USA today/coaches poll
Ahh, preseason polls, just another sign the long winter is almost over.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/usatpoll.htm
WIS #10
NEB #11
OSU #16
MSU #17
ND #18
PSU #25
August 4th, 2011 at 12:05 PM ^
Penn State? Really?
August 4th, 2011 at 12:08 PM ^
I'd say it looks like ND's been underrated a bit, possibly Wisconsin by a couple spots as well, and I don't think PSU should have made the Top25.
August 4th, 2011 at 12:40 PM ^
don't believe what you hear in church about nd.
Go Blue!
August 4th, 2011 at 12:49 PM ^
Ya or possibly from my fellow leprechaun-loving co-worker (I'm not Catholic)
I don't know, it just seems to me that Floyd being back helps address some of the concerns on offense for them, Te'o is one of the best linebackers in the country and Kelly has had a year to implement his system. Obviously ND still has work to do on both sides of the ball, particularly in the backfield and the secondary. But they seem in a better position than OSU, although maybe not MSU since the Sparties return Cousins.
Go Blue!
August 4th, 2011 at 12:15 PM ^
I'm curious what Michigan's record vs MSU is when we are the underdogs. Not counting the last three years, I bet it's close to 1.000. Although unfortunately you have to count the last three years and that throws it a little.
I'm pretty sure 2005 was the first time since the 1960s that we were an underdog to MSU, and we won. In the last three years, I believe we were only a dog in '08. The other two years we were favored.
August 4th, 2011 at 12:17 PM ^
HAHAHAHA! They don't even have a freaking quarterback! No way they finish in the Top 25.
August 4th, 2011 at 12:48 PM ^
The McMoxie? He has that "it"! The moxie!
/throwspick6
//throwsanother
Why is everyone saying this about PSU? McGloin turned out to be pretty good last year...
Against us maybe. Against anyone else he was mediocre or worse.
August 4th, 2011 at 12:18 PM ^
August 4th, 2011 at 12:20 PM ^
that PSU and Northwestern are both ranked (slightly) higher than us.
August 4th, 2011 at 12:38 PM ^
I have to believe that the only reasons for that are 1) We were that bad on defense and 2) We have a new offense and a new defense.
Remember when Osbourne retired and Nebraska jumped us to number 1 in the coaches poll? I think that's the only reason PSU is ranked, out of respect to Joe Pa.
August 4th, 2011 at 12:33 PM ^
Penn State should not be that high, but I guess this will just make their inevitable fall that much bigger.
August 4th, 2011 at 12:36 PM ^
tOSU loses it's coach, starting quarterback and 4 players for 5 games and they are STILL ranked ahead of MSU. I don't put much stock in preseason polls, but that has to sting a little.
I guessing MSU to be the biggest flop out of the early rankings. Most voters probably forgot that for all of MSU's wins last year, they didn't play OSU, played 2 FCS teams and got by in 3 games on pure luck. I see them finishing at 8-5 (which still isn't bad).
*EDIT*
Looks like Lynn Henning doesn't like MSU's chances too much this year either:
http://detnews.com/article/20110803/OPINION03/108030417
Preseason voters mostly just look at the records from last year and returning starters. MSU was ass-lucky to get 9 wins, much less 11. I think 7-5 is a realistic expectation for them, plus or minus a win. They'll lose to everyone they should lose to and choke away another two or three in typical Sparty style.
I know FSU is supposed to be good and they don't really play anyone outside of OU because they're inthe ACC, but #5 still seems high to me. They don't even have a proven QB.
I dont think ND nor PSU deserves to be here. I think they are there more for their name than anything. I think we are right were we deserve to be. I also think we will be turning a few heads this fall when it is all said and done. Why do people keep down voting me it is really stupid. People have there right to there opinion i mean unless it is absolutley off the wall let it be. People have been real picky on here lately. And to me this is the best site on the web. Especially being that i now live in fargo north dakota. I no longer live in south redford and dont have access to the media that everyone else has. It would be nice to be able to share an opinion once in a while. I listen to everyone elses two cents. I am excited for this season this much is true.
I'm going to go with the under on this one. Although it's always difficult because preseason rankings mean nothing to me. Preason rankings are unjust and give credit to schools that haven't even played one snap of football. However, it doesn't appear the system will change anytime soon so my opinion doesn't mean shit here.
They had the "MIchigan" part right, but they shouldn't have added the "State" part to it.
Anybody think an 8-4 or 9-3 Michigan team ends up in the top 25? I think even 8-4 would be good for 22-25, and a bowl win could take them into the teens.