Why a 'plus-one' was shot down; post-Perrilloux LSU and more

I'll give you six: Georgia , Ohio State , USC , Missouri , Oklahoma and Florida . But then who? Auburn? The Tigers have their own quarterback issues. Texas Tech ? I love Michael Crabtree , but I'm not sure I'm comfortable placing a perennial 9-4 team ahead of the defending national champs. So who else? Wisconsin ? Clemson? Tennessee ? Kansas ? By all means, give it a shot.

While quarterback play is certainly crucial to a team's success, it's not the only factor I weigh when looking at a team in the preseason. In fact, two equally important components in my book are the offensive and defensive lines, and LSU happens to be stacked on both sides. The quarterback situation may cause LSU to struggle early, but barring a disaster, I'm guessing the Tigers will be back in the top 10 when all is said and done.

Stewart: I'm of the belief that college football benefits from the presence of a perennial powerhouse to root for/against. This role has been filled recently by USC and, to some degree, Oklahoma and LSU. Do you see any team asserting itself in the next few years and filling the role? -- Marc P., Somerville, Mass.

I'm pretty sure that team already exists -- and it's The Ohio State University .

In nearly a decade covering this sport, I've never seen such universal animosity toward a program (Notre Dame notwithstanding) than what currently surrounds the Buckeyes . Based on some of the e-mails I receive, you would think Jim Tressel has been caravanning around the country egging houses.

It's pretty interesting when you think about it. Normally, people root against the teams that win a lot; in this case, the ill will has been generated entirely by the Buckeyes having lost in consecutive national championship games.

The good news is, this should all be resolved fairly early this season. As mentioned earlier, Ohio State plays at USC the third week of the season. If they win, no one will be able to accuse the Buckeyes of "backing into" the title game this time. (By the way, what's with the short-term memory, people? With the amount of complaints I receive about Ohio State 's schedule you would never guess they played Texas as recently as 2006.) If the Buckeyes get crushed again, I give you my word as a pollster they will quietly disappear into the night.

Ohio State should now be permanently banned from the top five. If not that, at least keep them out of the top two. They DO NOT belong there. -- Kevin Flagg, Alpharetta , Ga.

See what I mean?

Is there going to be a Mailbag Crush this year? Please say yes. -- Ben, Indianapolis