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2007 preseason poll

Rank Team (first-place votes) Record Points Final 2006 rank
1. Southern California (45) 11-2 1,481 4
2. LSU (4) 11-2 1,372 3
3. Florida (9) 13-1 1,278 1
4. Texas 10-3 1,231 13
5. Michigan (2) 11-2 1,218 9
6. West Virginia 11-2 1,205 10
7. Wisconsin 12-1 1,114 5
8. Oklahoma 11-3 1,026 11
9. Virginia Tech 10-3 1,005 18
10. Ohio State 12-1 919 2
11. Louisville 12-1 836 7
12. California 10-3 763 14
13. Georgia 9-4 604 NR
14. Auburn 11-2 595 8
15. Tennessee 9-4 583 23
16. Rutgers 11-2 466 12
17. UCLA 7-6 454 NR
18. Penn State 9-4 440 25
19. Nebraska 9-5 388 NR
20. Arkansas 10-4 360 16
21. Florida State 7-6 301 NR
22. TCU 11-2 233 21
23. Boise State 13-0 222 6
24. Hawaii 11-3 214 24
25. Texas A&M 9-4 209 NR

Others receiving votes (with 2006) records:
Boston College (10-3) 150; Georgia Tech (9-5) 150; Miami (Fla.) (7-6) 91; Notre Dame (10-3) 90; South Carolina (8-5) 90; Wake Forest (11-3) 71; Missouri (8-5) 58; Oregon State (10-4) 52; Brigham Young (11-2) 47; Clemson (8-5) 30; Oregon (7-6) 30; South Florida (9-4) 26; Texas Tech (8-5) 20; Alabama (6-7) 16; Oklahoma State (7-6) 15; Southern Mississippi (9-5) 14; Iowa (6-7) 12; Kansas State (7-6) 8; Memphis (2-10) 5; Houston (10-4) 4; Arizona (6-6) 1; Duke (0-12) 1; Kentucky (8-5) 1; Washington State (6-6) 1.

Team capsules


Breaking down the preseason Top 25

With the release of the preseason USA TODAY coaches' poll, USA TODAY's Jack Carey gives you an outlook of the Top 25 teams heading into the season.
2006 records in parentheses. Times p.m. Eastern.

1. Southern California (11-2)

Points: 1,481 (45 first-place votes). Previous ranking: 4. Outlook: The Trojans came close to playing for the national title for a fourth consecutive season last year. This has been the premier program this decade. With QB John David Booty back along with defense that boasts LB Keith Rivers and DT Sedrick Ellis, it's the team to beat. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Idaho (FSN, 10:15).

2. LSU (11-2)

Points: 1,372 (4). Previous ranking: 3. Outlook: The last time the BCS title game was in New Orleans, the Tigers won in front of tens of thousands of their fans. QB JaMarcus Russell must be replaced — by Matt Flynn and/or Ryan Perrilloux — but there are 16 starters back from last season's Sugar Bowl winner. Opens: Aug. 30 at Mississippi State (ESPN, 8).

3. Florida (13-1)

Points: 1,278 (9). Previous ranking: 1. Outlook: It's QB Tim Tebow's team now, but defending national champion has serious retooling to do on the defensive side. WR Percy Harvin could get more work on the ground with the tailback situation in flux. The Gators play Tennessee and Auburn at home and travel to LSU in their first six weeks. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Western Kentucky.

4. Texas (10-3)

Points: 1,231. Previous ranking: 13. Outlook: Second-year QB Colt McCoy and deep, experienced receivers make the Longhorns again a team to watch in the Big 12. T Frank Okam leads charge up front on defense, but the secondary needs to be retooled. The 'Horns have only two games in Austin after September. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Arkansas State.

5. Michigan (11-2)

Points: 1,218 (2). Previous ranking: 9. Outlook: Consecutive losses to end last season should make the Wolverines hungry. QB Chad Henne and TB Mike Hart are two of the best. The defense, exposed in late-season defeats, must be solidified. The season closes with back-to-back showdowns against Wisconsin and Ohio State. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Appalachian State.

6. West Virginia (11-2)

Points: 1,205. Previous ranking: 10. Outlook: With two Heisman Trophy candidates — QB Pat White and RB Steve Slaton — in the backfield, the Mountaineers' offensive juggernaut should keep rolling. Defensive improvement is needed, however, especially if WVU expects to topple defending Big East champ Louisville. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Western Michigan.

7. Wisconsin (12-1)

Points: 1,114. Previous ranking: 5. Outlook: Tyler Donovan, who spelled John Stocco last season, could be the answer at quarterback. Elsewhere there are few questions as the Badgers return 16 starters from last year's Capital One Bowl champs, including TB P.J. Hill. The season could come down to back-to-back games in early November against Ohio State and Michigan. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Washington State (ABC, 3:30).

8. Oklahoma (11-3)

Points: 1,026. Previous ranking: 11. Outlook: Defending Big 12 champ must settle on a quarterback and retool its defensive front. Allen Patrick, Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray provide a wealth of talent at running back. CB Reggie Smith is one to watch in the secondary. An early October clash with Texas looks like the primary roadblock to a possible run at New Orleans. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. North Texas (FSN, 7).

9. Virginia Tech (10-3)

Points: 1,005. Previous ranking: 18. Outlook: Hokies feature a stout defense, led by LBs Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi. More consistency from QB Sean Glennon could help push Tech to top of the Atlantic Coast Conference. A trip to LSU in the second week of the season could tell a lot. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. East Carolina (ESPN, noon).

10. Ohio State (12-1)

Points: 919. Previous ranking: 2. Outlook: Only 10 starters return from the team that lost to Florida in BCS title game. Most of the offensive difference-makers, including Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, are gone. Chris Wells will be running behind a line featuring OTs Kirk Barton and Alex Boone. LB James Laurinaitis paces the defense. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Youngstown State.

11. Louisville (12-1)

Points: 836. Previous ranking: 7. Outlook: Defending Big East and Orange Bowl champ must get used to new coach Steve Kragthorpe, but standout QB Brian Brohm returns with an impressive group of receivers. Cardinals missed out on a BCS title-game appearance after a last-minute loss at Rutgers. The November schedule features three in row against West Virginia, South Florida and Scarlet Knights. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Murray State (ESPNU, 7:30).

12. California (10-3)

Points: 763. Previous ranking: 14. Outlook: With QB Nate Longshore throwing to standout WR DeSean Jackson, and LB Zack Follett patrolling defense, the Bears could be primed for a BCS breakthrough. A reworked defensive front could be key. Cal gets Tennessee and Southern California at home and travels to UCLA. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. No. 15 Tennessee (ABC, 8 ET).

13. Georgia (9-4)

Points: 604. Previous ranking: not ranked. Outlook: Solid finish to last season and continued development of QB Matthew Stafford has given Bulldogs fans hope for '07. There's a lot of retooling to do along the defensive front seven. The secondary also took a hit when CB Paul Oliver was lost to academics. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Oklahoma State (ESPN2, 6:45 p.m. ET).

14. Auburn (11-2)

Points: 595. Previous ranking: 8. Outlook: QB Brandon Cox is back, but the Tigers face a big rebuilding job across the offensive line other than King Dunlap returning at tackle. The defensive line should be solid behind E Quentin Groves. Tigers have road trips to Florida, Arkansas, LSU and Georgia. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Kansas State (ESPN, 7:45 ET).

15. Tennessee (9-4)

Points: 583. Previous ranking: 23. Outlook: The Vols bounced back from poor 2005, and with veteran QB Erik Ainge returning, there's hope for a return to top of the Southeastern Conference. LB Jerod Mayo spearheads the defense, but the secondary has questions. September trips to California and Florida leave little breathing room. Opens: Sept. 1 at No. 12 California (ABC, 8).

16. Rutgers (11-2)

Points: 466. Previous ranking: 12. Outlook: Standout RB Ray Rice returns as the Knights try to sustain success and reach the top of the Big East. RU seeks more consistency from QB Mike Teel. DT Eric Foster and FS Courtney Greene pace the defense, and Jeremy Ito is a leading kicker. The league title could be on the line at Louisville in the finale. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Buffalo.

17. UCLA (7-6)

Points: 454. Previous ranking: not ranked. Outlook: The upset of Southern California, which kept the Trojans out of the BCS title game last season, could be an indication of what's to come. Almost every key performer returns, including Ben Olson and Patrick Cowan, who shared the quarterback job. Standout E Bruce Davis helps pace a defense that should be one of Pacific-10's best. Opens: Sept. 1 at Stanford (FSN, 3:30).

18. Penn State (9-4)

Points: 440. Previous ranking: 25. Outlook: Veteran QB Anthony Morelli will have a standout group of receivers, including Derrick Williams and Deon Butler. LB Dan Connor heads a revamped defensive front seven and the secondary looks solid, paced by CB Justin King. The Lions get Notre Dame and Michigan in the first four weeks. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Florida International.

19. Nebraska (9-5)

Points: 388. Previous ranking: not ranked. Outlook: The Big 12 North title meant a trip to the Cotton Bowl as the Cornhuskers continued to improve. QB Sam Keller, a heralded Arizona State transfer, is expected to replace Zac Taylor. I-back Marlon Lucky could be ready to blossom. LB Bo Ruud is back, but the defensive line needs to be reworked. The schedule includes Wake Forest, Southern California, Texas and Texas A&M. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Nevada (ABC, 3:30).

20. Arkansas (10-4)

Points: 360. Previous ranking: 16. Outlook: After an offseason filled with transfers and distractions, the Razorbacks hope Heisman runner-up Darren McFadden can help carry them in the SEC as he eyes a return trip to New York in December. Felix Jones, their other running back, is also solid. Casey Dick returns at quarterback. Two of their last three games are at Tennessee and LSU. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Troy.

21. Florida State (7-6)

Points: 301. Previous ranking: not ranked. Outlook: After 26 losses in the last six years, FSU fans are interested in seeing new coordinator Jimbo Fisher's offense. Key will be more consistency from QB Drew Weatherford. S Myron Rolle and CB Tony Carter pace an experienced secondary. The Seminoles have five home games. Opens: Sept. 3 at Clemson (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET).

22. TCU (11-2)

Points: 233. Previous ranking: 21. Outlook: Hoping for a BCS breakthrough, the Horned Frogs feature one of stingier, more experienced defenses, paced by Es Chase Ortiz and Tommy Blake. TB Aaron Brown leads the ground game. A Sept. 8 trip to Texas is key. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Baylor (CSTV, 6)

23. Boise State (13-0)

Points: 222. Previous ranking: 6. Outlook: The Broncos were only undefeated team standing after a thrilling Fiesta Bowl, but many key offensive stars, including QB Jared Zabransky, have departed. They must settle on a quarterback (Bush Hamdan or Taylor Tharp?) and hope RB Ian Johnson continues to shine. Their schedule includes trips to Washington, Fresno State and Hawaii. Opens: Aug. 30 vs. Weber State.

24. Hawaii (11-3)

Points: 214. Previous ranking: 24. Outlook: Can a quarterback from the Western Athletic Conference win the Heisman? Statistical marvel Colt Brennan will give it a shot, passing to veteran receivers, as the Warriors try to end Boise State's league reign. The Broncos visit in late November when first place could be on line. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Northern Colorado.

25. Texas A&M (9-4)

Points: 209. Previous ranking: not ranked. Outlook: Three of the Aggies' losses were by four or fewer points, but with trips to Miami (Fla.), Texas Tech, Nebraska and Oklahoma, QB Stephen McGee and company face a challenge. RBs Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson are back to carry the load. T Red Bryant and E Chris Harrington spur a defensive charge. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Montana State.

Others receiving votes: Boston College (10-3) 150, Georgia Tech (9-5) 150, Miami (Fla.) (7-6) 91, Notre Dame (10-3) 90, South Carolina (8-5) 90, Wake Forest (11-3) 71, Missouri (8-5) 58, Oregon State (10-4) 52, Brigham Young (11-2) 47, Clemson (8-5) 30, Oregon (7-6) 30, South Florida (9-4) 26, Texas Tech (8-5) 20, Alabama (6-7) 16, Oklahoma State (7-6) 15, Southern Mississippi (9-5) 14, Iowa (6-7) 12, Kansas State (7-6) 8, Memphis (2-10) 5, Houston (10-4) 4, Arizona (6-6) 1, Duke (0-12) 1, Kentucky (8-5) 1, Washington State (6-6) 1.

Don't nothing include the Chips.

How does an 0-12 Duke team show enough promise to get top 25 votes BTW?

Spurrier always votes for them.

Yeah he will keep voting for them until they record their first loss.

If Michigan's talented but unproved defenders can step up, it could be special. My main concern is the corners.

And that Spurrier thing is kind of cool and kind of ridiculous at the same time.

I know it's well deserved, but it still looks weird not having Miami somewhere in the top 10, much less not even in the top 25.

I'm really curious to see just how good Donovan Warren is. If you ask me, the #3 high school corner in the country should be able to beat Morgan Trent for the top CB job before the season starts.

From what I've heard, don't expect to see any of the freshman DB's getting a good chunk of playing time anytime soon. No Warren, no Williams, no Chambers, and no Woolfolk. LC was playing them down saying the traditional "it's a tough transition and they lack experience" bullshit. He also said that Ty Law, Charles Woodson, and Marlin Jackson (who started as freshman) were very, very, very rare players. That was in the football preview issue, but who knows, with a good summer and fall camp things may change.

Well, maybe our defense is going to be alright. Check out LB Chris Graham. Dude has been hitting the weights.

http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/883/F300762.jpg

From what I've heard, don't expect to see any of the freshman DB's getting a good chunk of playing time anytime soon. No Warren, no Williams, no Chambers, and no Woolfolk. LC was playing them down saying the traditional "it's a tough transition and they lack experience" bullshit. He also said that Ty Law, Charles Woodson, and Marlin Jackson (who started as freshman) were very, very, very rare players. That was in the football preview issue, but who knows, with a good summer and fall camp things may change.

Interesting, when I read the Wolverine preview issue I saw the column article that read "Freshmen Will Battle For Time At Cornerback". Sure, in the article Vance Beford says that at the moment he's going with the guys they already have and that if any of the freshmen get it, it will be because they worked their butts off and earned it. But in that article Carr is quoted as saying "Donovan Warren is the real deal." I'm sure we'll here more in days to come since these guys are actually on campus now and the coaches can end speculation on their ability and see it for themselves.

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/6599/packageqz7.jpg

Seems like he's got a nice package there.

Jethro, Mood - I know you guys will be able to answer this:

Who is going to be starting opposite Manningham now that Arrington is gone. Is Bass ready to come back this year? Or is Dutch finally going to get a run?

Arrington was punished and given a workload to show his commitment to the team. He completed it and he's back with the team, so he'll be starting across from Manningham.

Had he not completed what was asked of him, it would have been Greg Matthews in the 2 WR set.

Those are the top 3 WR's. Not sure who will step up as #4. Many of the freshmen have an opportunity. Dutch is a DB now. Laterryal Savoy has been a mixed bag of compliments and doghouse in his time at UM, but has all the physical ability. It's up to him to make sure Clemons, Hemingway and Babb don't take his reps away from him.

Also interesting, Carson Butler is trying to get back on the team as well. He would easily be the best and most experienced TE on the roster. Otherwise, Massey and true freshmen Martell Webb and Steve Watson control the position.

Jethro, Mood - I know you guys will be able to answer this:

Who is going to be starting opposite Manningham now that Arrington is gone. Is Bass ready to come back this year? Or is Dutch finally going to get a run?

Jeth is right. AA is back and in good graces and will be WR #2. Mathews will be #3 and I expect Hemingway to see some time at the #4 spot.

Jethro, Mood - I know you guys will be able to answer this:

Who is going to be starting opposite Manningham now that Arrington is gone. Is Bass ready to come back this year? Or is Dutch finally going to get a run?

I thought Bass had major inury issues and wasn't going to play. Can't remember now, it's been so long since I heard anything on him.

He missed all of last year and will likely miss all of this year, but he's still rehabbing and his goal is to play again. He's still enrolled at the school and working towards a degree (shhh, don't tell Harbaugh) but wants to play again eventually.

Also an update on the WR group I mentioned. Savoy - the guy I said has talent but finds himself in the doghouse - pleaded not guilty to exposing himself to a woman inside Michigan Stadium. His attorney said he forgot to zip up his fly. I'm serious. Either way, it can't help him win points with Lloyd. More serious is Obi Ezeh, who was potentially competing very well for the MLB position. He's 19 and he hit a utility pole. He pleaded not guilty to DWI. He'll be in the doghouse now for sure, and if convicted likely off the team. Even if not convicted, he'll be punished for putting himself in a bad situation.

I thought Bass had major inury issues and wasn't going to play. Can't remember now, it's been so long since I heard anything on him.
Unfortunately WOTS is Bass is done. Supposed to be a really nice kid who definitely deserved better.

August 7, 2007
Antonio Bass , the junior receiver, who suffered a severe knee injury two years ago, will not play this fall, but he continues to work hard to rehabilitate the knee.

Wow I knew the injury was bad, but not that bad. Tough break for the kid.

What, exactly, DID Bass do to his knee?

What, exactly, DID Bass do to his knee?

He flat demolished it. I think the way I remember it he planted and it went in a totally foreign direction. It's been more than 2 years now and I can only recall those who witnessed it describing it as horrendous. I think from the go that U-M put the family at ease and said no matter what, his schooling was nothing they need worry about whether he is able to play or not. THIS is not always the case. Good by them.

Thanks Hip. That's one of the harsh realities of football, and I agree that the right thing to do is honor the schollie.

I'll be absolutely shocked if Bass ever suits up again from what I've heard, but on the other hand with technology today, why can't they do anything for him? I mead can it really be worse than Willis McGahee's? I mean his knee went to less than 180 degrees and he tore all the "CL's" you can think of and he was working out for the NFL draft that spring. WTF?

Unfortunately he's probably being worked on by doctors at the UM hospital who wanted to learn about real surgery but were pushed into lesser degrees, much like the schools black football players.

AP poll released.


AP Top 25
1. USC (62) 0-0 1,622
2. LSU (2) 0-0 1,511
3. West Virginia (1) 0-0 1,396
4. Texas 0-0 1,375
5. Michigan 0-0 1,371
6. Florida 0-0 1,276
7. Wisconsin 0-0 1,192
8. Oklahoma 0-0 1,166
9. Virginia Tech 0-0 1,148
10. Louisville 0-0 1,031
11. Ohio State 0-0 876
12. California 0-0 790
13. Georgia 0-0 782
14. UCLA 0-0 605
15. Tennessee 0-0 571
16. Rutgers 0-0 560
17. Penn State 0-0 542
18. Auburn 0-0 519
19. Florida State 0-0 392
20. Nebraska 0-0 377
21. Arkansas 0-0 376
22. TCU 0-0 283
23. Hawaii 0-0 256
24. Boise State 0-0 187
25. Texas A&M 0-0 162
Others Recieving Votes
Missouri 128, Georgia Tech 94, Boston College 75, Oregon 73, South Carolina 69, Miami (FL) 68, Alabama 66, Oregon State 42, Wake Forest 40, South Florida 28, Arizona State 17, Brigham Young 14, Southern Miss 12, Notre Dame 11, Virginia 7, Clemson 6, Oklahoma State 3, Texas Tech 2, Purdue 1, Houston 1, Kentucky 1, North Carolina State 1.

No Duke.

:emo kid:

:dismissed:

Michigan might be #5, but I think that at this point they are the best 0-0 team in the country.

The only thing I might change about that Top 25 is maybe flip flop Florida and Michigan at #5 and #6. Not a major change, but last year Florida and USC proved that their team speed was something the Big Ten couldn't handle yet. Until I see otherwise, I gotta have the defending champs about em.

Look the NCAA better find something on these guys because NO-BODY is going to stop them other than themselves when they get all bored again like they did against UCLA last year. That is one fucking stockpiling of talent and way MORE on the way.

The only thing I might change about that Top 25 is maybe flip flop Florida and Michigan at #5 and #6. Not a major change, but last year Florida and USC proved that their team speed was something the Big Ten couldn't handle yet. Until I see otherwise, I gotta have the defending champs about em.

I see your point Tre, but FLA is losing 9 starters on defense and their starting QB.