2013 NCAAF POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 1
By Jesse Schule | Aug 25, 2013
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NCAA Power Rankings Top 25 – Week 1
Prior to the 2012 season I listed the Crimson Tide as the top ranked team in the country, which at the time was a controversial pick. This year there is no controversy, Alabama is the team to beat as we head into Week 1.
1: Alabama Crimson Tide
- The Crimson Tide were in a class of their own last year, and they bring back eight starters on a defense that ranked first in the nation in 2012. With quarterback A.J. McCarron back to run the offense, Nick Saban's team has a shot of a three-peat.
2: Ohio State
- The Buckeyes ran the table in 2012, and they return nine starters on offense including Braxton Miller at quarterback. They have some holes to fill on the defensive line, but they have a proven history of recruiting top talent.
3: Oregon
- The Ducks lose head coach Chip Kelly, but bring back sophomore quarterback Marcus Mariota, and most of their core talent on both sides of the ball. Former offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich should be able to help this team pick right up where they left off.
4: South Carolina
- Steve Spurrier and his Gamecocks have a lot of swagger in their step as we approach the 2013 season, and for good reason. South Carolina returns five starters on an elite defense that ranked 11th in the nation in 2012.
5: Georgia Bulldogs
- The Bulldogs have perhaps the best passing-running options in the nation with Aarron Murray, Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. On the defensive side of the ball they have plenty of talent but lack experience.
6: Texas A&M
- The Aggies were the only team to beat the Crimson Tide last year, and even more impressive.. they did it in Alabama. Until we hear otherwise, it's assumed that Johnny Manziel will start on Opening Day.
7: Stanford
- The Cardinal owned one of the fiercest defenses in the country in 2012, and with eight starters returning, it should be more of the same this year.
8: Clemson
- Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins should make the Tigers offense exciting to watch, and very hard to stop.
9: Florida
- The Gators have some big holes to fill on offense, but as usual they are loaded with talent on the defensive side of the ball. Their biggest concern will be replacing running back Mike Gillislee.
10: LSU
- Jeremy Hill is expected to be one of the best running backs in the SEC this year, and the Tigers defense should remain rock solid.
11: Florida State
- Jumbo Fisher has announced that Jameis Winston will be the starting quarterback for the Seminoles, and he's got some big shoes to fill replacing E.J. Manuel.
12: Louisville
- Teddy Bridgewater has his sights on the Heisman, and the Cardinals are the early favorite to win the AAC.
13: Notre Dame
- The Irish went all the way to the National Title Game last season, only to be blown away by Alabama. It's going to be difficult to match last year's success without Manti Te'o and Everett Golson.
14: Texas Longhorns
- Texas brings back nine starters on offense and nine more on defense. Among those include David Ash and Jaxon Shipley, and with another year's experience under their belts, the Longhorns could improve on a 9-4 campaign in 2012.
15: Oklahoma State
- The Cowboys enjoy an embarrassment of riches at the quarterback position, with Clint Chelf and J.W. Walsh. Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy on QBs: "We're gonna play both guys...I don't feel like either one of 'em will be a backup in the 1st game."
16: Oklahoma
- If the Sooners are going anywhere this season, they will do it in spite of what Phil Steele says is the second toughest schedule in the nation.
17: Michigan
- The Wolverines are hoping to have a more balanced attack with Devin Gardner at quarterback taking over from the one-dimensional Denard Robinson.
18: Oregon State
- The Beavers jumped out to a fast start last year winning six straight, and they have an easier schedule in 2013. They don't face a ranked opponent until they host Stanford in late October.
19: USC
- It's easy to see why everyone is down on the Trojans, but they return eight starters on offense and seven on defense from a team that came into 2012 with such lofty expectations. While they have plenty of questions at the quarterback position, Silas Redd and Marqise Lee will give them a pair of potent weapons on offense.
20: UCLA
- Jim Mora Jr. turned things around at UCLA in 2012, leading the Bruins to nine wins, including a 38-28 victory at home over rivals USC. Brett Hundley showed signs of becoming an elite quarterback last season, and he could improve with more experience.
21: Nebraska
- The Cornhuskers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2012 campaign, and they have plenty of concerns on the defensive side of the ball. Quarterback Taylor Martinez leads Nebraska's high powered offense, and they won't have trouble scoring.
22: Wisconsin -
- The Badgers return all but two starters to a defense that ranked 17th in the nation allowing fewer than 20 points per game last year. They lose Monte Ball at running back but with James White and Melvin Gordon they shouldn't regress much.
23: TCU -10.75
- Casey Pachall is back at quarterback for the Horned Frogs, and he was 4-0 as a starter in 2012 before getting himself into trouble. "Casey is a very talented young man," TCU head coach Gary Patterson said. "How he handles everything and does will be an indication of how well we do in the Big 12 Conference."
24: Washington
- Washington was a force to be reckoned with at home last year, going 5-1 at CenturyLink Field. Steve Sarkisian's team should have a chance to improve on that record this season with nine starters returning on offense.
25: Virginia Tech
- The Hokies have a nightmare matchup in Week 1, hosting the defending champion Crimson Tide. Once they get that out of the way, the schedule appears very manageable.
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