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SmokingCricket Ballot for 2016 Preseason

Ballot Type: Hybrid

Submitted: Aug. 29, 2016, 9:50 a.m.

Overall Rationale: Historically I have used Ken Massey's Comparison Poll as the basis for my poll, with human movements for undefeated teams and certain outliers that some computers love or hate. However, this comparison usually only works after most conferences begin play around Week 4 or 5. To rectify this I usually start with a Preseason Poll and then rank teams in the early season entirely based on undefeated status and Preseason status, and when I get fewer than 25 undefeated teams the Comparison Poll teams begin to be added in at the bottom. In addition, as defending champion Alabama will remain #1 regardless of comparison rank until they suffer a loss. I promote undefeated teams to the top because I fundamentally believe that no matter who you play, going undefeated is a hard thing to do and it should be rewarded. I sometimes vote for an FCS Team at #25, but otherwise there are no other surprises in the poll.

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