AP preseason poll: Previewing the Top 25 in 140
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With the start of college football right around the corner, Sunday saw the release of the AP preseason Top 25, a look at the who's who in the NCAA heading into the 2014 season.
It doesn't come as much of a shock to see Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston and the Florida State Semionles sitting on top of the poll, as they look to defend their national championship. The Alabama Crimson Tide hold down the second spot while Oklahoma, Oregon, and Auburn round out the top five.
Rather than overwhelm with a detailed analysis of each team, we're taking a Twitter-style approach, with short bursts about each of the nation's 25 bestand included the final AP ranking from last season for each team in brackets. If one of the Top 25 wasn't ranked at the end of last year, you'll find a "(N/A)" next to their name.
Here's a look at the Top 25 in 140 characters or less:
1. Florida State (1)
The defending champions have a bevy of returning starters on both sides of the ball, including Jameis Winston, and look poised to make another run.
2. Alabama (7)
AJ McCarron is gone, but one of the best receiving corps in college football and a couple of star running backs could give Nick Saban his fifth national title.
3. Oregon (9)
Marcus Mariota’s decision to return makes the Ducks not only a favorite to win the Pac-12, but to win their first ever national championship as well.
4. Oklahoma (6)
Last year’s QB battle no longer exists, as this is Trevor Knight’s team, and he will look to bring the Sooners a fifth Big 12 title in the last six years.
5. Ohio State (12)
After winning their first 24 games under Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes lost two straight to end the 2013 season, but remain a huge threat.
6. Auburn (2)
Gus Malzahn worked wonders turning a 3-9 team into a 12-2 national title finalist. Expect them to remain in the SEC Championship running.
7. UCLA (16)
Their already effective passing game to take another step forward this season thanks a variety of offensive weapons for QB Brett Hundley.
8. Michigan State (3)
Michigan State's top-six defense lost some key starters, but quarterback Connor Cook will provide offensive stability.
9. South Carolina (4)
South Carolina's potent receiving corps lost only Bruce Ellington, and RB Mike Davis returns with a solid offensive line to help his run game.
10. Baylor (13)
Nobody scored more than the Bears in 2013, but they will need their defense to be nearly as good as the offense.
11. Stanford (11)
The Cardinal defense was among the best in the nation last year, but the offense will need to find a way to score.
12. Georgia (N/A)
After an injury-plagued season in which they finished 8-5, the Bulldogs will be glad to have most of their key players healthy again.
13. LSU (14)
With a ton of departures on offense, a lot of the load will be on the shoulders of freshman running back Leonard Fournette.
14. Wisconsin (22)
With James White now in the NFL, the dynamic Melvin Gordon will be the Badgers’ workhorse in 2014.
15. USC (19)
Lane Kiffin is long gone, so Steve Sarkisian takes over in his first year as head coach and will look to return the Trojans to their past glory.
16. Clemson (8)
A great defense remains from 2013 and the the hope is freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson will be a steady presence in his first year.
17. Notre Dame (21)
After sitting out the entire 2013 season on academic suspension, quarterback Everett Golson returns.
18. Ole Miss (N/A)
Ole Miss' powerful offense struggled hard in red zone efficiency last season, so that will have to be an area of focus.
19. Arizona State (20)
Todd Graham has the Sun Devils playing with a lot of confidence. They've improved each season and will look to make noise in the Pac-12.
20. Kansas State (N/A)
The Wildcats only went 5-4 in the Big 12 last season, but didn't lose any game by more than 10.
21. Texas A&M (18)
Johnny Manziel has left the building, but there’s still plenty of reason to be excited about the Aggies.
22. Nebraska (N/A)
Despite a solid 9-4 record last year, Nebraska has some serious turnover issues they need to solve.
23. North Carolina (N/A)
North Carolina's defense and special teams had some great moments last season, racking up nine touchdowns.
24. Missouri (5)
The return of defensive end Markus Golden will be a big boost for Missouri's d-line. Maty Mauk is a leader and should be a steady presence.
25. Washington (25)
Chris Petersen must decide on a quarterback for the Huskies, and he'll have to do that in short order, with Cyler Miles missing the opener.