http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/stewart_mandel/08/30/power.rankings/index.html
1 -- USC Trojans
USC Trojans (13-0 in 2004)
The Trojans' offense will be one of the best the college game has ever seen. Their defense will be a work in progress. Therefore, expect some 45-35 type victories early in the season before USC's annual, midseason kick into overdrive.
First game: Saturday at Hawaii.
2 -- Ohio St. Buckeyes
Ohio St. Buckeyes (8-4)
No more 16-13 wins for the Buckeyes. For one, they can't afford close calls without clutch kicker Mike Nugent around; secondly, such little offense would be a waste of Ted Ginn Jr.'s abilities; and besides, OSU's veteran defense might not give up 13 points.
First game: Saturday vs. Miami of Ohio.
3 -- Texas Longhorns
Texas Longhorns (11-1)
I'll admit it: I don't have much faith in the Longhorns to actually live up to this billing. On paper, it's hard not to like a team that returns Vince Young and 15 other starters, but you also can't understate the loss of Derrick Johnson.
First game: Saturday vs. Louisiana-Lafayette.
4 -- Florida Gators
Florida Gators (7-5)
Ron Zook will always hold a notorious spot in Gator lore, but fans should thank him for at least one thing: He recruited nearly all the key components of a squad that Urban Meyer will have contending for the national title within two years.
First game: Saturday vs. Wyoming.
5 -- Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee Volunteers (10-3)
Erik Ainge? Rick Clausen? Does it really matter? When you have as deep and talented a front seven as the Vols do, you can expect Phillip Fulmer to play it close to the vest on offense and hand off to Gerald Riggs Jr. an awful lot.
First game: Saturday vs. UAB.
6 -- Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech Hokies (10-3)
You know the history: Rank Virginia Tech high in the preseason and the Hokies inevitably choke. Take them lightly and they'll sneak up and reach the Sugar Bowl. Can Marcus Vick help this seemingly loaded squad break the cycle?
First game: Sunday at N.C. State.
7 -- Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes
Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes (9-3)
Last year was disappointing, yet considering the injuries they endured, it's impressive the 'Canes even won nine games. Many of the same questions linger, but here's guessing both their running game and run defense will improve mightily.
First game: Monday at Florida State.
8 -- Michigan Wolverines
Michigan Wolverines (9-3)
The Wolverines have all the weapons you'd want on offense, from solid QB Chad Henne, to workhorse RB Mike Hart, to game-breaking WR Steve Breaston. Now let's see if UM's oft-maligned defense can live up to its end of the bargain.
First game: Saturday vs. Northern Illinois.
9 -- Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2)
After three straight seasons finishing in the top 10, the Hawkeyes finally start there thanks to QB Drew Tate and LBs Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge. The new D-line will need to develop quickly, however, if Iowa intends to stay among the elite.
First game: Saturday vs. Ball State.
10 -- Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma Sooners (12-1)
You can already see it coming. QB Paul Thompson gets the starting nod for now, but, after the Sooners struggle early with a young O-line and receiving corps, Thompson becomes the scapegoat and Rhett Bomar rides to the rescue.
First game: Saturday vs. TCU.
11 -- LSU Tigers
LSU Tigers (9-3)
On pure talent alone, this team would rank in the top five, but RB Alley Broussard's season-ending injury wasn't a good sign, and, no disrespect to Bo Pelini, something tells me LSU's defense won't be as dominant without its mastermind.
First game: Saturday vs. North Texas.
12 -- Louisville Cardinals
Louisville Cardinals (11-1)
With Brian Brohm at the helm, Bobby Petrino's offense will light up more scoreboards, but those who think the Cards will cruise through another season either aren't giving the Big East enough credit, or are giving C-USA too much credit.
First game: Sunday at Kentucky.
13 -- Auburn Tigers
Auburn Tigers (13-0)
The defense will be dominant -- juco CB David Irons will even ease the loss of star Carlos Rogers -- but it will be interesting to see how coordinator Al Borges reworks an offense whose strength is no longer its runners, but rather its receivers.
First game: Saturday vs. Georgia Tech.
14 -- Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia Bulldogs (10-2)
The Dawgs, 34-6 the past three years, feel they're being overlooked, but it's hard to imagine their defense won't slip a little after losing renowned coordinator Brian VanGorder and stars David Pollack, Thomas Davis and Odell Thurman.
First game: Saturday vs. Boise State.
15 -- Boise St. Broncos
Boise St. Broncos (11-1)
The Broncos haven't fared well against SEC foes in the past (losing 32-13 at South Carolina in 2001, 41-14 at Arkansas in '02), but the talent level in the program has risen considerably. Enough to beat Georgia? We'll find out.
Next game: Saturday at Georgia.
16 -- Arizona St. Sun Devils
Arizona St. Sun Devils (9-3)
There's no question this team has the pieces for a special season, but it's also a squad whose once-projected starting tailback is in jail on a murder charge. ASU's biggest question mark is whether the Loren Wade fallout will carry over onto the field.
First game: Thursday vs. Temple.
17 -- Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue Boilermakers (7-5)
Raise your hand if you, like me, are sick of hearing about Purdue's "lucky" schedule. The Boilermakers beat both Ohio State and Michigan during their 2000 Rose Bowl season -- and still lost four games. This won't be a cakewalk.
First game: Sept. 10 vs. Akron.
18 -- California Golden Bears
California Golden Bears (10-2)
Just how good is RB Marshawn Lynch? Jeff Tedford has instituted special media polices for the guy, and he hasn't even started a game. Offense certainly won't be a problem for the reloaded Bears. Defense? That could be another story.
First game: Saturday vs. Sacramento State.
19 -- Fresno St. Bulldogs
Fresno St. Bulldogs (9-3)
The Bulldogs have not one, not two, but three tailbacks (Bryson Sumlin, Wendell Mathis and Dwayne Wright) who have gained at least 995 yards in a season. The coaches can't even flip a coin to decide who should get the ball.
First game: Sept. 10 vs. Weber State.
20 -- Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-4)
QB Cody Hodges will become the third straight fifth-year senior to take the reins of Mike Leach's powerful offense. He'll have no shortage of veteran receivers (Jarrett Hicks, Cody Fuller, Joel Filani) at his disposal.
First game: Sept. 10 vs. Florida International.
21 -- Florida St. Seminoles
Florida St. Seminoles (9-3)
It appears Drew Weatherford has won the starting QB job by default (Xavier Lee went 2-of-17 in a scrimmage and has been hampered by injuries). Look for the 'Noles to hand off to Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker early and often.
First game: Monday vs. Miami.
22 -- Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M Aggies (7-5)
The expectations surrounding Dennis Franchione's third team seem awfully lofty, considering they lost four of their last five games a year ago. Reggie McNeal is poised for a huge year, but he's going to need some help from the defense.
First game: Saturday at Clemson.
23 -- Bowling Green Falcons
Bowling Green Falcons (9-3)
Poor Kansas State. They Wildcats basically handed over Omar Jacobs to then-Falcons coach Urban Meyer when the QB was a recruit. Four years later, BGSU is a top 25 team almost entirely because of Jacobs, while K-State sure could use him.
First game: Saturday at Wisconsin.
24 -- Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh Panthers (8-4)
The atmosphere at Heinz Field should be electric for Dave Wannstedt's debut, a prime-time showdown with Charlie Weis and Notre Dame. Pitt alums have been craving a return to the glory days; it should feel that way for at least a night.
First game: Saturday vs. Notre Dame.
25 -- Oregon Ducks
Oregon Ducks (5-6)
This one's a vote for the offensive coordinator. Oregon has been an enigma the past couple of years. There's little question they have the talent, starting with QB Kellen Clemens. Here's guessing Gary Crowton's spread attack will better utilize it.
First game: Thursday at Houston.
