Garnet & Cocky’s Preseason Top 25 Rankings
By Rixon Lane
17. Ole Miss Rebels
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The Rebels have the misfortune of playing in the toughest division in football, but Hugh Freeze has things looking up in Oxford. If Ole Miss is going to take the next step, Bo Wallace must become a better passer and the Rebels have to improve in the trenches.
16. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
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Notre Dame gets Everett Golson back after he was suspended for the entire 2013 season, but the key for the Irish will be the defense. New defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder has to work with a young unit, but a revitalized offense should make his job a little easier.
15. Wisconsin Badgers
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The Badgers will go as far as their two-headed monster at running back takes them. Melvin Gordon and Corey Clement will take a lot of pressure off of quarterback Joel Stave, who could end up losing his job to Tanner McEvoy before the season ends.
14. Southern Cal Trojans
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Southern Cal got a big boost from new head coach Steve Sarkisian on the recruiting trail. Now, the Trojans are hoping that his success off the field translates into victories. Another 10-win season would go a long way towards convincing fans that Sarkisian was the right hire.