http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/stewart_mandel/04/27/spring.rankings/index.html 2 SEC teams ahead of us, but is anybody really surprised about that? I wasn't aware that Sammy Joseph had locked up the other CB spot. If this is true, I feel much better about things. I figured Chevis Jackson would still be fighting for the position. IMO both LSU and Iowa should be ranked a little higher. Why is Tenn getting so much respect? I know last year they had a good season, but come on. Looks like they're getting added respect because of the good recruiting class. While on the Tenn subject, I can't believe Clausen is still the possible opening game starter. Something about they liked the way he handled the offense toward the end of the year. Start Ainge if you want to win. I know people are already sick of all the Pope Urban press, but I really think Florida will be much improved from last year. I don't think the defense is as bad as some people think. I promise they have the athletes.
Another poll, Another ridiculous UF ranking. I love where we are....high enough to help us if we make a 1-loss or undefeated season into the NC game.
Stewart Mandel is a loser. As I like most of the other CNNSI columnists, I have no idea why he's not at ESPN. If Ohio State brings half the game they brought vs. Michigan last year to the UT game, they beat Texas by 10-12 at OSU. Agreed that Florida at 5 is laughable. Iowa at 5 is not. They will have at least a couple RB's back this year and the D is still for real. "Mass injuries to the line and receivers limited the offense last year" re: Tennessee? Umm, hello, injuries and arrests this year, they're not any better off. Kinda sucks that the one QB is transferring.
it's cool. they higher they are, the further they will fall. this just puts more pressure on meyer. how a team goes from borderline SEC obscurity last year to preseason #5 this year with a new coach (even though the media have already cananized him) is beyond me. besides, it will just help our SOS out when we drop 2 different top 5'ers.
Starting at #7 is fine, b/c wins over (at the time undefeateds) Arizona St and Tennessee (hopefully) should have LSU knocking on the door of the top 3 by early October.
Why does SI seem to know more about who's starting that Les Miles does? Don't think Chevis and Mario Stevenson will take this battle lightly. We've actually got 4 CB's who could start right now, and although 2 of them are seniors, that bodes well. We'll have great talent on the field for every package. Not only that, but we'll have 2 great CB's returning for next year in Joseph and Chevis. Don't count out Nick Child, Daniel Francis, and Keron Gordon either!
Hmm... I predict that Les Miles' main approach to solving the "mystifying" Florida spread offense will be by splitting some 50-60 rushing attempts among 4 RBs and winning the TOP battle by, oh, 15-20 minutes or so.
Yeah, too bad that the SEC was "down" last year. Imagine if we had not been so down how high these teams would be ranked...
