My takeaways from AP Preseason Top 25 Poll
The preseason AP Poll was revealed Sunday, and it looks a lot like this past year’s College Football Playoff.
Alabama, the defending national champion for the fourth time since 2009, is once again No. 1 in the country. Nos. 2 and 3, Clemson and Oklahoma, joined the Crimson Tide last season in the Final Four.
Two more programs from the best conference in America made the Top 10, with LSU checking in at No. 5 and Tennessee landing at No. 9. Farther down the distinguished list, Ole Miss is 11th, Georgia is 18th and Florida is the caboose at 25th. That’s six squads from the league, tops among the Power 5.
Texas A&M, Auburn and Arkansas made an appearance in the “others receiving votes” category. Of the 17 unranked teams getting a vote, only Miami came closer to denting the Top 25 than the Aggies did.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the six SEC clubs recognized by the AP, plus the eight that weren’t.
Alabama
The Crimson Tide are an unquestioned dynasty, so there’s no reason to have them anywhere but No. 1.
Plenty of familiar faces will need to be replaced on offense, including Jake Coker at quarterback. But coach Nick Saban has proven time and again that mediocre QB play is fine.
There are bigger shoes to fill offensively in tailback Derrick Henry — last year’s Heisman Trophy winner — and center Ryan Kelly. Expect former five-star recruits Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris to split time, plus the line will be solid with All-American candidate Cam Robinson at left tackle.
As for the defense, the proverbial next-man-up philosophy is alive and well in Tuscaloosa. From the front four to the linebackers to the back end, there are future pros ready to step in and dominate.
The schedule is more treacherous than the one a season ago, but ‘Bama is built to handle anything.
LSU
Wedged between recent champions Florida State and Ohio State, LSU is perhaps a shade high at No. 5.
There’s no doubt that the Tigers deserve to be there on talent alone, as Baton Rouge is now home to just as many elite recruits as Tuscaloosa. However, coach Les Miles (below) has questions to answer.
Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Specifically, despite Leonard Fournette’s presence as the best back in the land, Brandon Harris is yet to take the next step as a passer — predictable play-calling hasn’t helped, either. Defending the pass a season ago also proved to be a challenge. More pressure up front front would be welcome.
There’s a fair chance LSU is undefeated Nov. 5 when the Tide visit for another Game of the Century.
Tennessee
This is the year everybody in Knoxville has been looking forward to for quite some time. It’s here.
From a recruiting perspective, coach Butch Jones has caught and/or passed the other programs in the East. With 17 returning starters and dynamite special teams in each phase, the Volunteers are also long on experience. If UT is going to be among the heavyweights again nationally, better do it now.
While No. 9 is a spot or two lower than some might have predicted, the Vols still have to prove it.
Ole Miss
The Rebels have the SEC’s best QB, but the league’s best blocker and best receiver have taken off.
Luckily, Chad Kelly is good enough to make up for the losses of Laremy Tunsil and Laquon Treadwell, respectively. The high-octane signal caller will be surrounded by young contributors hoping to make a name for themselves. No time for growing pains — Florida State and Alabama are on the September schedule.
A No. 11 ranking to begin the campaign shows just how much faith voters have in Kelly’s right arm.
Georgia
While they know what they have under center in Oxford, nobody knows what to expect at QB in Athens.
Incumbent senior Greyson Lambert is the high-floor option. He can win, but he’s not a championship passer. Five-star freshman Jacob Eason — the high-ceiling choice — has talent that’s undeniable.
Normally at Georgia, whomever gets the call at quarterback has the luxury of handing the pigskin to Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. But Chubb is still getting over last season’s torn knee. As for Michel, he’s yet to be cleared for contact following an offseason broken arm. Both should be fine, though.
At No. 18, the Dawgs are between two other Power 5 teams being taken lightly, Iowa and Louisville.
Florida
Barely making the Top 25 after an SEC East title in 2015, UF can keep playing the disrespect card.
The quarterback room has been completely turned over. Last season’s starters, Will Grier and Treon Harris, are history. The new trigger man — for now, at least — is two-time transfer Luke Del Rio.
Second-year coach Jim McElwain (below), an offensive guy first and foremost, will probably have to lean on his defense once again. Five defenders just heard their names called in April’s draft, but a fresh batch of Gators is ready to chomp. The secondary in particular could be one of the best nationally.
Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Florida’s 11-year winning streak over Tennessee is in jeopardy. The Volunteers appear to have the better roster, plus the game is at Neyland Stadium. A 12th straight W would be an upset this time.
No. 25 is fair. But Nos. 21-24 (Oklahoma State, North Carolina, Baylor and Oregon) are flawed, too.
ALSO RECEIVING VOTES
Texas A&M
Trevor Knight takes over at quarterback after a hit-and-miss career at Oklahoma. As perhaps the top defender in college football, Myles Garrett must help his unit get off the field more consistently.
Auburn
The Tigers are yet to name a starting QB, but JUCO transfer John Franklin III is being given every opportunity to capture the job. Defensively, Kevin Steele is the third coordinator in four seasons.
Arkansas
If Brandon Allen had one more year of eligibility, then the Razorbacks are in the Top 25 somewhere. But his younger brother, Austin Allen, hasn’t thrown a pass that matters. He’s got skills, though.
MISSING THE CUT
Kentucky: After two straight 5-7 campaigns, it’s time for coach Mark Stoops to take the ‘Cats bowling.
Mississippi State: No Dak Prescott means no benefit of the doubt for the Bulldogs. Monstrous loss.
Missouri: Considering the turmoil around him at Mizzou, coach Barry Odom could have a rough Year 1.
South Carolina: Like Odom, coach Will Muschamp inherits a squad with meager expectations for 2016.
Vanderbilt: The Commodores are creeping back toward respectability, but nowhere near the rankings.
John Crist is the senior writer for Saturday Down South, a member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy. Send him an e-mail, like him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.
