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Football Insiders’ College Football Top 25 9/21/14

After some nail-biters from a few top teams, Football Insiders releases our first rankings.

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Each and every Sunday, Luke Byrnes will bring you Football Insiders’ College Football Top 25. This is not a prediction of any of the other polls; but, rather, how we see the college football landscape. So, without any further ado, here is the inaugural edition:

1. Florida State 3-0, 1-0 ACC

There are very few weaknesses for this Florida State team that went undefeated and won the final BCS National Championship last season. It returns Heisman Trophy-winning QB Jameis Winston and a full stable of NFL talent on both sides of the ball, including 15 starters from last year’s squad.  THIS WEEK: With Winston suspended for shouting vulgarities at the student union, FSU struggled with Clemson – a team it beat 51-14, on the road, last season – before surviving in overtime, 23-16. Next up: Sept. 27 @ NC State

2. Alabama 4-0, 1-0 SEC

Head coach Nick Saban has consistently brought in one of the top, if not the top, recruiting classes since his hiring in January of 2007. The Crimson Tide has been the class of the SEC since the start of the 2009 season, going 34-6 in conference play while winning three Bowl Championship Series National Titles. Alabama is led by running back T.J. Yeldon, wide receiver Amari Cooper and safety Landon Collins, all of whom will likely be selected early in the 2015 NFL Draft. If ‘Bama can get even modest production out of QBs Blake Sims and Jake Coker, it will be very tough to beat.  THIS WEEK: Sims appeared to have taken control of the quarterback competition in the Crimson Tide’s 3-0 start and his 445 yard, 4 TD performance in Saturday’s 42-21 victory over Florida likely sealed the deal. Next up: Oct. 4 at Ole Miss

3. Oregon 4-0, 1-0 Pac-12

Oregon continues to field one of the best offensive units in the country, ranking in the top seven nationally in scoring offense since 2008. Quarterback Marcus Mariota, a Heisman Trophy candidate, leads the way for another dynamic offense. The program has the reputation of a finesse team, but had its way with a tough, physical Michigan State team on Sept. 6, perhaps quelling the notion that the Ducks can’t play a rugged style of football.  THIS WEEK: The Ducks survived an improving Washington State program, earning their first road victory of the season with a 38-31 win in Pullman. Mariota was 21-of-25 passing for 329 yards and five TDs. Next up: Oct. 2 vs Arizona

4. Oklahoma 4-0, 1-0 Big 12

Oklahoma returns 16 starters from a team that won 11 games and beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl a year ago. Sophomore QB Trevor Knight is a tantalizing talent, but is still something of a question mark. The Sooners have a stable of running backs and an experienced offensive line. OU should have one of the best defenses in the Big 12, although the team lost its leading tackler from a season ago, Frank Shannon, to a year long suspension for an alleged sexual assault.  THIS WEEK: The Sooners averaged 6.5 yards per carry while piling up 301 yards on the ground in a 45-33 win over West Virginia. Mike Stoops’ defense gave up 24 points and 286 yards in the first half, but came up with a pair of key takeaways in the second half to hold off the Mountaineers. Next up: Oct. 4 at TCU

5. Auburn 3-0, 1-0 SEC

The Tigers came into the season on the heels of a heart-breaking loss to FSU in the final BCS Championship game. Nevertheless, coach Gus Malzahn has breathed new life into program that, although it won a national title in 2010, won just three games – and went 0-8 in SEC play – two seasons ago. Dual-threat QB Nick Marshall is a Heisman Trophy candidate playing behind an offensive line that returns four starters. Can the defense, in its second year under coordinator Ellis Johnson, withstand the losses of defensive end Dee Ford and cornerback Chris Davis?  THIS WEEK: The defense came up with with three takeaways, including a fourth-quarter interception by Troyon Reed, and Marshall found junior college transfer D’haquille Williams for a 39-yard gain on 3rd-and-9 in the game’s waning moments to hold off Kansas State. Next up: Sept 27 vs Louisiana Tech

6. Baylor 3-0

Bryce Petty returns to captain head coach Art Briles’ offense, which has plenty of firepower but has to replace three starters along the offensive line. The defense has to deal with some question marks at linebacker and inexperience in the secondary, but the front four should be very good and allow the back end of the unit to develop.  THIS WEEK: The Bears had the week off after hanging 63 points Buffalo on Sept. 12. The meat of the Baylor schedule comes in the second half of the season (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Kansas State in three of its final four games). Will that be enough time for the offensive line and defensive back seven to develop? Next up: Sept. 27 @ Iowa State

7. Ohio State 2-1

The loss of Braxton Miller, who will miss the season after re-injuring his throwing shoulder, was a huge one for Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes. This, however, isn’t a one man team. There is a ton of talent on this roster. I’m not sure how opposing Big Ten offenses are going to score on this defense and if J.T. Barrett can avoid losing games for his team, THE Ohio State University will be just fine.  THIS WEEK: Ohio State was idle this week after smothering Kent State, 66-0, last Saturday. Barrett tied a school record by throwing for six TDs – he was a five-star recruit for a reason. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Cincinnati

8. Texas A&M 4-0, 1-0 SEC

Holy cow… Kevin Sumlin’s offense can put up some points, can’t it? Kenny Hill is making it pretty easy for the folks in College Station to forget about Johnny Manziel. It feels like the Aggies caught South Carolina at the right time, but Texas A&M can score with anybody (55.3 points per game). All that being said, the schedule in the SEC West is brutal and the defense still has a lot to prove.  THIS WEEK: Kenny Trill and Co. put up 31 before SMU even realized the game had started and Texas A&M cruised to a 58-6 win. As good as TAMU is, however, SMU is just as bad. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Arkansas

9. Michigan State 2-1

Don’t let a loss, on the road, to Oregon fool you. Michigan State can play, now. The offensive line is both good, experienced and has talent around and behind it. QB Connor Cook was the MVP of both the Big Ten Championship Game and the Rose Bowl, and all Jeremy Langford did was run for 1,422 yards and 18 TDs last season. The defense has to replace seven starters, four of which are now playing in the NFL, but still has elite talent like DE Shilique Calhoun.  THIS WEEK: Michigan State breezed past Eastern Michigan, 73-14, while scoring 49 first-half points. The depleted defense? It allowed five first downs and 135 total yards. I think defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi’s group will be just fine. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Wyoming

10. UCLA 3-0

The Bruins haven’t looked great in their first three games and head coach Jim Mora, Jr. is mum on the health of QB Brett Hundley, who many believe will be a top pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. This group has talent but, outside of Hundley, most of it is unproven. Mora must’ve known something when he resisted overtures from Washington (his alma mater) and Texas in the offseason.  THIS WEEK: UCLA survived a scare after Hundley left their game against Texas in the first quarter and Jerry Neuheisel guided the team to 10 fourth-quarter points, including throwing a 33-yard touchdown pass, which proved to be the game winner, to Jordan Payton with three minutes to play. Next up: Sept. 25 @ Arizona State

11. USC 2-1

Giving up 600 yards of offense and over 400 yards rushing in a single game isn’t typically a good sign, but USC has some guys. Ever heard of Leonard Williams? If not, you will. It takes time to adjust to a new coaching staff and the Steve Sarkisian and his staff have only been around since December of last year. Scholarship limitations are still a factor for this team that must stay healthy in order to remain relevant.  THIS WEEK: USC got the week off to lick its wounds after getting bullied by Boston College. I have the Trojans much higher than most, but they went on the road and beat Stanford, then traveled nearly 3,000 miles to play BC. The talent is there. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Oregon State

12. Ole Miss 3-0, 1-0 SEC

The Rebels have several talented skill players on the offensive side of the ball, including a third-year starter in QB Bo Wallace and TE Evan Engram. The defense has a chance to be one of the best in the country and, if this team can get over the injury bug that bit it a year ago, Ole Miss will be in the hunt in the SEC West.  THIS WEEK: Hugh Freeze’s team had the week off after a 56-15 win over Louisiana on Sept. 13. The Rebels have allowed just 10.3 points per game so far, including a 41-3 dismantling at Vanderbilt. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Memphis

13. Notre Dame 3-0

Since coach Brian Kelly’s arrival in South Bend, the Irish have been known for their defensive prowess. With five starters from the front seven departed, the defense will take some time to develop. QB Everett Golson, who led the team to the BCS Title Game two years ago, returns for an offense that will have to carry the load, particularly in the first several weeks of the season.  THIS WEEK: Notre Dame was idle this week. The Golden Domers have been solid on both sides of the ball but, with a tough schedule featuring 10 bowl teams from 2013, will have to be better in the coming weeks with games against Stanford and Florida State approaching. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Syracuse

14. Stanford 2-1, 0-1 Pac-12

Perhaps the biggest question mark on this team is how the defense will fare, with new coordinator Lance Anderson having to replace Shayne Skov, Trent Murphy, Ben Gardner and Ed Reynolds. Kevin Hogan returns at QB and he has Ty Montgomery and deep threats Devon Cajuste (22.9 yards per catch last season) and Michael Rector (30.8) on the perimeter.  THIS WEEK: The Cardinal, who was off this week, stumbled at home against USC on Sept. 6, but the defense – which is allowing just 4.3 points per game – allowed the Trojans just one touchdown. With so many new faces on both sides of the ball, including four new starters on the OL, this group will get better as the season progresses. Next up: Sept. 27 at Washington

15. Georgia 2-1, 0-1 SEC

Georgia revolves around their running back, Heisman Trophy candidate Todd Gurley. Hutson Mason replaces record-setting QB Aaron Murray, but the senior got a couple of games under his belt when Murray went down with a knee injury late last season. The defensive front seven should be strong, but the secondary and offensive line are question marks. If Mason and the defense develop, and with a relatively weak SEC East schedule, Georgia should contend for a division – and possibly a conference – crown.  THIS WEEK: Georgia beat up on Troy, 66-0, a week after losing at South Carolina, its main competition in the SEC East. The Bulldogs are averaging more than 300 yards rushing and Gurley is averaging nearly 10 yards per carry. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Tennessee

16. Mississippi State 4-0, 1-0 SEC

Dan Mullen’s team came into 2014 with some lofty expectations. The defense is solid all around, with a chance to be terrific if it can get to opposing QBs. Dak Prescott is developing into a top dual-threat QB with weapons all around him, like RB Josh Robinson and WRs Jameon Lewis and De’Runnya Wilson.  THIS WEEK: The Bulldogs held off LSU for a 34-29 victory, snapping a 14-game losing streak in the series and earning their first win in Death Valley since 1991. Mississippi State had at least 500 yards of total offense for the fifth consecutive game. Next up: Oct. 4 vs Texas A&M

17. Arizona State 3-0, 1-0 Pac-12

Taylor Kelly returns at QB to lead an explosive offense that features RB D.J. Foster and WR Jaelen Strong. The defense will have to be almost entirely re-built after losing nine starters from last year’s unit, including two-time Pac-12 DPOY Will Sutton. Todd Graham’s team won the South Division last year; does it have the talent to repeat in a loaded conference?  THIS WEEK: Arizona State was off this week after beating Colorado 38-24 on on Sept. 13. Kelly is out for the near future with a foot injury suffered in Boulder. Mike Bercovici, a strong-armed junior, will start in his place. Next up: Sept. 25 vs UCLA

18. South Carolina 3-1, 2-1 SEC

There is plenty of talent here, but coach Steve Spurrier has some big holes to fill. Gone are QB Connor Shaw (now with the Cleveland Browns) and all-America DLs Jadeveon Clowney (the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft) and Kelcy Quarles (Indianapolis Colts). The Gamecocks will lean on RB Mike Davis, who ran for nearly 1,200 yards and a very good offensive line.  THIS WEEK: South Carolina allowed two (TWO!) Darrius Sims’ kickoff returns for TDs in Saturday’s 48-38 win over Vanderbilt. That type of thing might work against the Commodores, but the Gamecocks can’t expect to win many games in the SEC with that type of execution. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Missouri

19. Nebraska 4-0

Ameer Abdullah is back as the focal point of the offense after running for nearly 1,700 yards and catching 26 passes last season. Short-yardage back Imani Cross added 10 rushing TDs. Sophomore Tommy Armstrong returns at QB, but threw just one more touchdown pass (9) than interceptions (8) last year. DE Randy Gregory, who led the Big Ten with 10.5 sacks last season, is one of just three returning starters on the defense.  THIS WEEK: Nebraska survived a shootout with Miami while rushing for 343 yards and got a 57-yard fumble return for a touchdown from Josh Mitchell in the team’s final game before entering Big Ten play. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Illinois

20. LSU 3-1, 0-1 SEC

Gone to the NFL are QB Zach Mettenberger, RB Jeremy Hill and WRs Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, all of whom were taken in the 2014 NFL Draft. And that is just on the offensive side of the ball. The Tigers have a very good offensive line, a solid defense and tons of untapped potential, but will have to mature quickly to keep up in the ultra-competitive SEC West.  THIS WEEK: LSU saw its late rally – the Tigers scored 19 fourth-quarter points – fall short in a 34-29 loss to Mississippi State. Next up: Sept. 27 vs New Mexico State

21. BYU 4-0

The Cougars return all sorts of weapons on the offensive side of the ball and are off to a hot start, averaging 37.5 points per game. Dual-threat QB Taysom Hill has become a more efficient passer after running for 1,344 yards last season. RB Jamaal Williams added 1,223 yards for an rushing offense that ranked 10th nationally. Mitch Matthews and Jordan Leslie have done a nice job of replacing Cody Hoffman, the school’s all-time leading receiver. Defensively, Kyle Van Noy moved on to the NFL but the Cougars have been able to limit opponents to 18.8 points per game so far this season, with two wins over Power 5 Conference schools Texas and Virginia.  THIS WEEK: Bronco Mendenhall’s team scored 28 second-half points – including a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Adam Hine after Virginia pulled within eight about halfway through the fourth quarter – en route to a 41-33 win. Next up: Oct. 3 vs Utah State

22. Arkansas 3-1, 0-1 SEC

After dropping its season opener at Auburn, Arkansas had lost 10 consecutive games. Since then, the Razorbacks have won three in a row. Head coach Bret Bielema brought his run-oriented offense from Wisconsin and Arkansas currently ranks in the top-10 nationally in both rushing yards per game (324.5) and points per game (48.8).  THIS WEEK: Arkansas snapped Northern Illinois’ 17-game road win streak (which included wins over four Power 5 schools) with a 52-14 thrashing of the Huskies. The Razorbacks, who had attempted just 17 passes in its two previous games, completed 16 of 23 for 215 yards. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Texas A&M

23. Washington 4-0

Washington sputtered its way to a victory in its first game under Chris Petersen, beating Hawaii 17-16 with backup QB Jeff Lindquist under center, replacing suspended starter Cyler Miles. Since then? Miles and the Huskies have averaged 49.3 points per game. Washington will have to become more consistent as it replaces three offensive stars from last year’s team: QB Keith Price, RB Bishop Sankey and TE Austin Sefarian-Jenkins.  THIS WEEK: Georgia State held the Huskies scoreless in the first half, but Miles and Co. scored 45-straight points and the defense forced five three-and-outs and two turnovers on eight Georgia State possessions after the break. Next up: Sept. 27 vs Stanford

24. TCU 2-0

TCU is coming off its first losing season since 2004, with new offensive co-coordinators Doug Meacham and Sonny Cumbie looking to speed things up offensively. Trevone Boykin, who moved back to QB from WR, can do it all – throwing for 584 yards and 4 TDs while leading the team with 121 yards rushing with another score in two games this season. The defense returns eight starters from a unit that was one of the best in the Big 12 a year ago.  THIS WEEK: The Horned Frogs had a bye this week after beating Minnesota 30-7 on Sept. 13. TCU has allowed just 21 total points in its first two games. More importantly, however, it scored at least 30 in each game. Up next: Sept. 27 at SMU

25. Florida 2-1, 1-1 SEC

Florida is coming off a disastrous season during which injuries ravaged the roster and wins were difficult to come by, finishing 4-8. Kurt Roper was brought in from Duke to revitalize the offense and, with a trio of quality RBs and a pair of WRs it can hang its hat on, the group appears to be improved. The defense has an impact player at every level and should be among the best in the conference.  THIS WEEK: The Gators hung with Alabama for about 40 minutes before the Crimson Tide scored the final 21 points in a 42-21 Florida loss. The Gators aren’t ready to compete with the nation’s elite, but are trending upward. Next up: Oct. 4 @ Tennessee

Just missed the cut: Wisconsin (2-1); Oklahoma State (2-1); Duke (4-0); Penn State (4-0), East Carolina (3-1)

Did I miss your team or rank someone too high? Leave you comment in the section below or click here to compare with the polls.

Luke Byrnes, the College Football Editor at Football Insiders, has had a life-long love affair with sports (much like with the fairer sex, however, that love has often gone unrequited). He played both basketball and football at the collegiate level and was an all-conference selection at offensive tackle each season. Luke spent four years in the now-defunct af2 _ first as a player then as an offensive coordinator _ before deciding to grow up and get a real job. He currently serves as Newsperson/College Desk Editor for the Associated Press, covering NCAA football and basketball, is the host of 'Spokane's Saturday Sports' (8-10am Pacific) on 1510 KGA in Spokane, Wash., and is the defensive line coach at Lewis and Clark High School.

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