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The start of the college football season is still a little more than two months away but its not too early to discuss Top 25 rankings. We'll be rolling out our Preseason Top 25 this week with a little discussion to go along with it. Feel free to join in on the conversation with your own thoughts and opinions.
| # | Matt | Rich |
| 25 | Michigan | Kansas State |
| 24 | Nebraska | Washington |
| 23 | Kansas State | Clemson |
| 22 | Clemson | Nebraska |
| 21 | Iowa | Texas Tech |
Matt: You've got the Washington Huskies at 24?
Rich: The Huskies finished 9-4 and ranked inside the Top 25 last season. Although Steve Sarkisian is gone, he left plenty of talent in his wake especially along both lines. With Chris Petersen coming in, there is potential for this team to build on its successes from a year ago.
Matt: I just think they're going to be too young at quarterback.
Rich: True. They have some inconsistencies at running back as well. However, an experienced offensive line should absorb a few of the growing pains while also giving the backfield a chance to adjust to play in the Pac12.
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Rich: We both have Clemson listed in the 20-25 range. Are they really deserving of such a ranking knowing Tahj Boyd and Sammy Watkins have moved on?
Matt: Absolutely! We actually may have them ranked too low even. Boyd and Watkins are gone but the Tigers will make their living on the defensive side of the ball this season. Eight starters return on defense and they are all upperclassmen, including All-American Vic Beasley.
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Matt: You've got Kansas State as the last team in your Top 25. Haven't you learned to give Bill Snyder a little more love by now?
Rich: My biggest concern for Kansas St. does not lie within the coaching ability of Bill Snyder. Rather it lies in the fact that they play in a conference known for their high powered offenses. The biggest hole the Wildcats need to look at replacing is safety Ty Zimmerman. Can they shut down some of the nation's top receivers moving forward? Sure, there are more than a couple of JUCO transfers coming in, as usual, but we won't know how smooth that transition went until Auburn comes to town.
To top it off, Kansas St. needs to limit the turnovers if they hope to move forward. In their 5 losses of 2013, KSU lost the turnover battle and part of that was due to their quarterback situation. There are a few question marks but nothing I don't think they can't overcome. I just need to see it first.