Didn't mean to offend you souL - not sure I did - I just don't see PU's D getting the job done with som many youngins in there.
Back on topic - My thinking is the "experts" don't actually think a lot about their picks. They overlook obvious problems - i.e. USC and LSU having new WR's, Michigan having a new QB and RB and then over hype inconsequntial componants of a team (comparative to the things they've ignored) i.e. Michigan's 3 "great" WR's. (Which, by the way, I just don't buy. Edwards is OK and proven. He's dropped sure TD's and I don't think that was cause Navarre had a cannon. Avant has had exactly 1 good game... and it was against Northwestern. Steve Breaston has all the hype, but hasn't really produced at the WR spot. Not that he won't, but he hasn't proven dick.) Anyway.. Michigan could have Jerry Rice, Lynn Swann and Terrell Owens (all in their prime) and it won't make a lick of difference if their QB is Charlie Brown.
I know Herbie does his homework, but I think most guys just figure there are 10 - 20 teams that are good every year. They pick them to be good this year. 2002 was a great example of this
Preseason Poll - AP Final rank in ()
1. Miami (2)
2. Oklahoma (5)
3. Florida State (21)
4. Texas (6)
5. Tennessee (NR)
6. Florida (NR)
7. Colorado (20)
8. Georgia (3)
9. Washington (NR)
10. Nebraska (NR)
11. Washington State (10)
12. Michigan (9)
13. Ohio State (1)
14. Louisiana State (NR)
15. Oregon (NR)
16. Virginia Tech (18)
17. Louisville (NR)
18. Michigan State (NR)
19. Marshall (24)
20. Southern Cal (4)
21. Maryland (13)
22. South Carolina (NR)
23. Texas A&M (NR)
24. Penn State (16)
25. Wisconsin (NR)