🏈 AJC's Tony Barnhart's Post Spring top 25 -

[TerryP]

1—Florida (13-1, 1): Tim Tebow is back. The entire defense is back. There are no apparent weaknesses on this team. The only real concern is an Oct. 10 trip to LSU.
4—Alabama (12-2, 4): Crimson Tide has to rebuild OL but defense should carry this team a long way.
9—LSU (8-5, 6): Tigers bounce back with John Chavis as new defensive coordinator and Jordan Jefferson at QB.
10—Ole Miss (9-4, 16): Not sure if I’m totally on the Ole Miss bandwagon yet because LT Michael Oher and DT Peria Jerry are gone. Rebels do have a very good QB in Jevan Snead and a good schedule.
14—Georgia (10-3, 15): Still concerned about the defense and the running back position. The Sept. 5 trip to Oklahoma State is scary.


Other teams of note due to them facing SEC teams this fall:

6—Virginia Tech (10-4, 8): The defending ACC champions came out of spring feeling good about defense, QB Tyrod Taylor. (Alabama)
7—Oklahoma State (9-4, 7): Georgia fans need to remember: QB Zac Robinson, RB Kendall Hunter, WR Dez Bryant. The Cowboys are very good. (Georgia)
13—Georgia Tech (9-4, 13): There are some big holes to fill on the defensive line, but Paul Johnson’s offense will be even better in year two. (Mississippi State)
15—Florida State (9-4, 12): If the Seminoles can find a couple of receivers they will win the ACC Atlantic. (Florida)

Here's the rest of his top 25.

 

[reger60]

The only one that I'd take issue with is LSU. I just don't see them rebounding that strong -- even with Chavis running the defense. Then again, maybe I just want really bad for them to suck.

 

[c5vetman]

The only one that I'd take issue with is LSU. I just don't see them rebounding that strong -- even with Chavis running the defense. Then again, maybe I just want really bad for them to suck.

I agree, I think they're a dysfunctional family right now, and it's going to take more than a young qb with a couple of games under his belt and a new DC to turn that ship around that quickly, I mean, remember who their HC is! :lance:

 

[rolltide1969]

Four SEC teams in the top ten! :td:

 

[bamafan]

i know that everyone is high on Ole Miss right now, but do ya'll really see them starting out that high in th polls?

i know that they finished strong last year but its just hard for me to believe all the hype until i see them do it. they will definately be competitive next year, but they still have a Nutt as a head coach...

 

[BamaFan615]

To be honest, I wish that we weren't as highly ranked coming in to the season as some of these polls have us. We're breaking in a new QB and Offensive Line. Those are two critical parts to a successful team, and that high of a ranking only adds to the pressure.

 

[psychojoe]

i know that everyone is high on Ole Miss right now, but do ya'll really see them starting out that high in th polls?

i know that they finished strong last year but its just hard for me to believe all the hype until i see them do it. they will definately be competitive next year, but they still have a Nutt as a head coach...

I have reservations about the Rebs as well. They lost two great players, one on the OL and one on the DL. Since you mentioned Nutt, it has been my observation that his teams tend to disappoint when a lot is expected and are very tough when expectations are lower.