Ohio State #2 in initial 2013 AP Top 25 poll

Though the AP poll doesn't matter in the grand scheme of the final year of the BCS as we know it, it still awards a national championship annually at year's end and typically serves as the bellwether for the sport as a whole.

This morning, the first poll of 2013 was released and as expected, as with the coaches poll, the Buckeyes find themselves beginning the year at #2. The Buckeyes were one of three teams to receive a first place vote along with heavy #1 Alabama and surprise third team, Georgia. Ohio State had finished the 2012 season #3 in the AP Top 25 poll.

Though the Buckeyes have started the year with high expectations in the second slot and ultimately had their season end in a fashion less than desired (see: Earle Bruce's final year) in the past, Urban Meyer hopes to continue his trend of big accomplishments in his second year at a program.

The Buckeyes' arch rivals Michigan finds themselves beginning their season ranked #17 in the poll. Big Ten Legends defending champs Nebraska checks in at #18 with Northwestern at #22 and Wisconsin ranked #23.

Ohio State is ranked in the initial preseason AP Top 25 poll for the 25th consecutive year. Oklahoma (14) and LSU (13) are the next two closest programs. The Buckeyes kick their season off against Buffalo two weeks from today.

Here's the first Top 25 in its entirety (click tabs to sort):