Quick Slants' Top 25

Pre-season Top 25's are wonderful, yet infuriating objects. On one hand we get an idea of where teams are expected to be, on the other we see teams that are benefited, or hindered, by a pre-season ranking based on the results of the previous season and that most unpredictable possession: perceived talent. That these rankings can affect the actual season is ludicrous. Fortunately Quick Slants' Top 25 doesn't count, and thus I present to you my early pre-season Top 25:

1. USC Trojans (Pac-12) - The list of returning starters, especially on offense, is scary. QB Matt Barkley and WRs Marqise Lee and Robert Woods provide a formidable passing attack that few will be able to stop. They should win the South at a canter, and the only game that looks truly difficult is when Oregon visit - the team they will likely face in the Pac-12 Championship Game. The rushing attack needs to improve, as does the pass defense that ranked 89th nationally in 2011.

2. LSU Tigers (SEC) - This team returns a lot of players that helped them to the NC Game last year. The defense should be lights out again after finishing 2nd in total defense in 2011. The big question mark is QB Zach Mettenberger - can he aid a passing attack that scared no-one last year? Alabama and Arkansas loom large on the schedule. LSU should be 8-0 by the time they host the Crimson Tide, whilst the final week match-up with Arkansas could be key to the SEC West division crown.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide (SEC) - The Tide lost a lot of key players from their National Championship winning side, with 4 going in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Don't expect the drop off to be too great as Nick Saban has built a reloading juggernaut in Tuscaloosa, these guys will be in the mix at the end of 2012. Much responsibility now lies on QB AJ McCarron who needs to show the leadership and game management skills to guide his team to wins without superstar RB Trent Richardson. RBs Eddie Lacey and TJ Yeldon should slot in nicely though.

4. Oklahoma Sooners (BigXII) - I'm not convinced by the Sooners, but who on their schedule will stop them? Oklahoma State won't be the force they were in 2011, and everyone else is beatable, including newcomers TCU and West Virginia. WR Kenny Stills needs to replace Ryan Broyles' production for the offense, whilst the defense needs to replace its top two sack artists Frank Alexander and Ronnell Lewis. They should still win the Big XII with very little bother.

5. Oregon Ducks (Pac-12) - Speed, speed, and more speed. This team has it in abundance and Chip Kelly knows how to utilise it. No matter who wins the on-going QB battle, this year is all about do-everything back DeAnthony Thomas. Thomas is lethal in space and is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball, I do not envy any team having to defend against him. Oregon could easily end up #1 as USC is the only tough game on their schedule, and they should win the North over Stanford.

6. Georgia Bulldogs (SEC) - The key to this season will be Aaron Murray producing like he did in 2011, whilst the running game needs to help him out. Hopefully, Isaiah Crowell will overcome the difficulties that set him back last year, if he doesn't Georgia have two stellar recruits in Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley who will battle for his spot. The defense should continue to be stellar with star LB Jarvis Jones returning, and I expect them to repeat their top 5 ranking in total defense from 2011.

7. Arkansas Razorbacks (SEC) - The Razorbacks are unlucky to be in with perennial powerhouses LSU and Alabama, but could this be their ear? Tyler Wilson shone in spring and a top senior year will see him go in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. With Knile Davis returning at RB, the only questions are at receiver, but Cobi Hamilton and TE Chris Gragg should be able to fill the void left by Jarius Wright and Joe Adams. The defense is what will make or break this team, it needs to improve, particularly against the run - they gave up over 2000 yards and 20TDs on the ground in 2011.

8. Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) - If Michigan beat Alabama in the opener then they have the chance to go undefeated in 2012. Robinson will continue to be a playmaker at QB, but the passing game does need to improve. Outside of Robinson there are no real stars at the skill positions, just players who do their job well. The defense must improve, but Michigan have the game to outscore anybody, especially in the Big Ten. The Wolverines will be back in a BCS bowl this year, and it could be the National Championship game as they can beat everyone on their schedule outside of the Crimson Tide.

9. Clemson Tigers (ACC) - This is probably a bit too high for the Tigers, who always seem to slump mid-season, but that offense is scary. Tajh Boyd will be in his second year in the scheme, with top playmakers such as Andre Ellington, Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins to occupy defenses. The defense is a worry, but a small improvement could be the difference between last year and a chance to go undefeated this year.

10. West Virginia Mountaineers (BigXII) - A new conference for the Mountaineers, but they should fit right in down in the Big XII. WVU's passing game should be just as dominant in a conference that has proven it is generally pretty poor at defending the passing game. A second year in Holgorsen's scheme should mean improved output, and with Geno Smith throwing to top receivers Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey you have to think West Virginia could be 2012's Oklahoma State.

11. South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)

12. Virginia Tech Hokies (ACC)

13. Kansas State Wildcats (BigXII)

14. TCU Horned Frogs (BigXII)

15. Michigan State Spartans (Big Ten)

16. Stanford Cardinal (Pac-12)

17. Wisconsin Badgers (Big Ten)

18. Florida State Seminoles (ACC)

19. Louisville Cardinals (Big East)

20. Nebraska Cornhuskers (Big Ten)

21. Ohio State Buckeyes (Big Ten)

22. Oklahoma State Cowboys (BigXII)

23. Boise State Broncos (MWC)

24. Texas Longhorns (BigXII)

25. Tennessee Volunteers (SEC)

Who are your top 25 at this stage?