Florida State won the 2013 national title, and the Seminoles begin 2014 atop the College Football 24/7 preseason Top 25 Power Rankings.
FSU won the title last season in the final year with the BCS in place, and as everyone knows, a four-team playoff begins this season.
There are seven voters in CFB 24/7 Top 25 Power Rankings, and 17 teams received votes from all of them. Voters include NFL Media analysts Gil Brandt, Bucky Brooks, Charles Davis and Daniel Jeremiah, and CFB 24/7 writers Bryan Fischer, Chase Goodbread and Mike Huguenin.
Editor's note: The voting for the power rankings took place prior to Braxton Miller's season-ending shoulder injury, which obviously impacts the Buckeyes' standing heading into the 2014 season.
1. Florida State 175 points (7 first-place votes)
The skinny: The defending champs open the season atop our list. QB Jameis Winston headlines what should be a powerful offense, and the defense might be the fastest overall in the nation.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- at Oklahoma State; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Citadel; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- vs. Clemson; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- at North Carolina State; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. Wake Forest; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at Syracuse; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Notre Dame; Thursday, Oct. 30 -- at Louisville; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- vs. Virginia; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Miami (Fla.); Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Boston College; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. Florida
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 3 (Clemson, Notre Dame, Florida)
2. Oregon 161
The skinny: It's all about QB Marcus Mariota. He will make the offense go. But will the Ducks be able to 'bow up defensively when that invariably is needed?
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. South Dakota; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Michigan State; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Wyoming; Saturday, Sept, 20 -- at Washington State; Thursday, Oct. 2 -- vs. Arizona; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at UCLA; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Washington; Friday, Oct. 24 -- at California; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Stanford; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at Utah; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Colorado; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- at Oregon State
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 4 (Michigan State, UCLA, Washington, Stanford)
3. Alabama 160
The skinny: Nick Saban's "process" generates positive results. But there are questions at quarterback, and can the Tide win the SEC West, much less a national title, with merely adequate quarterback play?
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. West Virginia; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Florida Atlantic; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Southern Miss; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- vs. Florida; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at Ole Miss; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at Arkansas; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Texas A&M; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- at Tennessee; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at LSU; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- vs. Mississippi State; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Western Carolina; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. Auburn
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 4 (Florida, Ole Miss, LSU, Auburn)
4. Oklahoma 153
The skinny: There is a lot of off-field turmoil surrounding the program. But once this team gets on the field, it could run the table. The Sooners are the most talented team in the Big 12, which doesn't appear all that strong.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Louisiana Tech; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- at Tulsa; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Tennessee; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- at West Virginia; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at TCU; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- vs. Texas; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Kansas State; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- at Iowa State; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- vs. Baylor; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Texas Tech; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Kansas; Saturday, Dec. 6 -- vs. Oklahoma State
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 3 (Texas, Kansas State, Baylor)
5. Auburn 140
The skinny: Even the most ardent Tigers fan has to admit the Tigers got lucky at opportune times last season. Still, the offense is going to be potent again with QB Nick Marshall, and the defense should be tougher than it was in '13.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Arkansas; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. San Jose State; Thursday, Sept. 18 -- at Kansas State; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. Louisiana Tech; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. LSU; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at Mississippi State; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- vs. South Carolina; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- at Ole Miss; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- vs. Texas A&M; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Georgia; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Samford; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- at Alabama
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 6 (Kansas State, LSU, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Georgia, Alabama)
6. Ohio State 137
The skinny: The nation's best defensive line will be Ohio State's calling card this season. But the offensive line could have some issues, which could derail any Big Ten title hopes.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- at Navy; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Virginia Tech; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Kent State; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. Cincinnati; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at Maryland; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Rutgers; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- at Penn State; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Illinois; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at Michigan State; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Minnesota; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Indiana; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. Michigan
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 1 (Michigan State)
7. UCLA 131
The skinny: The Bruins have a tough schedule, but QB Brett Hundley and a young and talented defense headed by LB Myles Jack lend hope. Finding a legit feature back to take some pressure off Hundley is vital.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- at Virginia; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Memphis; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- at Texas; Thursday, Sept. 25 -- at Arizona State; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. Utah; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- vs. Oregon; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at California; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- at Colorado; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Arizona; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at Washington; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. USC; Friday, Nov. 28 -- vs. Stanford
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 6 (Texas, Arizona State, Oregon, Washington, USC, Stanford)
8. Michigan State 126
The skinny: Spartans coach Mark Dantonio is a throwback of sorts -- he wants to win with a power rushing attack and a physical defense. Those components are in place. A Sept. 6 visit to Oregon will set the tone for the season for both teams.
2014 schedule: Friday, Aug. 29 -- vs. Jacksonville State; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- at Oregon; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- vs. Eastern Michigan; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. Wyoming; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. Nebraska; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at Purdue; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at Indiana; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- vs. Michigan; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- vs. Ohio State; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Maryland; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Rutgers; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- at Penn State
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 3 (Oregon, Nebraska, Ohio State)
9. Baylor 124
The skinny: The Bears will have one of the nation's most potent offenses, thanks to QB Bryce Petty, and the schedule isn't that tough. But the defense doesn't appear to be title-worthy.
2014 schedule: Sunday, Aug. 31 -- vs. SMU; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Northwestern State; Friday, Sept. 12 -- at Buffalo; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- at Iowa State; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at Texas; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- vs. TCU; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at West Virginia; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Kansas; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at Oklahoma; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Oklahoma State; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. Texas Tech; Saturday, Dec. 6 -- vs. Kansas State
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 3 (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas State)
10. South Carolina 116
The skinny: Depth appears to be as good as it has been during Steve Spurrier's tenure in Columbia, and in Mike Davis, he has a true feature back he can lean on. But the wide receivers and defensive line are questions.
2014 schedule: Thursday, Aug. 28 -- vs. Texas A&M; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. East Carolina; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Georgia; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- at Vanderbilt; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. Missouri; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at Kentucky; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Furman; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- at Auburn; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Tennessee; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Florida; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. South Alabama; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- at Clemson
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 4 (Georgia, Auburn, Florida, Clemson)
11. Stanford 107
The skinny: For a group of smart guys, Stanford's game plan is simple: We will line up and simply bludgeon you for 60 minutes. The schedule, though, is a monster, and basically every tough game is on the road.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. UC Davis; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. USC; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Army; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- at Washington; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at Notre Dame; Friday, Oct. 10 -- vs. Washington State; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at Arizona State; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- vs. Oregon State; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- at Oregon; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- vs. Utah; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- at California; Friday, Nov. 28 -- at UCLA
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 6 (USC, Washington, Notre Dame, Arizona State, Oregon, UCLA)
12. Georgia 98
The skinny: The coaches were able to count on QB Aaron Murray in each of the past four seasons. He's gone now, which makes this RB Todd Gurley's team. The defense should benefit from a coordinator change.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Clemson; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- at South Carolina; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- vs. Troy; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. Tennessee; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. Vanderbilt; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at Missouri; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at Arkansas; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Florida; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at Kentucky; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- vs. Auburn; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Charleston Southern; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. Georgia Tech
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 4 (Clemson, South Carolina, Florida, Auburn)
13. LSU 81
The skinny: The Tigers lost a ton of underclass talent, including both starting wide receivers and both starting defensive tackles. Les Miles has stockpiled talent, to be sure, but a lot of unproven guys need to come through this season.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Wisconsin; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Sam Houston State; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Louisiana-Monroe; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- vs. Mississippi State; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. New Mexico State; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at Auburn; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at Florida; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Kentucky; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- vs. Ole Miss; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- vs. Alabama; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Arkansas; Thursday, Nov. 27 -- at Texas A&M
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 5 (Wisconsin, Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama)
14. USC 77
The skinny: The starting 22 is a good one, but depth is a concern. If the Trojans can stay injury-free, they will be in good shape. But staying healthy against a tough schedule could be difficult.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Fresno State; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- at Stanford; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- at Boston College; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. Oregon State; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. Arizona State; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at Arizona; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Colorado; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- at Utah; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- at Washington State; Thursday, Nov. 13 -- vs. California; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- at UCLA; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. Notre Dame
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 4 (Stanford, Arizona State, UCLA, Notre Dame)
15. Wisconsin 76
The skinny: Like their Big Ten brethren Michigan State, the Badgers want to cram the ball down your throat with the run, then stifle you with their defense. The first part, with RB Melvin Gordon, is a given this season; the second, not so much.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- at LSU; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Western Illinois; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- vs. Bowling Green; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. South Florida; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at Northwestern; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- vs. Illinois; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- vs. Maryland; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- at Rutgers; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at Purdue; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- vs. Nebraska; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- at Iowa; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. Minnesota
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 3 (LSU, Nebraska, Iowa)
16. Notre Dame 57
The skinny: The Irish played for it all in 2012, then tumbled a bit last season. Everyone associated with the program is hoping that QB Everett Golson, who was suspended last season, can provide the needed offensive spark. The schedule is tough.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Rice; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Michigan; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Purdue; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- at Syracuse; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. Stanford; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- vs. North Carolina; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at Florida State; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- at Navy; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at Arizona State; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- vs. Northwestern; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Louisville; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- at USC
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 5 (Stanford, North Carolina, Florida State, Arizona State, USC)
17. Clemson 55
The skinny: No Tajh Boyd. No Sammy Watkins. But there is pass-rush stud Vic Beasley and a stout defense. It's up to senior QB Cole Stoudt to produce.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- at Georgia; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. South Carolina State; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- at Florida State; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. North Carolina; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. North Carolina State; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- vs. Louisville; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at Boston College; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- vs. Syracuse; Thursday, Nov. 6 -- at Wake Forest; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Georgia Tech; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Georgia State; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. South Carolina
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 4 (Georgia, Florida State, North Carolina, South Carolina)
18. Ole Miss 48
The skinny: These are heady times for the Rebels, as there is talk about a SEC West title. That seems a bit fanciful, but if QB Bo Wallace cuts down on his mistakes and a legit feature back emerges, the Rebels will do some damage.
2014 schedule: Thursday, Aug. 28 -- vs. Boise State; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- at Vanderbilt; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Louisiana-Lafayette; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. Memphis; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. Alabama; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at Texas A&M; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Tennessee; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- at LSU; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Auburn; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- vs. Presbyterian; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- at Arkansas; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. Mississippi State
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 3 (Alabama, LSU, Auburn)
19. Arizona State 40
The skinny: QB Taylor Kelly puts up big numbers but continues to fly below the radar. No matter: He and the offense again will be productive. The defense is the issue.
2014 schedule: Thursday, Aug. 28 -- vs. Weber State; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- at New Mexico; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- at Colorado; Thur., Sept. 25 -- vs. UCLA; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at USC; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Stanford; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- at Washington; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Utah; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- vs. Notre Dame; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Oregon State; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Washington State; Friday, Nov. 28 -- at Arizona
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 5 (UCLA, USC, Stanford, Washington, Notre Dame)
20. Washington 36
The skinny: Chris Petersen should provide an upgrade over Steve Sarkisian at coach -- and that's not a shot at Sarkisian. Sarkisian did leave a lot of talent behind, and sophomore QB Cyler Miles is the key player this fall.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- at Hawaii; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Eastern Washington; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Illinois; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- vs. Georgia State; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. Stanford; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at California; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at Oregon; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- vs. Arizona State; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- at Colorado; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- vs. UCLA; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Arizona; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Oregon State; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- at Washington State
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 4 (Stanford, Oregon, Arizona State, UCLA)
21. Kansas State 34
The skinny: Bill Snyder's teams don't do anything to wow you -- except make you say, "Wow. How did that team win nine games again?" K-State plays a physical brand of football and that bothers a lot of Big 12 opponents.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Stephen F. Austin; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- at Iowa State; Thursday, Sept. 18 -- vs. Auburn; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. UTEP; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. Texas Tech; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at Oklahoma; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- vs. Texas; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Oklahoma State; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at TCU; Thursday, Nov. 20 -- at West Virginia; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. Kansas; Saturday, Dec. 6 -- at Baylor
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 4 (Auburn, Oklahoma, Texas, Baylor)
22. Texas 25
The skinny: Charlie Strong was brought in to remake the Longhorns' image -- to make the "T" in Texas stand for "toughness," if you will. If QB David Ash remains healthy, this team could be a big surprise. But using "Ash" and "healthy" in the same sentence is tempting fate.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. North Texas; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. BYU; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. UCLA; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- at Kansas; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. Baylor; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at Oklahoma; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Iowa State; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- at Kansas State; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- at Texas Tech; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- vs. West Virginia; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Oklahoma State; Thur., Nov. 27 -- vs. TCU
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 4 (UCLA, Baylor, Oklahoma, Kansas State)
23. Nebraska 20
The skinny: Ameer Abdullah might be the most underrated running back in the nation, and he will be the bellcow of this offense. But he needs QB Tommy Armstrong to become a more proficient passer. DE Randy Gregory is a big-timer off the edge.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Florida Atlantic; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. McNeese State; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- at Fresno State; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- vs. Miami (Fla.); Saturday, Sept. 27 -- vs. Illinois; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at Michigan State; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at Northwestern; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- vs. Rutgers; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Purdue; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Wisconsin; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Minnesota; Friday, Nov. 28 -- at Iowa
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 3 (Michigan State, Wisconsin, Iowa)
24. North Carolina 15
The skinny: The ACC Coastal Division is wide open, and the Tar Heels appear as likely as anybody to take the title. The offense will be productive, thanks to a nice group of skill-position players, but the defense -- again -- is questionable.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Liberty; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. San Diego State; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- at East Carolina; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- at Clemson; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- vs. Virginia Tech; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- at Notre Dame; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Georgia Tech; Saturday, Oct. 25 -- at Virginia; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- at Miami (Fla.); Saturday, Nov. 15 -- vs. Pittsburgh; Thursday, Nov. 20 -- at Duke; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- vs. North Carolina State
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 2 (Clemson, Notre Dame)
25 (tie). Florida 13
The skinny: Will Muschamp is on the hottest seat in the nation, and he hopes new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper's installation of a spread attack can resuscitate an offense that has been DOA for the past four seasons. The defense, headed by DE Dante Fowler Jr. and CB Vernon Hargeaves III, should be just fine.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Idaho; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Eastern Michigan; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Kentucky; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- at Alabama; Saturday, Oct. 4 -- at Tennessee; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- vs. LSU; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- vs. Missouri; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- at Georgia; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at Vanderbilt; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- vs. South Carolina; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Eastern Kentucky; Saturday, Nov. 29 -- at Florida State
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 5 (Alabama, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida State)
25 (tie). Iowa 13
The skinny: The Hawkeyes have star OT Brandon Scherff, a deep group of running backs and defensive standouts such as DT Carl Davis and CB Desmond King. But the biggest positive surrounding the Hawkeyes this season is a tissue-soft schedule.
2014 schedule: Saturday, Aug. 30 -- vs. Northern Iowa; Saturday, Sept. 6 -- vs. Ball State; Saturday, Sept. 13 -- vs. Iowa State; Saturday, Sept. 20 -- at Pittsburgh; Saturday, Sept. 27 -- at Purdue; Saturday, Oct. 11 -- vs. Indiana; Saturday, Oct. 18 -- at Maryland; Saturday, Nov. 1 -- vs. Northwestern; Saturday, Nov. 8 -- at Minnesota; Saturday, Nov. 15 -- at Illinois; Saturday, Nov. 22 -- vs. Wisconsin; Friday, Nov. 28 -- vs. Nebraska
Remaining CFB 24/7 top 25 opponents: 2 (Wisconsin, Nebraska)
Others receiving votes: Texas A&M 10, Michigan 9, Mississippi State 8, Duke 6, Louisville 6, Missouri 5, BYU 2, TCU 2, Miami (Fla.) 1, Oregon State 1
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