernigan anchors the interior, with Mario Edwards, Jr on the end. New coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who came over from Alabama, wants to turn the unit loose to run, and linebacker Christian Jones should reap benefits. However, it is Telvin Smith that may become the real star of the unit, as he is always nearby the ball. A case can be made, should FSU win at Clemson, that the Seminoles could find themselves in the title game. However, FSU has shown a tendency to play down to levels of their opponent, and have dropped games in consecutive seasons, UVA at home in 2011 and at NC State in 2013, which mirror each other as games the Seminoles dominated but could not finish. Until Florida State exhibits that they will stand on the gas every play, they cannot be trusted, even if they win at Clemson. We will find out together, although Winston is the real deal and a special player.

8. South Carolina

Steve Spurrier has taken South Carolina to heights previously not reached, and although George Rogers won the 1980 Heisman Trophy, the Gamecocks have never had a talent the likes of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney, a bonafide Heisman candidate in his own right, is as dominating player on the defensive line of scrimmage since Hugh Green of Pitt in 1980, who interestingly enough, finished second in the Hesiman vote to the aforementioned Rogers. Although Clowney, who if healthy will no doubt be the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, will be double and triple teamed, opposing offenses will be unable to prohibit him from being a disruptive force. The front seven suffered significant losses, but tackle Kelcy Quarles is back to solidify the front.Victor Hampton anchors a stout secondary. Connor Shaw returns at signal caller, providing needed stability at that position. Bruce Ellington, who doubles on the hardwood, is an elusive wideout, and four talented starters return up front. The Gamecocks kick off the season for all of us on opening Thursday night hosting a dangerous North Carolina team, then follow with a trip to Georgia. Florida and Clemson come to Columbia late, so the schedule is favorable for a deep run at a championship. Some have USC higher, some lower, but it looks like the middle as that trip to Georgia seems daunting, and Clemson is improved.

9. Clemson

Clemson overcame some serious demons in defeating LSU in the Chik-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta last year, a game in which Tiger Coach Dabo Swinney said "we fought for every blade of grass out there". The Tigers indeed did, showing some intestinal fortitude not previously displayed by Clemson. With a potent offense returning, will the Tigers be able to turn the corner and win a conference, and yes, even a national title? Quarterback Tajh Boyd, who threw for almost 4000 yards with 36 TDs versus 13 INTS, returns to direct what should be a high scoring unit. The dangerous Sammy Watkins is back at wideout, a threat to hit paydirt with every touch. Andre Ellington has departed the backfield, but Rod McDowell is ready to step in. Four returning starters up front, led by Brandon Thomas, will certainly be a bonus to both the running and passing games. Vic Beasley is an emerging star at defensive end to compliment an experienced front line. Talented safety Travis Blanks leads an inexperienced back seven on defense, which could leave the Tigers vulnerable during the growth stages. Given the explosiveness of the offense, the defense may not need to be stellar. but for Clemson to take the championship step, it will have to step it up a notch. FSU has not won in Death Valley in over a decade, so the ACC at a minimum is within reach. Finding a way to beat South Carolina, who had manhandled the Tigers in recent years, is also a priority, and a victory that could put Clemson in high places.

10. Texas

It is hot in Texas. Three years removed from losing to Alabama in the national title game, the Longhorns have slid to a level of mediocrity. This may have been acceptable in the past, but not during these times among 'Horn Nation, which places longtime Coach Mack Brown on the hot seat. Three straight uncompetitive losses to OU does not help on little bit. The time is now for Brown and the Longhorns, and thankfully, 19 starters return. Quarterback David Ash has had his moments, good and bad, but did show some growth down the stretch, which included a bowl win over a good Oregon State team. Jonathan Gray is ready for a breakout year at tailback, and Jordan Shipley returns as the primary air target although Mike Davis is a real weapon for UT. All five lineman return, not including tight end M.J. McFarland, giving the offense a platform of stability to work from. The Horns are stacked in the front seven, ked by DE Jackson Jeffcoat. Qunadre Diggs and Carrington Byndom lead the secondary. The linebacking core is short experience but returns talent. The schedule is favorable as OU is down a notch while Ole Miss and Okie State come to Austin. The Horns close at Baylor, but an undefeated season is not out of the question. At any rate, Texas will be much, much better in 2013.

11. Nebraska

It was an up and down season for the Cornhuskers in 2012. The Big Red won their division, reeling off several come from behind wins along the way, including at Michigan State and Northwestern. However, UCLA ran over Nebraska in Pasadena and Ohio State and Wisconsin badly exposed every defensive weakness Nebraska had in blowout wins. Georgia torched the 'Huskers in the Capital One Bowl as well. Given Coach Bo Pelini is considered a defensive guru, this is quite puzzling. For Nebraska to take the next step, winning more than 9 games and reaching the BCS, the defense is where the improvement is necessary. The 2013 unit is short on experience, but not talent. Jason Ankrah returns at end, but new inexperienced, but talented, players make up the line. The linebacking core was depleted by graduation, but there are fast playmakers stepping in, including David Santos, Zaire Anderson and Jared Afalava, who the coaches love. Ciante Evans leads an experienced secondary, and Stanley Jean-Baptiste has all star capability. The Blackshirts do not need to be stellar, because Nebraska will field among the nations most explosive offensive units. All Big Ten QB Taylor Martinez, equally lethal at running or passing and rewriting the position record book in Lincoln, returns to direct the show. Ameer Abdullah is among the nations top tailbacks, and the 'Huskers have a very underrated receiving core, led by honors candidate Kenny Bell. The 'Huskers return three up front, led by G Spencer Long. If Nebraska beats UCLA at home early, the table could be set to run. The Big Red will have to win at Michigan, and would like another crack at Ohio State, perhaps in the Big Ten title game, following last seasons embarrassing performance. It will be hard for anyone to outscore the Big Red.

12. Louisville

Coach Charlie Strong has been quietly building something at The Ville, now crowned the nations top athletic department. Louisville struggled in some games last season, including late losses to Syracuse and UConn, where injuries were important factors. All healed up, the Cards laid a whipping on Florida in the Sugar Bowl, and provided an opportunity for brilliant signal caller Teddy Bridgewater to showcase his talent. Bridgewater is the man, and Louisville will go as far as he take them. The top receivers return as do three interior lineman. Micheal Dyer, the former standout running back at Auburn, has landed at Lousiville and is ready to perhaps become a difference maker. At least two starters at each level of the defense return, with safety Calvin Pryor the top honors candidate. Before moving to the ACC in 2014, Louisville will play in what remains of the Big East, the AAC, and given Bridgewater is healthy, will be favored in every game. Even if they win them all, the BCS title game seems unreachable, but Strong, after signing a well deserved big time contract extension, is building for the future as the Cardinals move to the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2014.

13. Florida

Last season, it seemed the Florida Gators would have to depend on an always stout defensive unit in order to challenge for the SEC title, and certainly, the Gators had their moments. Coupled with the emergence of Jeff Driskell at quarterback and a strong running game, the Gators dumped A&M, LSU, bombed South Carolina and won at Florida State. They fell just short vs. Georgia and landed in the Sugar Bowl, where they laid another egg and got slapped around by Louisville. Although there is an abundance of talent, the defensive unit lacks experience. Honors candidate Dominique Easley returns at end, but he may move inside. Ronald Powell, a five star recruit, will handle one end while Dante Folwer, Jr., who burst upon the scene a year ago and is very special, will team to give the Gators a potentially dominant front. Antonio Morrison will lead the linebacking core, but some run ins with the law may keep him off the field to some degree. Talented and fast corner Loucheiz Purifoy will anchor the secondary. Purifoy may also play offense in an effort to boost the receiving core, which is short on playmakers, Quentin Dunbar and Marcus Robertson return, but the door is open for a true freshman to contribute. Coaches love Matt Jones at tailback, but he has been slowed by a viral infection as fall camp opened. The versatile Trey Burton will be a highly utilized flex player. The line is a strength, anchored by tackle DJ Humphries. Nebraska transfer Tyler Moore figures to start as well. Driskell will have to carry the team on offense and find the skill people to put points on the board, and as usual, the defense will be asked to carry the load, which does not figure to have them reach the SEC title.

14. Oklahoma State

The quarterback battles are in the past in Stillwater, and that is not good news for opponents on the 2013 slate. The Cowboys will be as potent as anyone offensively, with Clint Chelf at signal caller. Josh Stewart returns to lead a lethal receiving core and Jeremy Smith is in at tailback. Three lineman return, but the quick release attack need little time to roll up the yardage on opposing defensive units. DT Calvin Barnett leads a defensive unit that underachieved a season ago, but coaches have adjusted schemes in an effort to help out. The secondary returns three, but got torched on occasion in 2012. Given the points OSU is expected to put up, the defense should have time to gel. OSU will get by Mississippi State in the opener and may be 10-0 before traveling to Texas. OU then comes to Stillwater, so the Big XII is a very realistic goal for the Cowboys. Some preseason polls have them ranked quite high, with Athlon and Phil Steele placing them 6 and 8 respectively. We sense them too short on the stop side to justify that high of ranking, but they can and will score plenty of points.

15. LSU

There is little doubt this season will be interesting in Baton Rouge. Of course, the Tigers are among the most talented teams in all the land, but LSU suffered staggering losses on the defensive side of the ball, the foundation of all their recent success. Lamin Barrow, the top tackler from a year ago, returns, but he is one of only three starters back. Craig Loston is back to patrol the secondary, and Anthony Johnson is an honors candidate at defensive tackle. While young and talented, this unit does not appear to be one capable of dominance, at least early on. So, it will depend on the offense, and not withstanding all the success, the unit is really in search of an identity. Zach Mettingberger, the Georgia transfer, returns at quarterback after a solid season in 2012. Jeremy Hill is back at running back, but could be impacted by some legal isues. Odell Beckham is an honors candidate at receiver and the hope is to expand his utilization. Cam Cameron has come over to direct the offense, but few expect the scoreboard to light up. LSU will try to run the ball, and three lineman return, with center Elliott Porter emerging as a potential star. An opener against TCU in Dallas is dangerous, and the schedule includes road trips to Georgia and Alabama with Florida and the Texas Aggies coming to Death Valley. The talent at LSU cannot be discounted, but this has the look of a rebuilding year for the Tigers.

16. Notre Dame

On the heels of playing for the national title a year ago, expectations were sky high for the Irish coming into the 2013 season. But, over the summer we learned that talented quarterback Everett Golson has become academically ineligible. That hurts, but the Irish are able to turn to Tommy Rees, who is reliable and can win games. George Atkinson III gets the shot at running back, and the receiving corps are very experienced. Zach Martin leads the O-Line, which returns three starters. The defensive front for Notre Dame is excellent, with Louis Nix at nose tackle and Stephon Truitt at defensive end. Both players are All America candidates. Emerging young talent, inclusive of Ishaq Williams at linebacker and KeiVarae Russell in the secondary, will get better with time to help bolster what should be a strong unit. The Irish got a lot of breaks last year, and the loss of Golson is significant to not only the on the field play, but the mindset. Catching Michigan early helps a rough schedule, and a trip to Arizona State after hosting Oklahoma spooks, but the Irish are ascending as a program and are a definite threat to win 10 games and figure prominently in the bowl selections.

17. Oklahoma

Although they have been pounding arch rival Texas in recent seasons, Oklahoma has been regressing. Not from a talent perspective, from the ability to translate the talent to grid iron success. The Sooners seem a bit soft. I had them ranked highly last fall, but they failed to reach lofty levels once again. Then, in the Cottton Bowl versus Texas A&M, they got it handed to them in embarrassing fashion. Now, Landry Jones is gone and OU will begin a new era at signal caller. Eight starters return on offense with Blake Bell taking over at quarterback. Damien Williams, if healthy, is outstanding at tailback while OU has Jalen Sanders and Sterling Sheppard back at wideout. Four lineman return, including outstanding center Gabe Ikard, giving the Sooners help as Bell gets comfortable. Linebacker Corey Nelson and corner Aaron Colvin are returning honors candidates on defense, but only one other starter returns. Up front, the Sooners are depleted which is an issue. Frank Shannon is an emerging honors candidate at linebacker, but this unit is suspect, particularly by Sooner standards, and does not bode well against some of the high flying offenses in the Big XII.

18. UCLA

Jim Mora, Jr. has things going at Westwood, primarily evidenced by knocking off the crosstown Trojans. UCLA, with a frosh signal caller, got off to a fast start rolling Nebraska in LA, but inconsistency hit the Bruins, and the thumping they took at Cal was a real head scratcher. Expectations are high for this talented team. Brett Hundley, brilliant on occasion last fall, is back at quarterback and a bevy of running backs return in hopes of replacing James Franklin. Shaq Evans is a real talent at wideout. Four starters return up front, including honors candidate Xavier Su'a-Filo at guard, but there were issues there a year ago and improvement is needed. Linebackers Ed Kendricks and Anthony Barr will anchor and experienced defensive unit, with Cassius Marsh back at end. While the front seven is a strength, the secondary is shaky, magnified with potential All America safety Tevin McDonald having been kicked off the team. An early trip to Lincoln will be informative, and back to back road trips to Stanford and Oregon spell trouble. But, UCLA is talented and improving, and if they can establish consistency, who knows. Looks like 3 losses before facing USC perhaps for a berth in PAC 12 title game.

19. Miami

Is Miami back? No. But the Hurricanes under Al Golden are quietly making progress and will field a good football team this fall, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Stephen Morris is back at quarterback after throwing for over 3300 yards a year ago. The receiving core returns six of the top eight receivers and welcomes back running back Duke Johnson, who could challenge for All America honors. The entire line returns, inclusive of highly regarded T Sentreal Henderson. Miami will be hard to stop. It is on the defensive side of the ball which houses the concerns. An emerging playmaker from a year ago, linebacker Eddie Johnson, was dismissed from the team. Although a bit undersized, Anthony Chickillo is a player at end. Denzel Perryman and Shayon Green, the two top tacklers, return to form a solid linebacking core. It should be noted; however, that the 'Canes gave up over 30 points in eight of their twelve games a year ago, so the unit needs to step it up. Even still, the schedule is favorable, only road tilts at UNC and Florida State seem troublesome, and Miami should win their division. If the Hurricanes can use an experienced offense to pull an early upset over visiting Florida, the table could be set for some special things as the season progresses.

20. Northwestern

Quietly, Northwestern has emerged into a stable and solid football team capable of winning some big games. Ask Mississippi State, who the Wildcats pummeled in the Gator Bowl. The Wildcat offense, behind underrated quarterback Kain Coulter, should be outstanding. While the line returns only two starters, led by center Brandon Vitabile, all the skill people return to form what should be considered a potent offense. The linebacking core is experienced, and Nick VanHoose leads a secondary which returns three starters. Northwestern also has a very good kicking game and a very dangerous return guy in Venric Mark. Northwestern won at Nebraska two years ago where they return in 2013. The 'Cats gave one away at Michigan last year, but welcome the Wolverines and Michigan State to Evanston. In early October, NW hosts Ohio State and goes to Wisconsin. If they can go 1-1, they have a good chance to win at least 9 games. Coach Pat Fitzgerald has these guys going in the right direction, and given the offensive prowess, we would not count them out.

21. Southern Cal

It has the feel of a pivotal year at Southern California with ramifications on Coach Lane Kiffins future with the team hanging in the balance. The Trojans, pre-season #1 in many a poll a year ago, stumbled badly, finishing 7-6 after getting smothered by Georgia Tech in The Sun Bowl. Given the talent on hand, this is really inexcuseable. Although Matt Barkley is gone, the offense seems to be a strength. Matt Wittek played fairly well in place of an injured Barkely late in the year and should show improvement this fall. Penn State transfer Silas Redd is back at tailback, and an honors candidate. The best receiver in college football, Marquise Lee, is back at wideout. Four lineman, and tight end Xavier Grindle, return, and points should not be an issue. On the stop side, the front seven is experienced and strong, led by DE Morgan Breslin, giving USC a solid nucleus. The secondary, green and in flux, will need to come together quickly under a new DC. The schedule is favorable, as the Trojans miss Oregon and get Stanford and UCLA at home, traveling to Notre Dame. The Trojans are loaded with talent, but questions surround for a myriad of reasons, which is why some rank USC in the top ten and others have them perhaps out of bowl consideration. We got them just outside the top twenty.

22. Michigan

Dennard Robinson is gone, but the song remains the same for Michigan. Devin Gardner, who stepped in an injured Robinson, played well after a shaky start. The coaches rave about Gardner, who may have to carry to Wolverines offensively. Fitzgerald Toussaint returns after breaking his leg, but is he the same player he once was? Jeremy Gallon is an honors candidate at receiver, but proven depth behind him is lacking. All American Taylor Lewan anchors the line, which only returns two starters. Leading tackler Jake Ryan was expected to spearhead the defensive unit, but he blew out a knee and is lost for the 2013 campaign. Frank Clark at DE will now fill that role, although with only three starters returning, the unit is short on experience. Desmond Morgan at linebacker could challenge for conference honors. The schedule is most favorable for Michigan. Notre Dame comes to Ann Arbor, as does Nebraska. Michigan goes to East Lansing, but hosts Ohio State. The trip to Northwestern is huge, but Michigan may be favored in every game until hosting Ohio State. Even still, it seems the Wolverines are a year away from making some real noise.

23. Michigan State

Although there are bright spots, the Spartans do not bring an experienced team into 2013. Andrew Maxwell returns at quarterback, but he has had a pedestrian performance and the offense has failed to keep up with a smothering defensive unit. Stud running back LeVeon Bell is gone, and it looks like running back by committee. The receivers were marginal a year ago, and must step up. The line, as usual, is strong, led by Skylar Burland. The defense has holes, but has two potential All America players in linebacker Max Bullough and corner Darqueze Dennard. Denicos Allen also returns at linebacker, as do both safeties. But up front, there is work to be done in replacing William Gholston. The coaches like Lawrence Thomas. The Spartans miss Wisconsin and Ohio State and get Michigan at home, but do travel to Notre Dame, Nebraska and Northwestern. While the defense is rock solid, the offense has question marks which are not adequately answered.

24. Baylor

Nick Florence, a high quality signal caller in his own right, did a fine job in taking the helm of the wide track attack of the Baylor offense after Heisman winner Robert Griffin III departed. Now Florence must be replaced, but the coaches say Bryce Petty is more than capable of taking the torch. Petty will have an experienced unit to work with. Two lineman, and tight end Jordan Navjar return, but much of the skill talent returns. This includes running back Lache Seastrunk, who will challenge for All America honors. Tevin Reese and Levi Norwood are back at wideout, so expect Baylor to score points a plenty. Defense was a sore spot in 2012 for Baylor, giving up over 40 six times. Given that, you had better have a heck of an offense. But, the group improved late and had a good outing against an explosive UCLA team in the Holiday Bowl. Bryce Hager led the Big XII in tackles a year ago, and Joe Williams leads the secondary. With eight starters back, the unit should be much improved. The Bears schedule allows room for growth. A trip to Kansas State comes early, but the 'Cats are breaking in a new signal caller. OU and Texas come to Waco, but the Bears do go to Stillwater against what many believe is the conference favorite. Baylor can score, and in the Big XII, anything can happen.

25. Georgia Tech

After losing a squeaker in the opener to Va. Tech and a wild overtime loss to Miami, in one of the most laughable upsets a year ago, Georgia Tech got pushed around and whipped, at home, by Middle Tennessee State. You read that correctly. That got the defensive coordinator fired, appropriately so. After that, Tech still got whipped a few times but things started to come together a bit defensively. Although they were pounded at Georgia, the Jackets played FSU tough in the ACC title game and thumped a lackluster Southern Cal in the Sun Bowl. Sixteen starters return and there is reason for optimism. Although QB Tevin Washington is gone, the coaches love the two players in line to replace him, inclusive of the favorite, Vad Lee. Only one wideout returns, which would be a glaring weakness if Tech threw the ball. That is not their game; running the ball is, and Tech is stacked at running back. More importantly, four lineman return. On defense, the Yellow Jackets seem poised for improvement. Jabari Hunt Days and Quashawn Nealy are standout linebackers while Jamal Gordon is the leader in the secondary. Former backer Jerimiah Attaochu will move to end, and the Jackets may sting some folks on defense under new DC Ted Roof. Somebody between Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Virginia Tech is going to emerge, and we think it is the Yellow Jackets.

POTENTIAL BREAKTHROUGHS: North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Oregon State, Boise State, Wisconsin, Texas Christian, Fresno State, Kansas State, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Penn State, Northern Illinois and Washington.

ASCENDING: Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, North Carolina, Washington and Georgia Tech.

DESCENDING: Missouri, NC State, Kansas State, West Virginia, Iowa, Arkansas, Boston College and Wisconsin.

2013 Preseason All America Team

OFFENSE

Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

WR Marquise Lee, USC

WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson

WR Amari Cooper, Alabama

TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington

OL Jake Matthews, Texas A&M

OL Taylor Lewan, Michigan

OL Cyril Richardson, Baylor

OL James Hurst, North Carolina

OL David Yankey, Stanford

QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M

RB Todd Gurley, Georgia

RB T. J. Yeldon, Alabama

RB Lache Seastrunk, Baylor

DEFENSE

JaDeveon Clowney, South Carolina

OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA

DE JaDeveon Clowney, South Carolina

DT Louis Nix, Notre Dame

DT Anthony Johnson, LSU

DT Will Sutton, Arizona State

DE Stephen Truitt, Notre Dame

OLB Telvin Smith, Florida State

ILB Max Bullough, Michigan State

ILB Chris Borland, Wisconsin

ILB CJ Mosley, Alabama

CB Bradley Roby, Ohio State

S Ed Reynolds, Stanford

DB Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State

S Ha Ha Clinton Dix, Alabama

CB Jason Verrett, Texas Christian

SPECIALISTS

P Richie Leone, Houston

PK Cairo Santos, Tulane

KR De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon

NC Jameis Winston, Florida State

*As this poll is released, there are questions surround the eligibilty of Texas Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel, who is under investigation for potentially accepting money for signing autographs. Could that open the door for South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney to win the Heisman?