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My preseason AP Top 25 ballot and Big East preseason poll
Posted Jul 31, 2010 by Scott Carter
Updated Jul 31, 2010 at 08:54 PM
The start of college football season is nearly upon us, and you know what that means: time to roll out the preseason polls and predictions.
For the first time, I’ll be one of 60 sportswriters and sportscasters from around the country serving on The Associated Press college football poll board and will cast a Top 25 ballot weekly.
Per Tampa Tribune policy, I will disclose my ballot each Sunday here on the blog in the interest of full disclosure and, of course, to hopefully spark some debate.
The preseason poll is set for release Aug. 21, and the first regular-season poll will be released on Tuesday, Sept. 7, because of Monday night games. Every other poll will be released on Sunday through the end of the regular season.
The preseason ballot is due Sunday and here is how I voted:
1. Alabama
2. Boise State
3. Ohio State
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida
6. Nebraska
7. Iowa
8. TCU
9. Texas
10. Wisconsin
11. Miami
12. USC
13. Virginia Tech
14. Florida State
15. Pittsburgh
16. Arkansas
17. Auburn
18. Oregon
19. LSU
20. Penn State
21. Connecticut
22. North Carolina
23. Oregon State
24. Utah
25. Georgia Tech
Also, the Big East Football Media Day is Tuesday in Newport, Rhode Island. During the event, the Big East will release its preseason poll.
Here is my ballot:
1. Connecticut
2. Pittsburgh
3. West Virginia
4. Cincinnati
5. USF
6. Rutgers
7. Louisville
8. Syracuse
Why Connecticut? The Huskies return eight starters on each offense and defense, and head coach Randy Edsall is considered by many league insiders as the conference’s best coach.
And I also took this into account: UConn faces Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Cincinnati all at home in second half of season.
Now that you know how I voted, let me know how you would have voted.
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Reader Comments
Por (Ken) on August 01, 2010 (Suggest removal)
I wish they wouldn’t do pre-season polls. They are totally meaningless, but serve to fix impressins that continue to have weight throughout the season. Polling should start maybe 4-6 weeks into the season, when there’s been enough football played that the rankings are based on actual on-field playing.
Suggest removalPor (Ken) on August 01, 2010 (Suggest removal)
I see you have UConn winning the conference, but Pittsburgh ranked above them in the poll. I guess that’s possible if they both end up with one conference loss.
Suggest removalPor (Dan Alatorre) on August 01, 2010 (Suggest removal)
Preseason rankings are just a way to say what teams were really good last year, and have a lot of returning starters and coaches, but not much good for abything else. I think the polls should start after about 4 weeks (but then everyone would just schedule 4 cupcakes) or halfway through the season - that’s when they start to take on some meaning. But it still takes a lot of effort to research each team and rank them at this point, if you are trying to give your best assessment. I recognize and appreciate that.
Suggest removalPor (Hector Jimenez) on August 01, 2010 (Suggest removal)
Scott….congrats on the AP vote!
According to you we will be playing four top 25 teams. That is good and bad, I hope we at least win one or split. Yikes!
I see your #2 team having a long fall after their date with VT…..won’t be part of any NC discussion after that loss. Personally, I like that their sked is too soft to be even considered for the title game, even if they were to beat VT (don’t think they will).
Here is my BE poll:
1. PITT (6-1)
Suggest removal2. UConn/WVU (5-2)
4. UC (4-3)
5. RU/USF (3-4)
7. UofL/SU (2-5)
Por (Tim442) on August 01, 2010 (Suggest removal)
WVU
Suggest removalPITT
USF
Uconn
Cincy
Rutgers
L’ville
Syracuse
Por (Scott Carter) on August 01, 2010 (Suggest removal)
Ken—The AP poll is definitely a starting point, hence Pitt ahead of Connecticut. Big East poll is how I predict they’ll finish. With those three home games late, UConn has an advantage.
Hector—Boise State vs. VT should be a great season opener. I studied Boise they have as much talent as anyone returning; they could easily lose to VT—Hokies are good, too—but Broncos can beat anybody too.
Dan—I can’t say I think Alabama will repeat, but with a Heisman winner back and perhaps the most talented WR in nation in Julio Jones, I’m OK with Tide at No. 1.
Tim442: Pretty strong selections…you never know with the predicting business…WVU will be in hunt, but that loss to FSU in Gator Bowl didn’t set well with me, hence the drop
Suggest removalPor (GatorRings) on August 02, 2010 (Suggest removal)
Pitt
WVU
UConn
Cinn
USF
Louisville
Syr/Rutgers
No one will escape without a Conf loss but Pitt/WVU has separated themselves with recruiting over the past 3 years and it should show over the long season with quality depth. Plus, like many pre-season predictions, just look at the home/away schedules of these teams and it all seems to fall in place.
Suggest removalI think Ohio State finally gets it done this year. SEC teams won’t survive their schedules and make it to the NC this year.