Football 2015 Preseason Top 10
Now that the first FBS playoff has come and gone, it’s time to look ahead to next fall. The odds are out and there are some bargains to be had. It is a good time to place your bets, but first make sure to check GamblingSites.org to find a safe place to bet. And, of course, check out our Top 10 teams as of today to see who we think are the top teams heading into the 2015 campaign.
1. Ohio State
Yep, the national champs will be the preseason number one considering they were really young when they won the national championship. Cardale Jones decided to come back to school and JT Barrett and Braxton Miller will be back from injury. No guarantees for Jones about being a starter or that all three will actually be back. Plus that stout defense returns with players like Adolphus Washington and Joey Bosa.
2. Alabama
They lose a lot of stars – TJ Yeldon and Amari Cooper among them – but the way Nick Saban coaches and how this is now a team with a potent mix of offense and defense, Alabama will be right at the top again next season. This could be altered depending on whether or not offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin stays.
3. TCU
The team that got the most jobbed by the playoff system will be a force again next year in the Big 12. They lose a lot of good defensive players, including safety Chris Hackett. Running back B.J. Catalon also surprisingly declared for the draft, but Aaron Green will still be around. Gary Patterson’s teams are always super tough. No reason for that to change next season.
4. Michigan State
Michigan State should be the team to challenge Ohio State for the top spot in the Big Ten next season. Quarterback Connor Cook is returning which is a huge boost for Mark Dantonio. Also, Shilique Calhoun decided he was going to come back to school. He is havoc on offenses. Losing their best corner in Trae Waynes hurts, but the Spartans will be a great team again next year.
5. Oregon
Replacing the most decorated quarterback in school history is never easy, and this could ultimately be too high for Oregon, but the talent up and down the roster keeps the Ducks in the top five. Plus, the fast-tempo offense seems to work year in and year out no matter what. Royce Freeman and Charles Nelson come back on offense and DeForest Buckner returns to alleviate the loss of Arik Armstead.
6. Baylor
Baylor is another team that felt a little unloved at the end of the regular season. But like Oregon, Art Briles’ system seems to work every year with new players. Replacing the quarterback will be hard, but left tackle Spencer Drago is coming back as a graduate, so the new man under center is already in good shape. Expect more high scoring next year.
7. Mississippi State
After spending much of the season at the top of the rankings, Mississippi State should be in good position to challenge Alabama for the SEC West – if they can get through the gauntlet schedule. Dak Prescott returns which helps for continuity purposes. He’ll also have De’Runnya Wilson to throw to again.
8. Georgia
Losing the best player on your team is never easy, nor does it bode well for the following season. But Georgia got a sense of life without Todd Gurley at running back after his suspension due to NCAA infractions. Nick Chubb is a star in the making. They were top 15 in the country last season for points scored and rushing yards.
9. USC
While Arizona makes a great case to be the second best team in the Pac-12, USC looks like it is ascending again…too bad for the rest of the conference. Cody Kessler had an incredible season last year, and that offense should be humming again. The biggest question will be the defense, which is losing a whole lot of talent to the draft and eligibility.
10. Florida State
Most think Florida State will bounce back just fine after losing Jameis Winston, Rashad Greene and Nick O’Leary. They do have a ton of talent, and Jimbo Fisher will have a good squad for sure. But after the way they played in 2014 and went out in the playoff, they will have to prove they’ve earned a higher ranking on the field next season.
