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Why? Because USA Today has come out with its coaches' preseason poll.

Yes, yes, we know that preseason polls don't really mean anything and that games are won on the field not on paper, blah, blah, blah.

The whole point of releason a poll like this so ridiculously early, before we have any idea what's really going to happen, is to get discussion started. Come to think of it, that's why this blog exists as well.

So, without further ado, here's the link.

What's that? You want my thoughts on it? Well, only if you insist.

Welcome to the post-Leinart era. This year, I'm not really sold on anyone as No. 1. Ohio State? Nine starters have to be replaced on defense. And while the Buckeyes offense looked awesome by the end of the year, we know that the idea of opening up the attack again goes against every instinct coach Jim Tressel. Can a team really be No. 1 when it's talent doesn't match its coach's philosophy?

Texas? No. 2? I know the Longhorns have ton of talent, but they won the national title last year because of the brilliance of Vince Young. Now that he's not around, how great can Texas really be?

Notre Dame? The Irish get a lot of credit for being so close in a couple of games they lost, but they were also pretty close in some of the games they won. The glaring lack of speed they showed in their Fiesta Bowl loss to Ohio State didn't just disappear, did it?

Southern Cal? If you believe that John David Booty will be to Matt Leinart as Matt Leinart was to Carson Palmer, then go right and and put them at No. 1. Me? I have no idea.

I do feel pretty confident that Oklahoma won't be a top-five team this year, not without quarterback Rhett Bomar. Speaking of Bomar, ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach has an interesting update on Bomar's future options. Quick summation: there aren't many right now.

By now we're already down to Auburn at No. 6. I think I've made my point. There's not a clear, dominant team out there.

Other points of interest:

ACC teams in the poll:

No. 10 FSU. The Noles has the highest-ranked conference team? Who'dda thunk it? Drew Weatherford looks like he won't be the next Chris Rix, which is probably why FSU is ranked this high despite going just 8-5 last year.

No. 11 Miami. One season later, I'm still wondering if Kyle Wright is the answer for the Hurricanes at QB. Plus, does he have anyone to throw the ball to?

No. 16 Virginia Tech. Is the loss of Marcus Vick addition by subtraction? Or just subtraction? There aren't a whole lot of big name players this year up in Blacksburg, but the Hokies seem to cobble together pretty good seasons when they have no-name talents.

No. 18 Clemson. Everybody's darkhorse darling. Just like two years ago. I realize by this point I'm appearing to be a big negative, but everybody just seems to be assuming that Will Proctor will do just fine at QB for the Tigers. If he does, then hey, see you in Jacksonville, Clemson. If not, then hey, it might be see you in Charlotte after a 6-6, 7-5 season.

The lifetime achievement awards in this year's opoll appear to have been handed out to No.15 Michigan and No. 23 Tennessee, neither of which was very good last year, but both of which are ranked regardless. I've got more faith in the Maize and Blue to live up to those expectations. Big Orange just might be in big trouble.