Preseason AP POLL Out. Gophers = No Votes


Who was ranting? I was reporting what I read about Illinois' returning players. It's pretty logical why they are rated more highly than us in August. And, yes, I'm fully aware that the rankings in December won't match the rankings in August.
@TwistingMyMelon I was agreeing with you; sorry it didn't come across that way. It was intended as a tongue-in-cheek comment to people who had an issue with a 10-win team being ranked while returning 75% of its production from last season.

Illinois may turn out to be the USC of 2025 and won't end up ranked. That's why we play the games.

And Indiana/AZ State weren't ranked or even in the consideration set in 2024, and it turned out OK for them.

Suppose the Gophers can build an offensive line in one off season that replaces the experienced offensive line that failed to live up to the talent, find someone who can become a reliable #1 and #2 receiver, have a RS Freshman QB that plays like he's been around for a while, replace two experienced CBs, and coach to win vs. not to lose - in that at case, the rankings will take care of themselves.

Oh, and @Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0, if we are 4-0 and upset Ohio State (assuming they haven't lost), we'll be in the top 15 at least. With a schedule that allows us the opportunity to be a two-loss or better team at the end of the season, we'll be just fine in the rankings.
 

It would be interesting to compare where programs finished in the prior season’s Sagarin rankings to where they open in the current season’s pre-season AP polls - year over year.

The Gophers have to be at the bottom of the list as far as net movement. Obviously, the teams change year to year - especially now, but we were a borderline top 25 team and are being treated like we are trash.
 

Thought maybe the Gophers would show up on this list, based on pre-season AP polls since 2014:

AP Poll voters’ Top 25 most underrated teams since 2014

1. BYU
2. Northwestern
3. Boise State
4. TCU
5. Iowa
6. Indiana
7. Cincinnati
8. Mississippi State
9. Arizona State
10. SMU
11. Louisiana
12. UCF
13. Kentucky
14. Tulane
15. Missouri
16. Houston
17. Oklahoma State
18. Memphis
19. Arizona
20. Syracuse
T-21. Army
T-21 Navy
23. Ole Miss
24. Washington State
25. Western Michigan


As you would guess, Nebraska makes an appearance (#20) on the overrated list.
 

Oh, and @Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0, if we are 4-0 and upset Ohio State (assuming they haven't lost), we'll be in the top 15 at least. With a schedule that allows us the opportunity to be a two-loss or better team at the end of the season, we'll be just fine in the rankings.
Idk about that. If we're 4-0, we probably get a handful of votes. Upset an undefeated Buckeyes team and they might get to 17 or 18. I don't see getting into the top 15 unless they are real close to top 25 by that time.
 


I am a Gopher basketball guy first and foremost but I hear that Fleck is claiming that this is his best Gopher team so far. What do posters here think? Is there a legit chance of that?
 

I am a Gopher basketball guy first and foremost but I hear that Fleck is claiming that this is his best Gopher team so far. What do posters here think? Is there a legit chance of that?
A lot of unknown quantities compared to the '19 team. If the OL can gel, someone can emerge at receiver, and Lindsey can play fairly mistake free, it has the potential to be up there. Defense should be top 10 in the country.
 




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