a.p. poll

[jeffmo]

the big 10 has 4 in the top 25
u of m not ranked in the top 25 for the 1st time since 1983


Team Record Pts Pvs
1. Georgia (22) 11-2 1,528 2
2. Ohio St. (21) 11-2 1,506 5
3. Southern Cal (12) 11-2 1,490 3
4. Oklahoma (4) 11-3 1,444 8
5. Florida (6) 9-4 1,415 13
6. Missouri 12-2 1,266 4
7. LSU 12-2 1,135 1
8. West Virginia 11-2 1,116 21
9. Clemson 9-4 1,105 6
10. Auburn 9-4 968 10
11. Texas 10-3 966 15
12. Texas Tech 9-4 786 22
13. Wisconsin 9-4 771 24
14. Kansas 12-1 707 7
15. Arizona St. 10-3 631 16
16. BYU 11-2 590 14
17. Virginia Tech 11-3 578 9
18. Tennessee 10-4 509 12
19. South Florida 9-4 496 --
20. Illinois 9-4 483 20
21. Oregon 9-4 366 23
22. Penn St. 9-4 293 --
23. Wake Forest 9-4 227 --
24. Alabama 7-6 89 --
25. Pittsburgh 5-7 85 --

[Deehntr56]

:biggrin: :biggrin:

Great early preseason news for the Buckeyes!!!:bouncy:

Now they need to hit the field this fall and EARN IT!!!:biggrin:

[Deehntr56]

Now see below for how everyone voted.....For anyone really into the college football polls, this a reminder to go ahead and bookmark now Pollspeak.com, which provides the chance to break down the polls in various ways.



Among the 65 AP voters, Ohio State's breakdown went like this:

21 - No. 1 votes
15 - No. 2 votes
12 - No. 3 votes
9 - No. 4 votes
3 - No. 5 votes
1 - No. 6 vote
2 - No. 8 votes
1 - No. 11 vote
1 - No. 13 vote


Doug Lesmerises comments below:

I'm not fond of criticizing fellow pollsters, but I must say that for any team that finished No. 5 last year and returned 19 of 22 starters, No. 13 seems ... low.

And now West Virginia fans can start yelling at me.

I had the Mountaineers at No. 19, lower than every voter but one. Kirk Herbstreit had them 18th and Tyler Zarzour, the same guy who had Ohio State 13th, left West Virginia unranked.

I also had USC No. 6, along with five other voters, and only one voter had the Trojans lower, at No. 7.

Here are where all the voters ranked Ohio State:


Bob Hammond 1
Doug Lesmerises 1
Eric Hansen 1
Eric Page 1
Glenn Guilbeau 1
Jason Franchuk 1
Joe Giglio 1
Joe Rexrode 1
John Heuser 1
John Silver 1
Kent Taylor 1
Kirk Bohls 1
Marcus Fuller 1
Mark Tupper 1
Mike Ceide 1
Molly Yanity 1
Myron Patton 1
Robbie Andreu 1
Sal Interdonato 1
Steve Sipple 1
Stewart Mandel 1
Aditi Kinkhabwala 2
Brett McMurphy 2
Craig James 2
Ferd Lewis 2
Herb Gould 2
Jeff McLane 2
Jeff White 2
Jim Lamar 2
Joe Person 2
Jon Johnson 2
Joseph Duarte 2
Mark Anderson 2
Mike DeArmond 2
Mike Prater 2
Pete DiPrimio 2
Chris Fowler 3
Jimmy Burch 3
John Hunt 3
Jon Wilner 3
Kevin Pearson 3
Maurice Patton 3
Mitch Vingle 3
Randy Harrison 3
Ray Fittipaldo 3
Ray Ratto 3
Scott Wolf 3
Tom Mulhern 3
Anthony Gimino 4
Barker Davis 4
Bret Bloomquist 4
Jake Schaller 4
Kirk Herbstreit 4
Matt McCoy 4
Randy Rosetta 4
Steve Conroy 4
Tom Keegan 4
Jim Mashek 5
Tom Hart 5
Tom Murphy 5
Mike Strain 6
Adam Van Brimmer 8
Bill Cole 8
Doug Segrest 11
Taylor Zarzour 13

[coonskinner]

well i doan see mich...is it possible theyre a sleeper...gonna surprize everbuddy...maybe a good longshot bet...:D

[Deehntr56]

Sooooooooooooo, are you saying your going to make that bet????:biggrin: :biggrin:

[BIRDDOG8487]

Most of the national polls I've seen have Michigan between 20 and 25. I think thats a fair assesment at this point. With the strength of the defense and the improved level of conditioning I think Michigan will finish the year between 10 and 15. I honestly cant understand anyone ranking OSU lower than 5 preseason given their returning talent. Assuming they escape the injury bug I think they have a better shot this year to win it all than they had the previous 2 years.

[Deehntr56]

Most of the national polls I've seen have Michigan between 20 and 25. I think thats a fair assesment at this point. With the strength of the defense and the improved level of conditioning I think Michigan will finish the year between 10 and 15. I honestly cant understand anyone ranking OSU lower than 5 preseason given their returning talent. Assuming they escape the injury bug I think they have a better shot this year to win it all than they had the previous 2 years.


Yes on the Bucks......, but 10-15 on UM????:biggrin: :biggrin:

[Fish-n-Fool]

I don't see UM finishing ranked; if they do it will be 25 or something and that would be a great year. The defense should be good enough to keep them in games - that is if the offense doesn't put them in too many bad positions.
I don't care what kind of condition the players are in, the offense boils down to a bunch of guys that haven't played CFB, are learning a new system, and will be prone to making mistakes as a unit.

UM should have a top 25 finish and be a threat in the league again next year in 2009 once these guys know their assignments and have some game experience.

Until 09 IMO a top 25 finish is asking a bit much of that squad.

[Deehntr56]

Defense will hold their own...their offense will be...challenged.....

I leave 09' predictions for them out there until I can see them play this year...like I always say...they'll have to play and earn.....:D

[Redhunter1012]

I'm hoping/expecting and 8-4 season for UM. But, it will be rough early on in the first 6 games. If we make it through those games at 4-2, then we should be able to finish 8-4 before a bowl game. This all depends on the offense progressing. I do believe other than OSU, UM has the best defense in the Big 10, and top 10 in the nation. But the offense has to keep them off the field a little bit. QB is gonna be very scary the next 2 years:yikes:

BTW, I would be more shocked at a 5-7 season than I would a 10-2 season

[BIRDDOG8487]

I stand by my prediction of a ranking between 10 and 15 at the end of the season. Throw out the offense and rank teams strictly on their defense. Now where do you rank Michigan? I will take a strong defense and a mediocre offense over a pure offensive powerhouse any day. Ohio State has it all and deserves all the accolades. Michigan has the defense and they have enough talent on offense to carry them to a 8 or 9 win season. Hell the Baltimore Ravens won an NFL championship with the worst offense I've ever seen.

[coonskinner]

sad but true all us buckeye fans know some real good buckeye teams have choked...:D

[Deehntr56]

and I have seen a lot of other college teams and pro teams choke even worse!!!:biggrin: :biggrin:

Got to Love being #1...everyone is gunning for ya!!!!:biggrin:

I use to tell the boys...."If you can't stand the heat in the kitchen, get the hell out"!!! :biggrin:

Keeps you on your toes!!!!:biggrin:

I enjoyed being the spoiler more though and sneaking up on people!!!:biggrin:

[Fish-n-Fool]

I think UM will have a good, solid defense - that is the only reason I think they will have a shot at winning ANY of the first 4 games. You can win with a good defense and a mediocre offense - no doubt about it.

The problem I see with UM through at least 6-8 games is the offense isn't going to be mediocre - it is going to be awful. If you expect anything better than that you are kidding yourself. The QB will have zero experience, your O line has next to no experience, you are replacing your receivers and you have limited reps at running back. Couple that with learning a new system and I don't care who you are - you'll take your lumps. The absolute best of the best freshman are not prepared to face big time experienced D-I college competition - period. This offense will not only have your defense on the field more often, they will put your defense in some bad positions.

I'm one of the few on these boards that expects UM to come right back - I do predict a top 25 finish in 2009. I like to think I am as non-biased as I can be (even though I am an OSU homer). But you just won't be worth a hoot for the first half of the year in 2008 and there is a chance the offense will not get it together this year at all. I predict you'll see this young team grow and mature throughout the year and be playing pretty good ball at year end. But a top 15 finish would be a HUGE year for this squad and if that happens they should be thinking legaue title and NC in 2009. I think this line of thinking is a year or two ahead of schedule.

[Redhunter1012]

I disagree a little there FnF. I think we have a better shot at winning the first 4 games than any other 4 game stretch on our schedule. Who do we have. Utah, Miami of Ohio, ND, then Wisky. The last time I checked, the first 3 weren't any better than what UM is gonna be. Wisky should beat us though. It's funny how UM's best freshmen won't be ready in your opinion, but usually OSU's are already great and ready to step up. McGuffie will be really good this year, and may start game 1. Stonum, Robinson, Odoms, and Shaw will all be big contributers this year. QB position will suck, no way around it. We still have great skill position players. And matk my words, we will be the fastest team OSU plays all year, until their bowl game. O-line is actually doing really well according to all the so-called "experts". These guys usually tell it straight up, but have said the O-line is very athletic and technically sound. I honestly think 8-4 is a safe bet.

[Deehntr56]

I think UM will have a good, solid defense - that is the only reason I think they will have a shot at winning ANY of the first 4 games. You can win with a good defense and a mediocre offense - no doubt about it.

The problem I see with UM through at least 6-8 games is the offense isn't going to be mediocre - it is going to be awful. If you expect anything better than that you are kidding yourself. The QB will have zero experience, your O line has next to no experience, you are replacing your receivers and you have limited reps at running back. Couple that with learning a new system and I don't care who you are - you'll take your lumps. The absolute best of the best freshman are not prepared to face big time experienced D-I college competition - period. This offense will not only have your defense on the field more often, they will put your defense in some bad positions.

I'm one of the few on these boards that expects UM to come right back - I do predict a top 25 finish in 2009. I like to think I am as non-biased as I can be (even though I am an OSU homer). But you just won't be worth a hoot for the first half of the year in 2008 and there is a chance the offense will not get it together this year at all. I predict you'll see this young team grow and mature throughout the year and be playing pretty good ball at year end. But a top 15 finish would be a HUGE year for this squad and if that happens they should be thinking legaue title and NC in 2009. I think this line of thinking is a year or two ahead of schedule.


Ok FNF....I'm with you.....You saved me a lot of typing!!!!:biggrin: :biggrin:

[Fish-n-Fool]

Red - I think 8-4 is possible; never said it wasn't. But I still stand by my opnion your offense is going to stink until the second half of the season. Sure it will have it's moments, especially against the OOC schedule but it will make some big mistakes. My point to that poster was that a top 15 finish is an awful high set of expectations for this team.

And by the way - our freshman all americans are working 2nd and 3rd string. It is rare a true freshman is prepared to play Big Ten football and it has nothing to do with what team they play for.

[jeffmo]

And by the way - our freshman all americans are working 2nd and 3rd string. It is rare a true freshman is prepared to play Big Ten football and it has nothing to do with what team they play for.

that's the difference between osu recruits and michigans recruits!!!

[Deehntr56]

yep!:biggrin:

[coonskinner]

and I have seen a lot of other college teams and pro teams choke even worse!!!:biggrin: :biggrin:

Got to Love being #1...everyone is gunning for ya!!!!:biggrin:

I use to tell the boys...."If you can't stand the heat in the kitchen, get the hell out"!!! :biggrin:

Keeps you on your toes!!!!:biggrin:

I enjoyed being the spoiler more though and sneaking up on people!!!:biggrin:

oh i doan know o think ohio state is the king of chokin...they can git there but just cant kick in the door...as ohio state fans we know this is true...ask john cooper...:D

[Deehntr56]

oh i doan know o think ohio state is the king of chokin...they can git there but just cant kick in the door...as ohio state fans we know this is true...ask john cooper...:D

They kicked in and walked on Miami's door recently for the National Title, and the Wishigan teams door 6 out of the last 7 times.....I'm good with that!!!:yikes: :biggrin:

Ask Appalchian State about teams that Choke!!!:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

Cooper was the worst, just horrible...hated him from day 1........he couldn't win a football game against my worst Baseball team.:biggrin: :biggrin:

[Redhunter1012]

Fnf, I re-read my post. It came off the wrong way. I actually was pointing out that OSU usually has theirs ready to go, and UM rarely ever had an impactful Freshman. Like I've said, Lloyd's biggest problem was player development. Another point, UM will have a few freshman ready to make an impact for once. Robinson was injured yesterday and will be out a few weeks:irked:

[Fish-n-Fool]

How is Shaw progressing? I figured we would get the pleasure of tackling him a few times in November - he is just so fast with the ball he is a good fit for that offense.

And what's up with Newsome - news has been a long time coming I know, but is he going to end up at VT? Who is the staff looking at now? I know they can't go with just Beaver.

[Deehntr56]

FNF....Forcier has a visit set with UM August 30th.

Not bad of a player, just not quick. Has good skills.....this is UM's best shot.

Denard Robinson is in their sights...#24 rank.
Quick, but I think he will stay and play for Florida.....but you never know.


Teague...is also on their list...not big on him though....

Now....the sleeper...our local Boy Devonte Payne out of South HS is garnishing a lot of press here...Big at 6-5" and 220...he shows some promise.....if he has a good fall here, he may open lots of eyes.....

I do like Pryor in a BUCKEYE UNIFORM!!!!:biggrin: :biggrin:

[Redhunter1012]

How is Shaw progressing? I figured we would get the pleasure of tackling him a few times in November - he is just so fast with the ball he is a good fit for that offense.

And what's up with Newsome - news has been a long time coming I know, but is he going to end up at VT? Who is the staff looking at now? I know they can't go with just Beaver.


Shaw and McGuffie are tearing it up. Both will be big timers for us this year. Newsome just reopened his comittment a couple days ago. As Dee said, Forcier will visit on the 30th. He'll be Blue, you can guarantee that. Although I love Newsomes overall potential, I'm a little happier about the prospects of Forcier just due to the facts that he is also very polished passer on top of being mobile. Beaver and Newsome are great athletes, but very raw passers. Dee, I'd love Denard Robinson, just not gonna happen though. We have our sites set on Devin Gardner from Inkster next year. He'll be a top 10 national recruit. He sorts grew up a Bucknut fan, but UM has a very good shot at him, as does OSU.