Ah, feels good to be back in the swing of things again. Here’s my top ten (* tiebreaker):
- Alabama*
- Baylor
- Clemson
- FSU
- Georgia
- LSU
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Stanford
- Texas A&M
Others considered: Ohio State, UCLA, Washington
Only tough call was at number ten, where I went with TAMU. I know the Aggies’ defense is nothing to write home about, but that offense is good enough to beat the other three teams I considered there.
This was my first ballot of the season, and I tend to be very deliberate with my research. Still, I had ‘er done in thirty minutes. Approval voting, for the win!
If you haven’t voted yet, get over to the site and do it.
Get The Picture 
I went with Miami as my last team over TAMU. TAMU’s best win is a loss at Bama. Other than that game, their resume isn’t impressive (yet). Miami beat one of the better defenses in country (Florida) and took care of GT. I think TAMU will eventually pass them, but right now, Miami looks better to me.
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I don’t know Heatbar….Miami’s win over UF was very very flukey. And the win over GT can’t be considered THAT remarkable, can it? I do think Miami is good, but not top-ten good. FSU is the team that I feel like hasn’t been tested. Maryland was a paper tiger and FSU eliminated the Maryland QB with a cheap shot early in the game..so they played with a backup almost the whole game. Clemson looks more like a complete team but Georgia should have beaten them. Call me crazy, but Alabama was showing some cracks and I believe will be beaten this year by someone…maybe in ATL or maybe before.
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I don’t think the GT win is remarkable, but it’s a better win than any of TAMU’s victories. GT’s only other loss is by 7 to a 5-1 VT team. GT might not be that bad this year. This issue with the poll this early is that the bulk of teams haven’t played a schedule like UGA or LSU, etc. We’re having to base our opinions on a lot of game against lower tier teams. So I’ve added more weight to wins against quality teams. Like I said, TAMU’s best “win” is a loss. I do think TAMU eventually moves up because they will probably win every game until LSU. While Miami plays @FSU in 3 weeks.
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Also, I agree on the Maryland quip. Which is why I didn’t include Baylor in my top 10. Sure, they rack up 500 points a game. But they also just gave up 42 points to WVU. WVU got shut out by Maryland. I know transitive properties, yada yada yada. I don’t care how many points you score, but giving up 42, at home, to a mediocre team is pretty bad. Probably why I don’t like TAMU as much either.
I know our (UGA) defense stinks, but we’ve given up 30 points to Clemson, USCe, Tennessee, and LSU. TAMU has given up 30 points to Rice, Arkansas, and 28 to Sam Houston St. Completely different, IMO.
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I can’t make up my mind about Miami. There are times when the ‘Canes look really good, but times when they look completely inept.
Miami didn’t beat UF’s defense, by the way.
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I agree. Miami is tough to gauge. If they played Alabama, I’m sure they’d be 4-1 as well, instead of 5-0. I guess I just favor defense a little more.
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Kudos on not including Ohio State. They needed every break imaginable to beat North Vanderbilt… who is also the toughest team on their schedule this year.
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Sorry Senator but I detect the dreaded East Coast bias. Say it ain’t so…I love our Dawgs but how can Oregon destroy Tennessee and be rated behind us. You’re factoring in about a 50 point home field advantage.
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I forgot, this is the Mumme Poll, no order of preference. Nevermind…
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