Alabama and Clemson Have Top Two Spots in AP Preseason College Football Poll

With the opening of the 2016 college football season less than two weeks away, the Associated Press released its first poll of the season, and the writers and broadcasters who vote in the poll see Alabama and Clemson as #1 and #2 respectively. If that sounds familiar, it’s because the two teams met for the college football championship back in January with the Crimson Tide winning a 45-40 thriller to claim the title.

Alabama lost several players to the NFL, and will have to replace its top two running backs (including Heisman Trophy winner Derek Henry), its quarterback, and most of its defensive line and linebacker starters. But coach Nick Saban always seems to have great depth on his teams, and Alabama figures to be in the mix once again. The Crimson Tide will have a good test right away when they open the season against #20 USC in Arlington, Texas on September 3rd.

Clemson also lost a lot of players to the NFL draft, most of whom were on defense. The Tigers do have most of the offensive starters back including quarterback Deshaun Watson, who passed for 4104 yards and 35 touchdowns. Watson also rushed for 1105 yards and 12 touchdowns. Running back Wayne Gallman, who rushed for 1527 yards and 13 touchdowns, is also back.

The Tigers scored bucketsful of points, and if they can successfully retool the defense, they can repeat as ACC champs and be national championship game caliber again. If not, #4 Florida State figures to be right behind them, so there will be little margin for error. Other ACC teams in the Top 25 include #19 Louisville and #22 North Carolina, but it should come down to a two horse race between the Tigers and Seminoles.

Oklahoma ranks #3 in the poll. The Sooners return 12 starters including QB Baker Mayfield, who threw for 36 touchdowns and scored seven TDs himself. Oklahoma lost by a touchdown to Texas and then to Clemson in the Orange Bowl in the College Football Playoff. While Oklahoma is the favorite to win the Big 12, other teams from the conference teams in the Top 25 include TCU at #13, Oklahoma State at #21, and Baylor at #23. Perhaps the biggest challenges for the Sooners will be in September. Oklahoma opens the season at #15 Houston on September 3rd and hosts #6 Ohio State on September 17th.

Speaking of Ohio State, the #6 Buckeyes are the top ranked Big Ten team in the poll, but Michigan is right behind at #7. It’s possible both will be undefeated when they meet on November 26th. However, # 12 Michigan State may have something to say about that. Michigan also plays at # 17 Iowa on November 12th.

The SEC has six representatives in the Top 25. After Alabama, the next highest ranking team in LSU at #5. Coach Les Miles almost lost his job last year, despite finishing 9-3. Running back Leonard Fournette, who had 1953 rushing yards in 2015, is back. To shore up the defense, LSU added defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to the coaching staff. Aranda is coming off a highly successful run as the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin. Ironically, LSU opens the season September 3rd at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, taking on the Badgers in the first college football game ever at the Green Bay Packers home field.

Other SEC teams in the Top 25 include #9 Tennessee, #11 Mississippi, #18 Georgia, and #25 Florida.

Stanford is the highest ranking Pacific-12 team in the poll at #8. The Cardinal are led by running back/kick returner Christian McCaffrey, arguably the most exciting college player in the nation and a strong Heisman Trophy contender. Other Pac-12 teams include #14 Washington, #16 UCLA, #20 USC, and #24 Oregon.

#10 Notre Dame and #15 Houston round it out.