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owl_man Ballot for 2022 Preseason

Ballot Type: Human

Submitted: Aug. 15, 2022, 1:58 p.m.

Rank Team Reason
1 Alabama Crimson Tide Let's face it, Alabama is out for blood. Don't see them losing a game this year.
2 Ohio State Buckeyes CJ Stroud might finally get Ohio State their first Heisman winner since Troy Smith. Even though they've arguably had better QB play since him.
3 Georgia Bulldogs Hard to knock the reigning champs and a top three CFB coach. But can he do it again minus most of those defensive starters and their DC? Let's find out!
4 Baylor Bears Yes, I know this is ridiculously high for them. But I believe in Dave Aranda, and I believe he's going to take Baylor to heights Rhule and (he who I won't name) never took them took.
5 Utah Utes Kyle Whittingham will deserve a statue in-front of Rice-Eccles when he finally retires. How many coaches follow up the man that coached arguable the best BCS busting team of all time with making his team possibly the most under-rated consistent winner since Wisconsin under Bielema?
6 Michigan Wolverines Jim Harbaugh finally got past Ohio State, not sure if he can do it again this year. But I'll be damned if I'm not intrigued to see if he can do it again.
7 Oklahoma State Cowboys Mike Gundy is up there with Kyle Whittingham for all-time under-rated coaches. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Pokes being the number two Big XII team over Oklahoma this season. Wouldn't be surprised at all.
8 Texas A&M Aggies The talent is there, the coaching...seems to be there. Now can they just be consistent and win the toughest division in college football? Probably not, Alabama is out to kill this year. But, 10 wins seems very likely at least this year.
9 Miami Hurricanes Tyler Van Dyke and Mario Cristobal make Miami strong NY6 contenders and even my favorite to win the ACC this season. Which of course means that Coastal Chaos will strike and this prediction will look insane.
10 Oklahoma Sooners Can Venables win as the head man? Well, he'll have the talent and the support of one of the best blue bloods in the game. I think he'll have his work cut out for him. But watch for new QB Dillon Gabriel, if he plays like he did at UCF year one could surprise a lot of people.
11 NC State Wolfpack David Doeren has turned the Wolf Pack into ACC title contenders, this year and next though should prove if they're here to stay or not though!
12 Clemson Tigers I'll admit, I'm a Clemson fan. Which is why I'm tough on the Tigers this season. DJU did nothing to give me confidence and I'm more intrigued by Klubnik at this point. But the obvious story-line here is Dabo without Venables or Elliott. I don't think Elliott is a big loss, but Venables, wow. That one could smart. That's why I have Clemson lower than most. I think they'll be great sure. But I also believe the Golden Era of national titles has likely passed.
13 Oregon Ducks I don't know what to expect from Oregon this year, I'm intrigued by their defensive talent and Dan Lanning as HC. Also, Bo Nix is fresh and healthy and playing loose...or however that damn meme goes.
14 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Marcus Freeman might be stepping into the biggest shoes in college football now. At least Venables has a pissed-off fanbase behind him. I think the Irish faithful are still just as confused as the rest of us as to why BK left (see $$$). But, I also think he'll keep them moving right along with regards to recruiting. Now, how will he do with in-game decisions? We'll find out when they visit Columbus.
15 Iowa Hawkeyes I am never counting out Iowa again. Some how they come back year after year under Kirk Ferentz, and I'll be damned if this program isn't in a better state than it was ten years ago. Kinnick is scary and top recruits are coming in. Might be too late for Nebraska to re-conquer the Plains from the Hawkeyes.
16 Arkansas Razorbacks Sam Pittman intrigues me, I like everything about him but he's straight out of left field. A real boom-or-bust pick. And brother is business booming!!! I expect Arkansas to contend for second/third in their toughest division. Wouldn't be surprised to easily see them in the top ten by the end of the year.
17 Pittsburgh Panthers Yes yes Kenny Pickett is gone. Yes yes I think Pat Narduzzi is an over-rated man-child that whines to much. Yes I hate Pitt. Eat Shit Pitt. But, I think they'll surprise quite a few...
18 USC Trojans Lincoln Riley is here to contend, USC though is still a year or two away. Though I've never seen a team put together like this. So, WILD CARD?!
19 Michigan State Spartans Mel Tucker reminds me of how I coach on NCAA football. For that reason alone I believe that he'll be successful. Which really maddens the Penn State fan in me. I do think the contract was a bit pre-mature though.
20 Cincinnati Bearcats Luke Fickell likely won't win a title with Cincy, but they'll be contenders at least. At least they're off to the Big XII at this point.
21 Kentucky Wildcats Mark Stoops should be up for every coach position in college football. I'm surprised USC or LSU didn't go to him first. But I'll say this for Kentucky, they've got a great one there. I wouldn't be surprised if Kentucky wins the SEC in the next year or two.
22 Penn State Nittany Lions Penn State is my favorite team by and far. I'll say this, I think they're good, very good. The defense is going to be better than most fans think. P.J. Mustipher should be an awards season contender. The offense though...it's going to live and die by Sean Clifford and frankly I don't know how healthy he'll be able to stay. Overall, I'm expecting 9-10 wins with the floor at 8 and the ceiling at 12. Also, James Franklin gets at least 2-3 more years before I'd even entertain him leaving.
23 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Listen say what you will but back-to-back eleven win seasons means the Chanticleers get the benefit of the doubt from me. I'll gladly eat crow if I'm wrong. But I'll be quite surprised if they aren't finishing with double digit wins for the end of the season once again.
24 Wisconsin Badgers I refuse to not see Wisconsin as a top 25 contender. They've earned that right and they'll squeeze into #24 Texas Memorial Poll Position for now.
25 Houston Cougars This spot was originally for Wake Forest, but with the uncertainty over Sam Hartman I'll have to say that Houston takes the spot for now. I'll say this, Houston or UCF could take this spot. But I do think that Houston is the more likely to end the year in the top 25.

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