In the 2013 ESPN Preseason Power Rankings, the Louisville Cardinals come in at #8. They switch places with Clemson from the Coaches’ poll. Here is what they say about the Cards:
“Louisville is the unquestioned favorite to win the American Athletic Conference for two reasons — preseason Heisman hopeful Teddy Bridgewater returns, along with 18 starters on offense and defense. Bridgewater and Louisville got folks across the nation talking after their upset win over Florida in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and the momentum from that victory last January has carried over into the spring and now into August. Coach Charlie Strong has the most talented team he has ever fielded in Louisville, and many expect an undefeated season given its schedule. Louisville has no preseason Top 25 teams on the slate and should be favored in all its games.” — Andrea Adelson
Here is the rest of the Top 25 in their Power Rankings:
1) Alabama
2) Ohio State
3) Oregon
4) Stanford
5) Texas A&M
T 6) Georgia
T 6) South Carolina
8) Louisville
9) Clemson
10) Florida
11) Florida State
12) LSU
13) Notre Dame
T 14) Michigan
T 14) Texas
16) Oklahoma State
17) Oklahoma
18) TCU
19) UCLA
20) Nebraska
21) Boise State
22) Northwestern
23) Oregon State
24) USC
25) Baylor