http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/...s/2003/si/main/

1 Ohio State
2 Oklahoma
3 Miami
4 Texas
5 Georgia
6 Virginia Tech
7 Kansas State
8 N.C. State
9 Auburn
10 USC
11 Florida State
12 Pittsburgh
13 Michigan
14 Washington
15 Virginia
16 Tennessee
17 Notre Dame
18 Maryland
19 Wisconsin
20 LSU
21 Texas A&M
22 Arizona State
23 Oregon
24 Penn State
25 Oklahoma State

Well it's about time that the Ducks are ranked in a Top 25 poll!

Crocette is going to be mad to see that her Florida Crocodiles didn't make SI's top 25.

Although I'd like to see Ohio State repeat as National Champs, I'm a little skeptical about whether they can do it. Yes, they have all of their starters on offense back this year, but that's not the case with the defense. And if you saw any of last year's games, you know that it was mostly the defense that rose to the occasion in times of crisis. And then there's Clarett, who is turning out to be a major distration. Note to Maurice: "Enough already !!"

Hey Guys:

This is a poll that is giving way to much respect to Florida State, Miami (FL), Virginia Tech, and Georgia. I normally would agree that Ohio State deserves to be in the top 2 spots, but with all this Maurice non-sense, I don't think anyone can realistically pick them to return as National Champions, especially in this years Big Ten (Which you will see my review in a week). But, preseason polls always do give respect to storied programs that don't deserve, and the SI magazine has not been that realiable lately in picking National Champions.

On the Maurice Claurett issue, the latest news really has turned some heads, as NFL Hall of Famer Marcus Allen took time out of this Hall of Fame weekend to set up a meeting with Clarett through a Ohio State coach. Claurett refused to show up. If this guy doesn't even have enough respect in him to give a Hall of Famer the courtesy of at least calling and cancelling, well I think Claurett is quickly paving a road in Columbus that will eventually be a one-way road out of town. Just my thoughts.

David

well the good ole fun #1's of SI (re: any Pac-10 team) have gone the wayside ... so may I submit to you my SI like preseason #1: the Wisconsin Badgers

Nah. I'm being patient with Zookie. We have a young team without a lot of "returning talent," so I'll let 'em make their statement on the field.

And putting the Florida Public Conservatory and Sports Book at #11 is a joke. The sportswriters are still kneeling before the Chief Hypocrite (hint: initials BB). Careful, coach, don't turn too fast - some sportswriter's gonna get a borken nose...I'll be laughing especially hard as I see that number slide downdowndown throughout the season.

Gator "Croc THIS" Jamie

I agree with you totally exfootballer. Clarett is a ticking time bomb for Ohio State and possibly for all of college football, if he successfully challenges the NCAA 3 year college completion rule and wins. He would in turn be able to declare for the NFL before his junior season. A totally irresponsible and arrogant individual IMHO!! Most college players would be honored to meet with a NFL Hall of Famer, who took the time out to meet them.

I think Clarett is a character which Some Ohio State University should not want on their team. I think overall, the SI poll has lost its mind. UGA at number 5 is ridiculous. The UT Hillbillies will be the team in the east this year and they should be ranked a little higher than than are. LSU is also ranked quite low. I mean, come on, Saban has had top 5 ranked recruiting classes for the past 3 years. Surely some of that talent will start producing and they have a pretty easy schedule this time around.

"Some Ohio State University?" LOL !! How about "This Ohio State University?"

Or..."What-Ever! Ohio State University"? wink

gj

p.s. I'm a tuba player - love that band!

DC-Buckeye, I thought that you would appreciate that one!

GatorJamie, as a tuba player, you could have dotted the i in script Ohio if you had gone to The OSU.

Careful, there, DC-Buckeye. Talk like that will get me sexually excited...