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

May 2, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Ty Griffin (10) runs the ball down the field at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Highest Rank: 4 (SN)
Lowest Rank:  10 (SI)

SELLING

Sports Illustrated is probably closest to right and even then maybe a little high with a No. 10 preseason ranking for the Ducks. People may not realize just how important Marcus Mariota was to this offense, and how different it will be without his set of skills on hand.

The Ducks will still play some fast and furious football, but those times when Mariota put the team on his back and carried them simply won’t happen. They also could still be suffering the effects of the 42-20 drubbing handed to them by Ohio State in the national championship game.

In 2014, the Ducks finished 31st in scoring defense, right around the high-middle end of the pack. That was good enough with Mariota there as an equalizer, but if there isn’t a significant improvement defensively this season, Oregon may find themselves on the other end of some close games.

The Pac-12 is stronger and the Ducks haven’t upped their game accordingly. They’ll be dethroned and out of the playoffs this year.

Next: Michigan State