Spartans, Wolverines featured in Coaches poll

With college football season less than a month away, the initial rankings are in.

The USA Today Coaches' poll was released Thursday with Michigan coming in at No. 8 and Michigan State trailing close behind at No. 13.

Michigan’s No. 8 ranking marks the highest preseason poll slot for the Wolverines since the 2007 season when they came in at No. 5.

As for Michigan State, the preseason ranking marks the team’s highest placement on the poll dating back to its inception in 1991.

The Wolverines kick off their season opener against No. 2 Alabama at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington on Sept 1.

Michigan State opens its season against No. 22 Boise State on Aug. 31 at home.

U-M coach Brady Hoke and MSU coach Mark Dantonio are among the 59 coaches in the Football Bowl Subdivision who vote in the coaches' poll.