The NFL draft has passed. National Signing Day was two months ago. Spring practice has pretty much wrapped up. Highly regarded teams have had their quarterbacks tossed off the team for the season.
I think it’s time to throw out Blatant Homerism’s already meaningless power rankings for the 2010 college football season. Here’s take two.
Blatant Homerism’s 2010 Preliminary Power Poll
1. Alabama
The closer I look at the losses suffered by the Crimson Tide’s defense, the more I question whether or not ‘Bama will play for the national championship this year. With what Alabama brings back on offense, I’d make coach Nick Saban’s team the favorite against any opponent on a neutral field. The Tide’s grip on No. 1 is more tenuous than most seem to think, though.
2. Boise State
The Broncos remain in the two slot and probably have the fewest questions of any team in the country. According to Phil “The Animal” Steele, Boise returns a staggering 99.25 percent of its offensive production from 2009. If you’re departed H-back Richie Brockel, do you feel worse about keeping that number under 100 or the fact that you only gave your team 0.75 percent of its offense last year? I bet Richie’s a great guy and all, but that stat must make it seem like the last four years of his life never happened.
3. Ohio State
The Buckeyes don’t really blow me away. Aside from Terrelle Pryor, coach Jim Tressel’s squad seems to lack explosiveness. However, OSU is rock solid with proven performers on both sides of the ball. In a year like this, that could be enough for a national championship.
4. Virginia Tech
I still think the Hokies look awfully tough. As it stands right now, opening week against Boise State at FedEx Field is essentially a national championship elimination game.
5. Oregon
With the year-long suspension of star signal caller Jeremiah Masoli and overall shit show of an offseason in Eugene, I contemplated dropping the Ducks out of the top 10 altogether. To be honest, though, I don’t see many better teams out there, even with Masoli MIA. Oregon is still tops in the competitive Pac-10.
6. North Carolina
The Tar Heels’ talented defense has turned UNC into the latest flavor of the month. Blatant Homerism believes, especially given that three of UNC’s five losses came by three points or less. After a rough 2009 campaign in which he threw more interceptions than touchdowns, expect senior-to-be quarterback T.J. Yates to become more consistent under center this year.
7. Oklahoma
OK, I freely admit that I’m coming off a post-spring high here. I’m starting to talk myself into the idea that the Sooners could be pretty strong this season. I really missed on the offensive line in 2009, but that unit is much deeper and battle-tested after taking so many lumps. Likewise, Landry Jones should be ready to transition from skittish to solid.
(I guarantee my outlook for OU will change multiple times between now and the fall.)
8. Miami
Heck of a year for the ACC–the conference looks as strong as it has been in some time. Randy Shannon’s baby ‘Canes have grown up and are ready to compete for a conference crown. The O returns plenty of firepower, including star QB Jacory Harris. The real issue is how much the D improves on a pretty mediocre showing last year.
9. Wisconsin
Much like Virginia Tech, Homerism seemingly overrates the Badgers year after year. This season is no different.
10. Arkansas
I took plenty of jibes from the peanut gallery about my enthusiasm for the Hogs after releasing the last edition of my preseason rankings. I get that the Razorbacks defense sucks. Few teams in the country will have the offense to keep pace with Bobby Petrino’s boys, though. Don’t forget, by the way, that Arky has both ‘Bama and LSU at home this year. If you’re looking for an intriguing futures play, keep an eye on the odds that Arkansas wins the SEC West in 2010.