With no games in the books, not a whole lot has changed from last week's ballot. We were swayed based on some comments to bump Michigan down two spots, but other than that, our ballot stays the same. Thankfully we'll have some real action next week to actually base this thing on.
Until then, you can view the results of the first poll here (to see every ballot by voter, go here). Brian does a really good job of presenting various views on the data and the 11W ballot came in 5th place for "Mr. Numb Existence", meaning that our ballot was 5th-least divergent from the poll at large. Some call that numb, while we like to refer to it as feeling what the people are thinking. Sports populism if you will.
Looking at the poll, are there any teams that look overrated or underrated? Around the Oval makes a pretty convincing case for Hawaii being overrated at #23 especially considering the fact that a team's schedule should have no bearing on the BlogPoll. While ATO and Rocky Top Talk both make the case for Florida State being underrated at #18.
Since, the 11W ballot is so average, there aren't really a whole lot of teams in the poll that we can make an overrated/underrated case for. Rutgers could be underrated at #21 (we have them at 16), but in all honesty, it's all guesses until the games begin. Who do you think is overrated or underrated?
Our 2nd preseason ballot with the Michigan modification follows:
| 1 |  |
The machine is so well-oiled, that we half expect to see Pete guest-starring on Entourage while his team reels off 7 straight. |
| 2 |  |
Stout defense will help break in a new quarterback and a favorable schedule could give Miles his put-up or shut-up moment with USC. |
| 3 |  |
Loaded backfield, Devine and a great young coach with only Rutgers and Louisville standing in the way of a perfect season. |
| 4 |  |
Stacked with veteran skill players, but who will blow it first - Lloyd or the defense? |
| 5 |  |
Wooderson's boys have a young Colt on offense, but concerns about the secondary may come back to bite them. |
| 6 |  |
Herban's team speed continues to light up the scoreboard and police blotter. #5 out of respect and repeating is tough, but don't count out Meyer. |
| 7 |  |
Under the radar, as usual. Fact is, if they run the table in the Big Ten, they'll be a NC candidate. |
| 8 |  |
Another team loaded with talent, but Big Game Bobby is on a skid of sorts. Texas is also over the hump mentally. |
| 9 |  |
Never been a huge Beamer fan, but there's no way you can't root for these guys this season. Still, you gotta wonder how a team gathering in Michael Vick Hall will do. |
| 10 |  |
We're cautious, but there's too much talent on this squad to keep it out of the top ten. |
| 11 |  |
Brohm's a stud, but you never know how things will go when a veteran QB gets a brand new coach. |
| 12 |  |
Cal - that team you root for to beat USC each season, so your squad can rise in the rankings. |
| 13 |  |
Little known fact: Phil Fulmer's blood type is Gravy+. Despite that, Ainge could have a monster year. The Coker situation hurts, though. |
| 14 |  |
Only 11 returning starters, but friendly schedule could help the cause. Is this the season that it all comes together for Stafford? |
| 15 |  |
Click-Clack. Tubberville knows how to win in the tough SEC. |
| 16 |  |
Schiano is building something special out east and will own NJ shortly (ouch, Joe Pa). Rice will get about 1800 and the Scarlet Knights could easily be staring at a BCS bid when the dust settles. |
| 17 |  |
Big win over USC last season is wonderful for the program's confidence and 20 returning starters helps. Your WR coach a cat burglar.. not so much. |
| 18 |  |
Joe Poo's boys get OSU and Wisconsin at home, but until they can prove that they're capable of beating the Wolverines, we gotta keep them down. |
| 19 |  |
The talent is most definitely there. How many other schools could Felix Jones start for right now? The real question is to the (mental) state of the program. |
| 20 |  |
The Ian Johnson feel-good fest is alive and well for year 2. A tough season-ending ame at Hawaii may prevent them from repeating last season's heroics. |
| 21 |  |
We still have grave doubts about Callahan's abilities as a coach, but the program is back on the up and the addition of Keller helps. |
| 22 |  |
Jones is an underrated coach and Brennan should pass for .. oh.. about 75,000 yards and 200 TDs this season. A very favorable schedule could have them becoming the Boise State of 2007. |
| 23 |  |
New coaches, new ideas, and the venerable Bobby Bowden. The program is a little down, but don't be surprised to see a slight resurgance heading into the Alabama game on 9/29. |
| 24 |  |
It just wouldn't feel right leaving the Ol' Ball Coach out of the rankings, would it? |
| 25 |  |
Steele likes Bama as a darkhorse national title contender, but Saban's karma may check those plans. |
