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

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) warms up before the first quarter against the Boise State Broncos in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. The Broncos won 38-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Highest Rank:  15 (SI)
Lowest Rank:  22 (Coaches, AP)

BUYING

Like much of the Pac-12, Arizona will probably fall victim to in-conference schedule cannibalism. Like the SEC, the conference is loaded with talented teams, and some good teams who have a few flaws will be left out.

Quarterback Anu Solomon still has much to learn in just his second season with the Cats, but he’s going to be surrounded by a lot of returning starters and key players on offense. Still, there seemed to be something clicking with this offense last season, and if they can build on last season’s 34.5 points per game, there is a chance for something special.

Most have the Wildcats dipping in the rankings because of the defense. With the exception of Scooby Wright, there isn’t much to look forward to when the opponents have the ball. Zona is losing six key players from what was a pretty sour defense. Last season the Cats finished 80th nationally in scoring defense, giving up 28.2 points per game, and they were particularly bad against the pass, giving up 281 yards per game, good for 121st in the nation.

With all the quality offensive power in the Pac-12, it’s hard to give any edge to the Wildcats, however they are still definitely a top 25 team.

Next: Stanford