Preseason Rankings - What do they mean?

So the 2 major college football polls are now both out and what does that mean?

Not much except that we all have something new to talk about until the season kicks off. A good example of the meaninglessness of the preseason rankings, at least in respect to how a team will finish, is the fact that 4 teams from conferences that automatically qualify for BCS bowls are ranked in the top 25 while no team from the Big East, a BCS conference, was ranked in the top 25. It is almost assured that some team from the Big East will make it into a BCS game at the end of the season and be ranked in the final top 25.

So why do Preseason rankings?

Some feel it gives us a place to start but I honestly believe it's just a way to hype some early out of conference games.

The Cougars kick off at #20 AP and #24 USA Today poll against Oklahoma which sits at #3 in both those polls. Oregon, ranked in both polls, takes on Boise State, also ranked in both polls. These are considered the biggest games of opening weekend. I would love to see the Ducks stomp all over the Broncos. I'm not sure why, maybe it's jealousy, but I hate seeing Boise win. That and family ties require us to cheer for Oregon so long as they aren't playing BYU (wish it was 2006 again!).

Big question: Can BYU beat Oklahoma in Arlington at the new Dallas Cowboy stadium? Absolutely!

Will they? Who knows. Oklahoma is returning the Heismann trophy winner along with several players from a team that regularly put up 5 to 6 TDs on teams last year. They did most of that through the air. BYU is returning several key players but still has lots of questions on defense, especially at a position that was exposed against the pass last year.

I'm not going to give a prediction on this game just yet as it's still a couple weeks away, in fact, we kick off 2 Saturdays from now and so much can happen.

For a season prediction, I look to see BYU win the conference and not have so many close games against teams they should roll. I expect more discipline and leadership from the seniors and then rolling some lame Pac-10 team in the Las Vegas bowl.

My dream would be to see them beat Oklahoma followed by thrashing Tulane. Then it's time to come home and show Florida St. that the ACC really is that bad. If BYU starts the season 3-0, there will again be talk of a National Championship. 25 years after the last one, how appropriate!

Go Cougars!