jgator21 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 AP Top 25 1. Georgia (22) 0-0 1,528 2. Ohio State (21) 0-0 1,506 3. USC (12) 0-0 1,490 4. Oklahoma (4) 0-0 1,444 5. Florida (6) 0-0 1,415 6. Missouri 0-0 1,266 7. LSU 0-0 1,135 8. West Virginia 0-0 1,116 9. Clemson 0-0 1,105 10. Auburn 0-0 968 11. Texas 0-0 966 12. Texas Tech 0-0 786 13. Wisconsin 0-0 771 14. Kansas 0-0 707 15. Arizona State 0-0 631 16. Brigham Young 0-0 590 17. Virginia Tech 0-0 578 18. Tennessee 0-0 509 19. South Florida 0-0 496 20. Illinois 0-0 483 21. Oregon 0-0 366 22. Penn State 0-0 293 23. Wake Forest 0-0 227 24. Alabama 0-0 89 25. Pittsburgh 0-0 85 Others Receiving VotesSouth Carolina 84, Fresno State 83, California 59, Utah 53, Cincinnati 44, Florida State 41, Michigan 36, Boston College 32, Rutgers 32, Michigan State 21, Boise State 17, Arkansas 14, North Carolina 14, Connecticut 10, Tulsa 7, UCLA 6, Oregon State 5, Mississippi State 4, Virginia 4, Arizona 3, Nebraska 2, Notre Dame 2, Hawaii 1, Washington 1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SacFalcFan Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Very sweet. Here is the Article on it: Georgia takes top spot in preseason AP poll for first time.NEW YORK -- By the time Georgia was done demolishing Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl, it was apparent the Bulldogs were well on their way to being No. 1 -- to start the 2008 college football season.Seeking its first national championship in 28 years, Georgia is on top of The Associated Press preseason Top 25 for the first time.The Bulldogs received 22 first-place votes and 1,528 points from a panel of 65 media members in the poll released Saturday."To have people believing we have one of the best teams in the nation going into this thing, it's exciting for us," Bulldogs coach Mark Richt said in a telephone interview with the AP."I don't think anything is guaranteed, but we certainly have put ourselves in position where at least the college football world thinks we're pretty good."Ohio State, coming off a second consecutive loss in the national championship game but returning 20 starters, is No. 2. The Buckeyes received 21 first-place votes and 1,506 points.No. 3 Southern California, which plays Ohio State in Los Angeles on Sept. 13, received 12 first-place votes. No. 4 Oklahoma had four first-place votes and No. 5 Florida received six first-place votes.Georgia finished last season 11-2 and No. 2 in the country behind Southeastern Conference rival LSU. The Tigers won the national championship in the Superdome in New Orleans on Jan. 7 by beating the Buckeyes.But a week earlier on that same field the Bulldogs ended their season with a seventh straight victory and sent a message about 2008: "Look out!"Georgia toyed with high-scoring Hawaii and its Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Colt Brennan in a 41-10 rout, and one glance at the Bulldogs' depth chart, with all those freshmen and sophomores playing major roles, revealed the Bulldogs would be a force this season. The questions started even as Georgia celebrated its big victory on the confetti-covered turf.Richt's job since then has been to keep his team from getting too wrapped up in the hype."I think it motivates the guys to prepare well, but the big thing is: If you think about a championship way back in January ... that can wear you down," Richt said. "It's our responsibility as coaches to help these guys break it down to one day at a time, one workout at a times, one practice at a time. Just prepare to be in position for the challenge."If we don't work, we'll have no chance."No. 6 Missouri has its best preseason ranking. The Tigers ended last season No. 4, which was their best showing ever in the final poll.LSU's Tigers will begin defense of their national championship ranked seventh. West Virginia is eighth, Clemson is ninth and No. 10 Auburn gives the SEC four top-10 teams to start the season.With Florida and LSU taking the last two national titles, the SEC could become the first to conference to have three different teams win consecutive national titles.Georgia certainly has the ingredients on the field to make that happen."We take it one step at a time. All we can do is focus on the smaller picture," receiver Mohamed Massaquoi said. "We can't let ourselves get overwhelmed. It takes away from playing hard and playing smart."The Bulldogs return 16 starters, including quarterback Matthew Stafford, already being touted as a future first-round draft pick, and running back Knowshon Moreno, who became the first Georgia freshman to run for 1,000 yards since Herschel Walker did it while leading the Bulldogs to the national title in 1980.Stafford has been starting since his freshman season, and so far has been more of a caretaker quarterback than a star for the Bulldogs. He completed 56 percent of his passes last season for 2,523 yards and 19 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.The Bulldogs expect more from the 6-foot-3, 237-pound NFL prototype."I think he's ready to fly," Richt said. "He improved tremendously from his freshman year."We're all kind of growing together with Matt. This year we ought to see a better performance by him, not only because he's better but because the guys around have improved also."Stafford will, however, be without his left tackle from last season. Trinton Sturdivant, who started every game as a freshman last season, injured his left knee in a preseason scrimmage and is done for the year.On defense, the Bulldogs have a potential All-American in every unit, starting with 290-pound tackle Geno Atkins, middle linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, who led the team in tackles and had a huge game in the Sugar Bowl, and cornerback Asher Allen, who was second on the team in tackles and had three interceptions.The second 10 of the Top 25 begins with No. 11 Texas, followed by Big 12 rival Texas Tech. No. 13 is Wisconsin, with Kansas and Arizona State next.BYU, ranked in the preseason for the first time since 1997, is 16th.Virginia Tech is 17th and Tennessee is 18th. South Florida, which made the AP Top 25 for the first time last year and rose all the way to No. 2, has its first preseason ranking at No. 19.Illinois rounds out the top 20.The final five are Oregon, Penn State, Wake Forest, Alabama and Pittsburgh, ranked in the preseason for the first time since 2003.The SEC leads all conferences with six ranked teams, and Georgia has the other five on its schedule, plus a trip to Arizona State on Sept. 20."We definitely have our work cut out for us," Richt said.So do the Bulldogs' opponents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SacFalcFan Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 So the SEC has 6 in the top 25.. Most from any conference.. very nice.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Headshot Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Is it me or is South Carolina in the 'Others Receiving Votes' category EVERY SINGLE year? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SacFalcFan Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Is it me or is South Carolina in the 'Others Receiving Votes' category EVERY SINGLE year?yep it's every single year.. and they get those votes due to spurrier's name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdu00743 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Could someone please explain to me why Wisconsin is ranked higher than Tennessee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelerDawg6481 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Could someone please explain to me why Wisconsin is ranked higher than Tennessee?They're a better team then you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelerDawg6481 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Just a note, since 2002, 5 of 6 AP Preseason #1's have at least played in the MNCG:2007: USC (did not make the BCS NC)2006: Ohio State (lost to UF in the BCS NC)2005: USC (lost to Texas in the BCS NC)2004: USC (defeated Oklahoma in the BCS NC)2003: Oklahoma (lost to LSU in the BCS NC)2002: Miami (lost to Ohio State in the BCS NC)The only team that didn't was last year's SC team, but you see that being #1 to start of late is a great thing. The same #'s are also true for the Preseson #1 in the Coaches Poll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SacFalcFan Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Could someone please explain to me why Wisconsin is ranked higher than Tennessee?can you explain to me how ut is even ranked.. :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdu00743 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 They're a better team then you think.We beat them in the bowl game last year and we return as many (and better) players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawg-N-Gville Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Preseason number 1 is great but we still gotta play the actual games... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slamee101 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 We beat them in the bowl game last year and we return as many (and better) players.What about their QB? Is he returning? The reality is that always sways the voters opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdu00743 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 What about their QB? Is he returning? The reality is that always sways the voters opinion.I'm pretty sure Donovan was a senior last year, but either way he wasn't any good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SacFalcFan Posted August 17, 2008 Share Posted August 17, 2008 Joe Schad is a genius. Great to see him on espn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tikibar Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Could someone please explain to me why Wisconsin is ranked higher than Tennessee?My guess is the unproven QB @ TN. Could change quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdu00743 Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 My guess is the unproven QB @ TN. Could change quickly.Sure, but Wisconsin is replacing their QB too. I would have to think our replacement projects as a better player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SacFalcFan Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 My guess is the unproven QB @ TN. Could change quickly.yeah but i believe wisconsin has the same issue at qb.. i just think they are looking at ut's poor defensive display last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stumpjumper Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Sure, but Wisconsin is replacing their QB too. I would have to think our replacement projects as a better player.Personally, I blame it all on Fulmer's coaching and recruiting.Sorry for the dig man, couldn't resist! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remarkable Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 They realize how lucky Tennessee was last year. Played over their heads for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdu00743 Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Personally, I blame it all on Fulmer's coaching and recruiting.Sorry for the dig man, couldn't resist! It's all good, Stump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SacFalcFan Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Personally, I blame it all on Fulmer's coaching and recruiting.Sorry for the dig man, couldn't resist! well you don't win the sec in a decade and it's amazing you still have a job frankly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdu00743 Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 well you don't win the sec in a decade and it's amazing you still have a job frankly. Pot stirrer!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SacFalcFan Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 They realize how lucky Tennessee was last year. Played over their heads for sure.agreed.. when you get blown out in 3 losses they don't forget that.. however who knows this year.. each year is different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamecocknfire Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Just a note, since 2002, 5 of 6 AP Preseason #1's have at least played in the MNCG:2007: USC (did not make the BCS NC)2006: Ohio State (lost to UF in the BCS NC)2005: USC (lost to Texas in the BCS NC)2004: USC (defeated Oklahoma in the BCS NC)2003: Oklahoma (lost to LSU in the BCS NC)2002: Miami (lost to Ohio State in the BCS NC)The only team that didn't was last year's SC team, but you see that being #1 to start of late is a great thing. The same #'s are also true for the Preseson #1 in the Coaches Poll.Yeah, but what you really need to look at is when is the last time a number 1 ranked SEC team played in the NC game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SacFalcFan Posted August 18, 2008 Share Posted August 18, 2008 Yeah, but what you really need to look at is when is the last time a number 1 ranked SEC team played in the NC game.well name the last time an sec team was preseason #1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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