[NU Sports] Preseason Coaches' Poll Out

[Michael Vance]

SjT (Stephen J. Truog) wrote:
>> Northwestern received 2 votes ("others receiving
>> votes").
> 
>> 4 Big Ten teams in top 25.
>> OSU is preseason #1.

I'm always intrigued to see where we stand in the polls just among 
conference teams vs. the "How do you think the Big Ten will finish" 
predictions.  We're the last of eight Big Ten teams that received votes. 
  Only MSU, Illinois, and Indiana did not receive any votes.  I think 
this is pretty much in line with most of the conference predictions, 
except that many of them have MSU above NU.

If you extend the rankings, Wisconsin comes in at #32; Minnesota is tied 
at #36 with Iowa State; Purdue is at #39; and we're technically in a 
7-way tie for #43.

> I'm surprised OSU is #1 (with no clear favorite, Texas
> should be tops until beaten)

Nah, they lost too many key personnel, the obvious one being Vince 
Young.  The voters can't stomach the loss of a starting QB.  Losing 
Robinson QB hurt PSU a lot, even though the heart and soul of that team 
is their defense, which returns their best two linebackers.  OSU 
returning Troy Smith and Ted Ginn is too much for the voters to pass up.

I read an interesting stat a couple of days ago: NU and PSU are the only 
Big Ten teams who don't have their starting QBs coming back.

> ... but it's better than
> the nauseating hype of Notre Dame being #1, which I
> expect will hit next week when those AP writers can
> continue their Irish bias and bring the "glory
> returning to South Bend" bandwagon up to full speed.
> Blech.

It's already started here in Indy, although this article focuses quite a 
bit on the "Hype of the Irish" and how they really haven't lived up to 
pre-season expectations, especially lately.  I guess in a way it affirms 
Stephen's contention of AP Irish bias.  See 
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060806/SPORTS06/608060514/1004/SPORTS

I agree though.  Blech.

-Michael