Podcaster Poll

          Today we had the pleasure of interviewing the Pod Poll voter representing the Minnesota Golden Gophers: Gopher Hole’s Tony Liebert! Liebert’s ballot scored a 24.7 on the Pod Poll Irregularity Index, coming in just below the median score of 29.4. This means that their ballot was closer to the final rankings mathematically than the majority of ballots, you can learn more about the Irregularity Index here.

          In the early preseason podcaster poll, the near consensus #1 pick was the Georgia Bulldogs. Despite losing some of the best players in the country and starting quarterback Stetson Bennet, the Dogs look poised to strike. How clear of a favorite truly are they, though? Liebert differs from some of the Bulldogs faithful,”I do not think Georgia is the “clear” favorite, but I do believe they have the best chance to win it all. With so much QB turnover at the top of the sports at schools like UGA, Bama and Ohio State, I think there is a solid chance we see a new team hoist the CFP trophy. The Bulldogs might have a better talent at QB with Brock Vandagriff or Carson Beck, but I do not think Stetson Bennett was appreciated enough, it might be another season that they will lean on a dominant defense.”

          The blue blood with arguably the most question marks surrounding it is The Ohio State Buckeyes. Ryan Day’s squad has lost two consecutive games to Michigan and has found itself shut out of the Big 10 championship. This year isn’t getting any easier. The Buckeyes lose a heisman caliber quarterback in CJ Stroud and will be facing a Michigan squad returning its starting quarterback, two great running backs, and a powerful defense. We asked if Day’s squad could make a stand and get its statement win in 2023 against its greatest rival,”I think Ohio State has more pressure this season than any other team in the country. With two straight losses to Michigan and so much talent on the roster with Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and JT Tuimoloa, I believe it is Big Ten Championship or bust for the Buckeyes. I am not buying into Kyle McCord as the next great OSU QB and I think it will another tough loss to JJ McCarth and Michigan, therefore I think HC Ryan Day’s seat will be a little warm by seasons end.” A warm seat for Coach Day in this scenario is a common opinion, but it brings up a big question: Can you justifiably fire a coach after double digit win season after double digit win season?

          On the other side of the country is the PAC 12. 2023 promises to be the year of the Husky, the year of the Duck, and the year of the Trojan (some even contend the year of the Beaver). But these three cannot peacefully coexist,”In a massive transition year for the Pac 12, I think it might be the most interesting conference in college football. Oregon, Washington, USC, Utah and Oregon State all have the potential to be top 15 teams, while Bo Nix, Michael Penix, Caleb Williams, Cam Rising and DJ Uiagalelei are some of the best quarterbacks in the country. I ranked it Washington, Oregon, USC, Utah then Oregon State, but I could be swayed in just about any order.”

          Finally, as per tradition, we asked where Minnesota stands in 2023 and what Gopher fans can look forward,”I am pretty confident that Minnesota will finish in the 7-5, 8-4 range. With highly touted QB recruit Athan Kaliakmanis finally getting his shot, we could see the most dynamic Gophers’ offense since 2019. Joe Rossi has been one of the best DCs in the country over the last few seasons, but after losing two starters to the NFL and three more to the transfer portal, he might need to do his best coaching job during his tenure in Minnesota. They will have plenty of playmakers, but consistency will be the key.”

          Thanks for reading and make sure you check out Gopher Hole, Tony Liebert, and the PodPollCast which will begin airing episodes soon! Check out some of our other articles for some stories of wild and wonderful ballots such as Pitt’s Loyal Sons, origin of the FCS team recieving votes. Also be sure to keep up throughout the season with the weekly Pod Poll!