College Football Top 25: Buying or selling the 2015 preseason rankings

Dec 27, 2014; El Paso, TX, USA; Arizona State players hold up the Hyundai Sun Bowl Trophy after winning the 2014 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Sun Devils defeated the Blue Devils 36-31. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports

Highest Rank:  13 (Athlon)
Lowest Rank:  19 (SN)

BUYING

Defensively, the Devils will need to step it up if they want to compete in the offensively strong Pac-12

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has the Sun Devils making the playoffs, and while that may be going out on a limb, this team absolutely has the makings of a possible top 10 team, and even more.

The big thing that could hold the Sun Devils back this season is their schedule. As it stands right now, they have one of the toughest schedules in the Pac-12, with five preseason top 25 teams in front of them, as well as what may prove to be tough games with Washington and Utah.

With a lot of returning players, Todd Graham can continue his construction of a top tier program, and will show that last season was no fluke. Defensively, the Devils will need to step it up if they want to compete in the offensively strong Pac-12.

I can’t say I see Arizona State in the playoffs, but a finish in the top 10 is definitely in the cards, and probably an appearance in the Pac-12 championship game.

Next: Ole Miss