bukIpower: "3. Florida, 2. OHIO STATE, 1. USC"
I can see this: Florida and OSU have a ton of talent, and both (sort of) underachieved this year. I think USC's status should be determined whether or not Leinart leaves for the NFL.
"I'm more than thrilled to be that high, but should we be?"
I don't see why not. In my mind, we have only have two question marks: 1.) we know that Troy Smith is the starter and a serviceable QB, but is he a star? Can he, over 12 games, shine on a team loaded with talent? In my eyes, Troy only had one good game this year (granted, it was a GREAT game & it was by far the biggest one of the year), but I haven't seen any consistency or that he'll be a stud (yet). I think that's a big question. Troy (at worst) will be decent, but the Buckeyes will be a Top 15 team if he doesn't develop into a weapon onto himself, and will be playing in the Rose Bowl if he turns out to be a star.
2.) Replacing Mike Nugent: we've had one of the best kickers of all time that last three years, can TressellBall work without a stud at Placekicker?
As far as the other questions, you have to EXPECT that the RB positions, OL, and the D-Line improve DRAMATICALLY. They've got plenty of talent at this year's weak spots. To me, at this point, everything but QB and PK are sewn up and ready to compete for a National Championship in '05.
DA-Bucks: "Just think about our defense next year. I think it might be as dominating as 2002!"
No way. People don't realize how disruptive and how much of an advantage a D-Line of Smith, Anderson, Scott, and KP were. It cures a lot of ills on defense, and can turn a lot of games around. Our D-Line in '05 may be good, but it won't approach the impact that the '02 line had. I don't care who else is on the field.
You've got to realize: the '02 Buckeyes' D was one of the greatest of all time! The type that comes around once in a blue moon, like the '85 Bears or (whatever year it was) Baltimore Ravens. I had this same discussion (and bet) with Mili before the '03 season, and if you think I'm wrong, I'll put it to you this way: my DVD Collection got a tinge heavier after that bet.
Naplesbuckeye: "If you have a season like this one with several undefeated teams than we better hope and pray that we are top 8 or so comming in."
It doesn't matter where we start. This year has been an abberration. Three major conference teams NEVER go undefeated. Can you name the last time this happened? If the Bucks take care of our own business and run the table, we'll be playing for the crystal again in the Rose Bowl. Guaranteed.
And even if there was a chance of three unbeatens (if the Bucks were one of them), there's NO CHANCE of any team jumping us with Texas OoC and scUM on the schedule. You think Auburn's slate of the Citadel, La-Monroe, and Disco Tech is going to garner them more BCS points than OSU's schedule next year??
See you in Pasadena.