Varsity kicks off season ranked sixth

By Jeff Phillips

Daily Sports Writer

As football teams across the nation begin practice, the Associated Press gave them something to think about. On Saturday, the AP released its preseason Top 25.

Nebraska narrowly edged Florida State, defending national champion and last year's preseason No. 1, for the top spot. Alabama, Wisconsin and Miami round out the top five.

As expected, Michigan is ranked near the top five at No. 6 in the poll, down one spot from their finishing position of last year. Despite the high ranking, the Wolverines remain unaffected.

"It's just on paper," Michigan running back Anthony Thomas said about preseason rankings. "Nobody has even played one game yet, so it really doesn't matter to us."

Wisconsin is finding itself in unfamiliar territory, with very high expectations in the preseason.

"It's all about how your kids feel about themselves and where they think they should be and how competitive they feel they can be," Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez said at last week's Big Ten media day.

Defending Big Ten and Rose Bowl champion Wisconsin is expected to have a better team without Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne. Sophomore quarterback Brooks Bollinger has gained maturity and the Badgers also return one of the best cornerbacks in the country in Jamar Fletcher.

"It's our job to try to sustain the success that we've had," Alvarez said. "You really can't concern yourself with where you're chosen or how you're perceived."

No. 16 Ohio State is also looking to turn heads nationally. After a lackluster 6-6 season last season, Ohio State head coach John Cooper feels the Buckeyes have something to prove.

"People have a short memory," Cooper said. "Then last year happens and people are suddenly like, 'What happened to Ohio State?' Well, nothing - we just have to get our swagger back."

Four other Big Ten teams are ranked in the Top 25. Heisman hopeful Drew Brees leads No. 14 Purdue, followed by No. 21 Illinois, No. 22 Penn State and No. 25 Michigan State.

Arguably the nation's toughest conference, the Big Ten boasts the most teams in the poll with seven. The Big 12 and Southeastern conferences, which place five teams each, follow closely behind the Big Ten.

The first regular season AP poll will be released on August 28.