USA Today announced their annual preseason coaches’ poll Friday, ranking the top-25 football teams in the country. Penn State is ranked #14 currently, which might be a little high considering the obvious quarterback and offensive line issues.

However, the bigger issue might be the fact that Penn State will have to face the two top-ranked teams on the road.

The Mark Ingram-led Alabama Crimson Tide took home the #1 ranking, while the Ohio State Buckeyes claimed the second spot. Remember, though, preseason rankings are just that, a ranking, but imagine where Penn State will stand if they were able to get just one victory against these teams, then think if they beat both.

In order to be the best, one has to beat the best. A tall order for a team in the midst of a quarterback-battle between two guys who have zero combined starts. With training camp opening on Thursday, the coaches have quite the task in front of them in preparing this year’s squad.

Add in an October 2nd matchup at #9 Iowa, and this might be the stiffest schedule a Penn State team has seen in years.

Fellow Big Ten foe Wisconsin garnered a #12 ranking, while Michigan State and Northwestern received votes, but failed to crack the top-25.

With opening day less than a month away, the excitement can be felt in the air. The possibilities are endless for the 2010 football team, but it is certain the road to another Big Ten championship and beyond will be the harder than any of the players have traveled thus far.