Coaches rank OSU #1, Texas #2, ND #3

[Mac]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2539278

Defending national champion Texas (13-0) is second after receiving 11 first-place votes and 1,378 points. But the Longhorns, who won a championship for the ages with a 41-38 triumph over Southern California in the Rose Bowl, have to replace all-everything quarterback Vince Young, who left after his junior season and was drafted third by the Tennessee Titans.

Notre Dame (9-3) and USC (12-1) are tied for third with 1,348 points apiece. The Fighting Irish are entering their second season under coach Charlie Weis, while the Trojans begin life without quarterback Matt Leinart and running back Reggie Bush, the last two Heisman winners. Notre Dame received nine first-place votes and USC one.

Oklahoma (8-4) is fifth with 1,320 points. The Sooners had the second-most first-place votes -- 13 -- but those doubtlessly came in before the news Wednesday that coach Bob Stoops permanently dismissed starting quarterback Rhett Bomar and offensive lineman J.D. Quinn from the team for being paid far in excess of hours worked at a local car dealership.

Auburn (9-3), which received the remaining first-place vote, is sixth, while West Virginia (11-1), Florida (9-3), Louisiana State (11-2) and Florida State (8-5) complete the top 10.

Miami (9-3) is 11th, followed by California (8-4), Louisville (9-3), Georgia (10-3), Michigan (7-5), Virginia Tech (11-2), Iowa (7-5), Clemson (8-4), Penn State (11-1) and Oregon (10-2).

TCU (11-1), Nebraska (8-4), Tennessee (5-6), Alabama (10-2) and Texas Tech (9-3) complete the poll.

Kind of expected, nothing out of the ordinary.

 

[Blind_Sniper]

not surpising at all since Oklahoma's QB was just benched, and Notre Dame might be better than Texas, but that might be because I am a Dame Fan, but without Vince Young, and there running back gone they should be ranked #3 or #4...

 

[cdt]

I hope to god Notre Dame is in the Nat'l Championship with OSU so we can beat them again. Maybe then all the frontrunners will get off ND's tip.

 

[Style]

I hope to god Notre Dame is in the Nat'l Championship with OSU so we can beat them again. Maybe then all the frontrunners will get off ND's tip.

Losing to OSU in the national title game would not mean exactly mean that ND sucks. Not a whole lot of reason to get off their tip b/c they were better than every other team in the country but one.

It would be kind of sweet to crush them again though.

 

[cavincali]

I dont see how Texas is higher than Notre Dame. Dame has Quinn back, who is a freaking stud, and Texas lost Young.

 

[Style]

I think CFN has it right for both schools:

18. Notre Dame Notre Dame Preview
Predicted Finish: 8-4 2005 Predicted Finish: 5-6 2005 Record: 9-3
Yes, this is the lowest you’ll see the Irish ranked anywhere (remember that these rankings are based on how good the teams are from top to bottom) and yes, the potential is there for a BCS Championship appearance if Charlie and the boys get out of September unbeaten. However, this is a tremendously flawed team with average corners, a limited pass rush from the front four, and no developed depth anywhere meaning the machine might quickly grind to a halt if injuries hit the skill positions. The secondary didn't get any faster in the off-season, although a few freshmen should provide some immediate help, the offensive line is average, and the overall athleticism and talent level, which was exposed in the Fiesta Bowl by Ohio State, is a year or two away from being up-to-snuff for a national title-caliber powerhouse. Remember, outside of the win over an average Michigan squad, last year's team didn't beat anyone with a pulse.
Relative Strengths: quarterback, receiver Relative Weaknesses: linebacker, secondary

...

3. Ohio State Ohio State Preview
Predicted Finish: 10-2 2005 Predicted Finish: 10-1 2005 Record: 10-2
Why Ohio State should be No. 1 ... QB Troy Smith should make the spread offense sing making big play after big play with his legs as well as his arm. The receivers are big, fast, and talented with Ted Ginn Jr. appearing to be ready to blossom into a superstar wideout. The backfield is full of talent with star freshman Chris Wells ready to push possible All-Big Ten runner Antonio Pittman. The line might be the best in the Jim Tressel's six years in Columbus with a world of talent, especially at tackle. There's no reason whatsoever to worry about the defensive back seven that has to replace all its starters. The line needs to come up with a steady pass rush, but that's nitpicking; All-America tackle Quinn Pitcock and the boys will be a rock against the run.
Why Ohio State isn't No. 1 ... It's one thing to look great in practice; it's another to be consistent under fire. The Buckeye defensive back seven will eventually be unbelievable, but how long is it going to take?
Relative Strengths: quarterback, offensive line Relative Weaknesses: defensive experience, linebacker

 

[crazedcav333]

Yeah. Been excited for the upcoming year for a long time.