Preseason Top 25

For those of you who pay even the slightest bit of attention to college football, you know the AP Top 25 Poll was released over the weekend. While I, like some, believe that preseason polls can make or break a season, I figure if ya can't beat 'em, join 'em. Here is my top 25 for the 2010 season, including a breakdown of the top ten.

1. Alabama- It is hard to argue with Nick Saban's success in Tuscaloosa, starting with the fact they haven't lost a regular season game in 2 years. With a star studded backfield and a dynamic group of wide receivers, it is tough to see them losing this year either, even with an inexperienced defense. If any team gets to them, it will be early.

Set your TiVo- Sept. 11 vs. #19 Penn State, Sept. 25 @ #17 Arkansas

2. Ohio State- A Heisman Trophy quarterback, a deep backfield, an experienced offensive line, a solid defense, and the BCS monkey finally off their back, what's not to like? A tough schedule including road dates to Camp Randall and Iowa City is a start, and seemingly the only things standing in the way of the Buckeyes and a National Championship date in Glendale. Oh, and don't forget about The Big Game and a rising "Border War" with Penn State.

Set your TiVo- Sept. 11 vs. #13 Miami, Nov. 20 @ #9 Iowa

3. Boise State- There is no team in the nation with more returning star power than Boise State. Kellen Moore is for real, and will prove it yet again this season. They have two early tests, one in D.C. and then two weeks later in Boise, but there is no reason to think back to back 14-0 seasons aren't well within reach for coach Petersons Broncos. If there ever were a chance for a non-BCS team to make it to the big show, it is this team.

Set your TiVo- Sept. 6 vs. #10 Va. Tech (in D.C.), Sept. 25 vs. #24 Oregon State

4. TCU- Some may disagree but this team is nearly as dangerous as the team above them. They boast a ton of experience, an explosive offense, and a traditionally stout defense. Experience at the quarterback position is what separates this team from Florida and Texas, and trust me people will know who Andy Dalton is by the end of this season.

Set your TiVo- Sept. 4 vs. #24 Oregon State, Oct. 16 vs. BYU

5. Texas- Texas is the model of consistency when it comes to college football. With Mack Brown at the helm, coupled with being at the center of the recruiting universe, you can guarantee a 10 win season just about every year. Although Garrett Gilbert wasn't able to put together the storybook ending on a special season last year after taking over for an injured McCoy, what I saw from the true freshman really impressed me. This team definitely won't run away with the Big 12 South, but another title is well within their grasp.

Set your TiVo- Oct. 2 vs. #7 Oklahoma, Oct. 16 @ #8 Nebraska

6. Florida- Things in the land of Tebow will be a little bit different this year as John Brantley takes the helm. Fans in The Swamp shouldn't give up all hope yet though, Brantley is a big kid with a strong, accurate arm who makes his receivers look better than they are. Look for Meyer to air it out a little more to utilize his new QBs talents. My only concern is Brantley's leadership skills. Can he replace one of the greatest leaders of all time?

Set your TiVo- Oct. 2 @ #1 Alabama, Oct. 30 vs. #23 Georgia

7. Oklahoma- While this is a fairly young team on paper, there is a lot of experience in key areas, including all of the skill positions on offense. Landry Jones looks to take the next step in an offense that is always good, and DeMarco Murray is on my Heisman Trophy darkhorse list (coming soon). With most of their secondary returning in an air-it-out conference their defense looks to be solid this year as well. Avoiding Nebraska doesn't hurt either.

Set your TiVo- Sept. 11 vs. #20 Florida State, Oct. 2 vs. #5 Texas

8. Wisconsin- This is a very risky pick for one reason, Wisconsin is no longer coached by Barry Alvarez. While Bret Bielema is no slouch, the last time Wisconsin entered the season with any sort of expectations, they were a major flop. However, with one of the best offensive lines in the nation, and experience QB, and a Heisman contender in the backfield, it is really tough to mess this one up. This team has a very high ceiling and it helps to get Ohio State at home.

Set your TiVo- Oct. 16 vs. #2 Ohio State, Oct. 23 vs. #9 Iowa

9. Virginia Tech- Tyrod Taylor's production jumped greatly last year as he refined his passing ability and compiled a nice season. It helps to have one of the nations top returning rushers to open up the passing game as well. Combine that with an always stout Hokie defense and the tradition of "Beamer Ball" and you have the recipe for another ACC Championship.

Set your TiVo- Sept. 6 vs. #3 Boise State, Nov. 13 @ #18 North Carolina

10. Nebraska- While their offense was anemic at times last year, nearly all starters are returning in what could be a special last go round for Nebraska in the Big 12. Their defense may not be as stout as last years, but they still will be a force in what is usually a defenseless Big 12. Watch for this team to win the North again without much of a challenge setting up a potential rematch of last years title game.

Set your TiVo- Oct. 16 vs. #5 Texas, Oct. 30 vs. Missouri

Best of the rest:

11. Iowa

12. Miami

13. Oregon

14. USC

15. Arkansas

16. North Carolina

17. Florida State

18. Penn State

19. Pitt

20. Georgia Tech

21. LSU

22. Oregon State

23. West Virginia

24. Georgia

25. Cincinnati

Breakdown of the rest: While the ACC and Big East don't have that elite team to win it all, (although Virginia Tech is close, I don't think they have the star power to make a run at the crystal football) they do have a lot of very good teams which is made evident in the best of the rest category. The Pac 10 isn't the Pac 10 minus 9 it has been for the past decade, with both teams from Oregon having a legitimate shot at the Pac 10 crown this year. The SEC remains the top conference in the land, but the gap between them and the Big 10 and Pac 10 isn't as big as it used to be.