NCAA College Football FBS Power Rankings – Week 00 – 2012

Rankings - Preseason

Preseason Games

Preseason Movers

Last year, we introduced the NCAA.com Power Rankings, a system based solely on team statistics. It's not like traditional polls that allow individuals to subjectively rank the "best" teams in their opinion. These rankings are simply based on current NCAA statistics taking into account both offense and defense.

The result? The last seven weeks of the 2011 season, the statistics put Alabama on top of the heap -- the same team that won the national title. Sure, we can debate at length whether or not the Crimson Tide should have been in the championship game, but the fact remains that there is no disputing the statistics. And had LSU or some other team won? Statistically speaking, the Power Rankings still would have been correct.

Now, follow along weekly and rank your favorite teams.

Rank		Record	Comment
1	Southern California Shop	0-0	QB Matt Barkley's return has sparked Heisman and national title talk in the City of Angels but a question remains: how will the D hold up?
2	LSU Shop	0-0	Even without the Honey Badger, the Tigers' defense will be stellar. If QB Zach Mettenberger upgrades the offense, watch out.
3	Alabama Shop	0-0	Coach Nick Saban has proven he can get the most out of players, but is this group talented enough to win a third title in four years?
4	Oregon Shop	0-0	LaMichael James is off to the NFL, leaving more time for Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas to blaze a trail around the field.
5	Oklahoma Shop	0-0	Last year was disappointing by OU's lofty standards. With QB Landry Jones around again, this year still has promise.
6	Georgia Shop	0-0	Off-the-field situations leave for some question marks, but when isn't that the case with the Dogs? They'll still be up here.
7	West Virginia Shop	0-0	Coach Dana Holgorsen knows the Big 12, the Mountaineers' new stomping grounds. He knows offense too. Ask Clemson.
8	Arkansas Shop	0-0	The defense will be better, as should QB Tyler Wilson despite losing a stable of WRs. If RB Knile Davis is healthy, it may be Hogs' heaven.
9	Florida St. Shop	0-0	Florida State may rival LSU as the best defensive front in the country. It also has experience at QB and WR. Is that enough?
10	Wisconsin Shop	0-0	Montee Ball may pronounce his name differently, but his game is the same. Expect more smash-mouth fun in Madison.
11	South Carolina Shop	0-0	Don't be surprised if Marcus Lattimore picks up right where he left off last year before his injury. And possibly picks up a trophy for it.
12	Michigan Shop	0-0	Seems like QB Denard Robinson has been around for, what, eight or nine years? It'll be same story as before if D doesn't come to play.
13	Michigan St. Shop	0-0	The Spartans were sixth in total defense last year and return their core but the offense's only proven talent is RB Le'Veon Bell.
14	Texas Shop	0-0	Quarterback could be an on-going saga, but the talent on offense is upgraded. DE Alex Okafor may be the best defensive player in the Big 12.
15	Clemson Shop	0-0	The Tigers have explosive players on offense -- see WR Sammy Watkins, QB Tajh Boyd -- but, let's talk about that D some more.