The Collegian's Darrell Copeland III ranks college football's top 25

1. Ohio State (0-0)
Next: vs. Northern Illinois
Antonio Pittman may be the most underrated running back in the country. Their are holes to fill on defense, but the talent to fill them is there.

2. Auburn (0-0)

Next: vs. Wash. State

A forgotten team in the national title mix. RB Kenny Irons returns, as does much improved QB Brandon Cox

3. USC (0-0)

Next: vs. at No. 22 Arkansas

The defense will carry the load in the beginning. A true freshman will likely lead the Trojans in rushing.

4. Notre Dame (0-0)

Next: at Georgia Tech

They return a bunch of starters from a terrible pass defense a year ago.

5. LSU (0-0)

Next: vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

Maybe the most talent on either side of the ball in the nation. Receivers have top flight speed.

6. Texas (0-0)

Next: vs. North Texas

If Colt McCoy performs, this team will be at the top very soon. True frosh Jevan Snead is breathing down his neck for playing time.

7. Florida (0-0)

Next: vs. Southern Miss

Start counting the sacks that this defensive front will get now. QB Chris Leak is a better runner than the majority think. He’ll be in the Heisman running.

8. Florida State (0-0)

Next: Sept. 4 at No. 10 Miami (FL)

The Seminoles will have a major passing attack for opponents to contend with.

9. West Virginia (0-0)

Next: vs. Marshall

Quarterback Pat White can run. When he can pass, then they’ll be a threat.

10. Miami (FL) (0-0)

Next: Sept. 4 vs. No. 8 Florida State

It will be tough for the Hurricanes to pull out a victory against the Seminoles after the suspensions of receiver Ryan Moore and running back Tyrone Moss.

11. Louisville (0-0)

Next: vs. Kentucky

QB Brian Brohm is underrated; RB Michael Bush is overrated.

12. Georgia (0-0)

Next: vs. Western Kentucky

These Dawgs go four deep in the backfield. Senior QB Joe Tereshinski is finally getting his chance to shine.

13. Michigan (0-0)

Next: vs. Vanderbilt

Nothing special about the Wolverines, but they’ll be solid as usual. Cornerback Leon Hall is a future first round pick.

14. Iowa (0-0)

Next: vs. Montana

Drew Tate (5'11") is the Hawkeyes’ version of Sean Norton. Tate will miss Ed Hinkel, who routinely made great plays.

15. Virginia Tech (0-0)

Next: vs. Northeastern

The Hokies are breaking in a new quarterback, but don’t count them out. Xavier Adibi is an All-American linebacker.

16. Oregon (0-0)

Next: vs. Stanford

The Ducks can’t look ahead to Fresno State, because Stanford will bring its “A” game. That being said, the Ducks' offense is a force to be reckoned with.

17. Clemson (0-0)

Next: vs. Florida Atlantic

Great running game, great defense, quarterback a big question. Defense will keep them in every game this season.

18. Oklahoma (0-0)

Next: vs. UAB

True frosh running back DeMarco Murray makes Reggie Bush’s high school highlight tapes look pedestrian. QB Paul Thompson will surprise many with his solid play.

19. Penn State (0-0)

Next: vs. Akron

All three linebackers, could play in the NFL right now; two would start.

20. California (0-0)

Next: at No. 25 Tennessee

Quarterback play is again a concern; they’ll rotate in Nate Longshore and Joe Ayoob to start.

 21. Alabama (0-0)

 Next: vs. Hawaii

 A year or two away, if that, from being back in the top 5.

22. Arkansas (0-0)

Next: vs. No. 3 USC

Would’ve been my upset pick of the week if Darren McFadden wasn’t ruled out. Even without him, Trojans will be in for fight on road.

23. TCU (0-0)

Next: Sept. 3 at Baylor

This team is really, really good. Sophomore Aaron Brown is the best of the running backs — and they’re good.

24. Texas A&M (0-0)

Next: vs. Citadel

This team could make some noise in the Big XII South this season. QB Stephen McGee is a tough cookie who’s teammates play even harder for.

25. Tennessee (0-0)

Next: vs. No. 20 California

Erik Ainge needs to rebound from his sophomore slump of a year ago.

Others receiving thought: Texas Tech, Arizona State, South Carolina, Nebraska, Fresno State, Utah

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