Ohio State (#2) ahead of USC (#3) in AP Poll?

Question

I don't understand how Ohio State is ranked ahead of USC in the AP Poll. On September 13th, OSU must travel to USC and beat them after USC's had an extra week off to prepare. I'm certainly not saying Ohio State can't win, but if they do, it would be considered an upset, since doubtless USC will be picked to win the game. So why then are they ranked in front of USC in the pre-season AP Poll? And I'm considering that in spite of what AP voters might say, the pre-season poll is little more than an attempt to predict what will happen during the season. If USC beats OSU, and they end the season with the exact same record, I can't imagine OSU being ranked ahead of USC. Anyone got an opinion on this? And I'm not even remotely a USC fan, I just find the poll to be odd.

Answer 1

Of course OSU is #2. They are established at EVERY position. They are returning most of the team that took them to the title game the last 2 years. They are going to be real good. They have a top 5 coach as well.

USC is also loaded but they lost a lot of talent in the NFL draft. USC will be good but I honestly think OSU will be better. USC has question at the most important position- QB.

I think the AP poll shouldn't come out till the 4th week so we can not only see the teams records but how teams beat other teams (ie. USC or OSU should beat teams lilke Akron, BUffalo like 45-7). Just my opinion.  

Answer 2

Yeah, I'm not a fan of either team (LSU fan here).  But it seems close.  Ohio has alot of returning players and was in the National Championship last year.   While USC has a big question mark at the QB position, even with a great run game from Joe McKnight.  I do agree and think OSU will be the underdogs at the USC match up though.

Answer 3

AP writers are on drugs. (LSU Fan) no offense to USC but theyve been picked to go to the Nat'l championship the past two years and choked. on the other hand the Fuckeyes went to the nat'l championship the past two years. point is there both overrated. im willing to bet that neither one of them are there in the championship this year.

Answer 4

It never seems to amaze me how, unbelievably upset people get during the preseason rankings.

Why, after last year especially, would you let the preseason rankings bother you. Think about how many upsets, blown leads, and teams being overrated there will be. It will all play out on the field, get over it.

After USC  plays OSU  then your problem is solved, whoever wins.

Answer 5

That's because OSU is and always will be BETTER than USC.And I don't see anything wrong with it .GO BUCKEYES!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

i agree that the ap poll is "odd" i don't think they should rate the teams till the middle of oct, let's wait and see which teams have what before we start saying who's better than who.the ap  poll is the reason the auburn tigers didn't get a shot at the national championship in 04

Answer 7

GO BUCKEYES!!!

They'll maul USC they put them at 3 and OSU at 2 cause they know that OSU will win and they won't have to change it....