College Football Preview Digest

Published Aug. 21, 2010 7:26 p.m. ET

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Sports Editors:

College Football Editors:

The AP began moving its college football preview package Aug. 9. One centerpiece story will move each day over the next two weeks, covering various topics, personalities and issues.

Saturday's offering:

FBC--T25-COLLEGE FB POLL

NEW YORK - Alabama starts this season where it ended last season: No. 1. Coach Nick Saban has the Tide rolling the way Bear Bryant did in his day, in the top spot of The Associated Press preseason poll for the first time since 1978. Alabama received 54 of 60 first-place votes from the media panel and 1,491 points to easily outdistance No. 2 Ohio State in the Top 25 released Saturday. Boise State is No. 3, its best preseason ranking, following another undefeated season. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo.

AP graphics, photos and video.

FBC--DANDY DOZEN MASCOTS

UNDATED - Fuzzy or fierce? Sweet or scary? Goofy or graceful? How do you like your mascot? As much a part of college football as tailgating and touchdowns, mascots can rev up the home crowd, intimidate an opponent or just provide a few laughs. With help from the AP's college football poll voters, we've picked the 12 coolest mascots - a dandy dozen if you will - in the country. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo.

AP Photos.

Also:

- FBC--Pick Six-Small Running Backs. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo

- FBC--Pick Six-Hot Seat Coaches. By College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo.

Previews for the ACC, SEC, Pac-10, Conference USA, MAC, Sun Belt, Big 12, Mountain West, WAC, Big Ten and Big East already have moved.

Also moved previously:

- SOUTH BEND, Ind. - FBC--Notre Dame Gets It Right. By Ralph D. Russo.

- ATLANTA - FBC--SECond to None. By National Writer Paul Newberry.

- GAINESVILLE, Fla. - FBC--Meyer Back At It. By Mark Long.

- LOUISVILLE, KY. - FBC--Black Coaches. By Will Graves.

- STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - FBC--JoePa Still Going. By Genaro C. Armas.

- LOS ANGELES - FBC--USC Fights On. By Greg Beacham.

- COLUMBUS, Ohio - FBC--Terrelle's Time. By Rusty Miller.

- BOISE, Idaho - FBC--Boise and the Outsiders. By Tim Booth.

- NEW YORK - FBC--ESPN's Power. By Rachel Cohen.

- ATLANTA - FBC--Starting Football. By National Writer Paul Newberry.

- UNDATED - FBC--Pick Six-Something to Prove.

- UNDATED - FBC--Pick Six-Chasing JoePa.

- UNDATED - FBC--Pick Six-Coordinators.

- UNDATED - FBC--Pick Six-Defensive Heisman.

- UNDATED - FBC--Pick Six-Top Games.

Questions should be directed to Ralph D. Russo at (212) 621-1630. For repeats, call the service desk at 1-800-838-4616.