8/5/2005

THE COACHES MUST BE CRAZY

The first USA Today coaches’ poll is out today, and while it contains few surprises (U$C is number one, f’rinstance), I’ve got to admit there are a couple head-scratchers. Tennessee, which finished last year at #15, is ranked #3, while Michigan has jumped from #12 to #4. Either these teams finally got rid of some of those boat-anchor starters they had last season, or you’re seeing Traditional Powers Hegemony at work.

Another true puzzlement is Alabama (6-6 last season) at #25, and Utah (12-0 last year) at #28. Since Urban Meyer is apparently worth 14 poll slots (viz. Florida’s jump from #25 to #11), I think Utah should still be ranked. Meyer is a good coach, but he didn’t play a single snap for the Utes last season. Utah lost a lot of players, I know, but still, I would have a hard time (I will have a hard time) putting Bama ahead of Utah right now.

And did Oklahoma get two slots worse through graduation? I have my doubts.

Posted by Mark @ 12:51 pm | | Permalink
This post is filed under: Sports

2 Comments »

  1. Tennessee: Impressive bowl romp (+5) + frosh QB becomes soph QB (+3) + returning 1K rusher (+1) + All-Americans on defense (+2) + defending SEC East champs (+1) = #3 preseason
    (not that I necessarily agree with the ranking…just stating the cause)

    Michigan: frosh QB & RB become sophs (+6) + ND & OSU @ home this year (+4) = #4
    (but we all know they’ll lose to Iowa)

    Alabama: tough defense + star QB returning from injury = #25

    Florida: No Ron Zook to fight frat guys (+14) = #11

    Oklahoma: Adrian Peterson returns (+3) + graduated Heisman winner (-6) + Iowa-trained head coach (+1) = two slots worse

    Comment by volpundit — 8/5/2005 @ 2:30 pm

  2. Duke got a vote? d00d!!!

    Comment by Harry — 8/5/2005 @ 9:18 pm

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