The preseason AP Poll is the first benchmark as programs embark on the season. However, Fox Sports’ Tim Brando believes the poll is flawed and biased in favor of the status quo.

Brando ripped the poll during an appearance on 365 Sports. The sportscaster doesn’t think the poll provides non-blue blood programs with a fair shot to climb into the CFP. The top 4 of the current AP Poll features powerhouses Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, and Alabama.

Meanwhile, a Group of 5 program such as Tulane dropped 15 spots to No. 24 despite coming off a 12-2 season and reigning Pac-12 champion Utah slipped 4 spots to No. 14.

“[The AP Poll] is nothing more than a starting grid for the elite brand names of CFB so they can make sure they get the same damn four teams in the same damn bogus college football playoff,” Brando said.

The numbers make the case for Brando’s take.

Alabama (7), Clemson (6), Ohio State (5), and Oklahoma (4) are the programs with the most CFP berths since its inception in 2014-15. On the other hand, excellent teams such as 2014 Baylor, 2014 TCU, 2017 UCF, and 2020 Texas A&M all had valid arguments for inclusion.

Based on perception of the SEC, if Georgia and Alabama each reach the SEC title game undefeated they’ll probably secure CFP spots. Unless a challenger emerges in the Big Ten it’s likely the owner of the better record between Michigan and Ohio State will get the nod.

That leaves 1 spot. And if Brando’s foreshadowing is any indicator, you can be certain another traditional power will get the last nod.