The Associated Press released their first set of College Football rankings as we are less than two weeks now away from the start of the 2018 season. On that note there’s little surprise at the top with all four playoff teams from last season making at least the top seven.
Here’s how the rest of the National panned out:
- Alabama (42 first-place votes)
- Clemson (18)
- Georgia
- Wisconsin (1)
- Ohio State
- Washington
- Oklahoma
- Miami
- Auburn
- Penn State
- Michigan State
- Notre Dame
- Stanford
- Michigan
- USC
- TCU
- West Virginia
- Mississippi State
- Florida State
- Virginia Tech
- UCF
- Boise State
- Texas
- Oregon
- LSU
Again, there’s really no surprise at the top nor is there really any real big surprise throughout. Alabama is going to be loaded on both sides of the ball, especially when it comes to offense. Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts are both good signal callers for the Crimson Tide who’ll provide Nick Saban with plenty of options under center. Meanwhile running backs Damien Harris and Najee Harris should provide whoever is starting for Bama plenty of support out of the backfield as both are perfectly capable of wearing down opposing defenses.
And despite losing some starters on defense, Saban always has a knack for replacing his seniors with guys who can remarkably step in and essentially not miss a beat.
As far Clemson, the Tigers should and will be better than last season which is a scary thought considering the step back they were suppose to take a year ago. That as we know resulted in a trip to the College Football playoffs.
Speaking of not missing a beat with Alabama, Clemson QB Kelly Bryant returns after a huge year for the Tigers last after replacing Deshaun Watson. On top of that Clemson has what very well could be the best defensive line in the country anchored by defensive ends Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell and defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence.
As far as Georgia goes, the Bulldogs too lost some talent but should rebound nicely with quarterback Jake Fromm and running back D’Andre Swift returning. Defensively Georgia will continue to benefit from cornerback Deandre Baker and defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter who’ll both give opposing offenses fits.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is Ohio State getting a top-five nod despite the off the field issues they’ve had in recent weeks and the question marks surrounding Urban Meyer‘s job status. Whatever happens though the Buckeyes will need to be resilient on the field as a pretty stacked Big Ten East waits for them with Penn State, Michigan State and Michigan all ready to take that top spot.
