This is from CNNSI's Madel...not sure if it was posted...but here goes.. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/stewart_mandel/01/06/mandel.mailbag.010505/index.html Early Power Rankings for 2005 RankTeam 1USC Trojans Duh. 2LSU Tigers Nick Saban left behind an absolutely loaded cupboard. It's up to Les Miles not to screw it up and to help foster QB JaMarcus Russell's development. 3Virginia Tech Hokies This year's young team showed flashes of dominance by the end of the year. Marcus Vick better have his head on straight because he'll be the key. 4Ohio State Buckeyes The makings of a potential title run began taking shape the final two games with the blossoming of Ted Ginn Jr. and several young defenders. 5Tennessee Volunteers On paper, the Vols will have all the ingredients. Only problem: They seem to do better when the expectations are lower. 6Texas Longhorns Speaking of expectations, Vince Young will be carrying about 20 tons worth. But replacing Derrick Johnson and Cedric Benson will be no small chore. 7Michigan Wolverines The offense will be loaded with Chad Henne, Michael Hart and Steve Breaston, but the defense left a lot to be desired down the stretch. 8Oklahoma Sooners The Sooners lose a lot, but may look a lot like Texas' team this season -- a mobile QB (Paul Thompson) and a workhorse RB (Adrian Peterson). 9Iowa Hawkeyes Kirk Ferentz has produced double-digit victories three straight years, and there's no reason that can't continue with QB Drew Tate only getting better. 10Florida Gators The Gators should improve drastically if Chris Leak takes to Urban Meyer's offense and the defense continues to improve like it did late in the year
IMO, Iowa should be higher - I've got a new found respect for their team & Ferentz. With a running game, next year could be their year to atleast outright win the Big 10. Michigan will be good, but doesn't their star receiver leave? He will be hard to replace because he was so much of the receiving team. Ohio St... am I the only one who thinks the NCAA will be all over them the next couple years? Mandel seems to be big on the Big 10 with 3 teams in the top 10, but 3 SEC teams in the top 10 as well. Virginia Tech? How much action has little Vick seen this year? They are basing this off their hopes for him and his potential based off of his brother. He's to raw for them to be this good even though most of the rest of the team returns. Oklahoma will lose atleast 2 games next year. Texas and somebody else, maybe Texas A&M. They should be lower.
