1. LSU
Every year, the SEC whines that it’s too tough for somebody to go 13-0 in their league and make it to the BCS. And invariably, somebody does. The Bayou Bengals are that somebody.
2. USC
Because everyone else is picking them to win it all. And because John David Booty sounds like a death-row inmate, not quarterback of the national champions.
3. Michigan
Every five years or so, the Talent Factor overcomes the Lloyd Carr Factor.
4. Texas
The police blotter tells us the Longhorns are loaded.
5. West Virginia
Ranking artificially inflated by playing in a dirt-poor conference.
6. Florida
Probably a top-five team, in reality, but law of averages says they’ll lose two or three games.
7. Ohio State
Fear the sweater vest.
8. UCLA
Didn’t beat Southern Cal last year by accident.
9. Georgia
Running neck-and-neck with the Falcons for the state championship.
10. Wisconsin
Everyone’s sexy pick to win the Big Ten. But Ron Dayne isn’t walking through that door.
11. Louisville
12. Tennessee
13. Oklahoma
14. Virginia Tech
15. Auburn
16. California
16. Nebraska
17. Penn State
18. TCU
19. Boise State
20. Arkansas
21. Florida State
22. Hawaii
23. Clemson
24. Rutgers
25. Boston College
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