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swodaem2005 Ballot for 2016 Preseason

Ballot Type: Human

Submitted: Aug. 29, 2016, 6:03 p.m.

Overall Rationale: My poll type is human, informed by the best advanced metrics available and copious viewing of college football. Early polls and in particular the preseason poll will be more heavily influenced by aggregate statistical indicators (Bill C's S&P) but future polls will attempt to aggressively rank programs based on their in-season performance.

Rank Team Reason
1 Alabama Crimson Tide The Alabama Crimson Tide are the returning national champions. They have significant question marks at Quarterback, Running Back, and the Offensive Line. Depth concerns are emerging along the defensive line and secondary. Still, minor cracks in their armor should not belie their not insignificant talent advantage over every other program. Until proven otherwise, the Crimson Tide should be considered the favorites.
2 Clemson Tigers The Clemson Tigers return the most meaningful production of any team in the FBS. Namely, there is little doubt that Deshaun Watson is the most talented and productive returning player in the country not named Christian McCaffrey. Surrounding Watson is a criminally underrated core of offensive talent (Scott, Williams, Leggett, Renfrow, Gallman, Dye, Cain, etc.) that should ensure Clemson is among the most explosive offensive programs in the country again in 2016. On paper Clemson should cede some ground defensively given their need to develop defensive line and secondary production and depth on the fly this season. However, betting against the rebuild effort of the defensive staff at Clemson lead by Brent Venables was a mistake too many made last season. It should shock no one if Clemson is back in the CFP in 2017.
3 Oklahoma Sooners
4 Michigan Wolverines
5 Florida State Seminoles
6 LSU Tigers
7 Stanford Cardinal
8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
9 Michigan State Spartans
10 Ole Miss Rebels
11 Ohio State Buckeyes
12 Houston Cougars
13 TCU Horned Frogs
14 Oregon Ducks
15 Tennessee Volunteers
16 Baylor Bears
17 UCLA Bruins
18 Florida Gators
19 Washington Huskies
20 Arkansas Razorbacks
21 USC Trojans
22 Oklahoma State Cowboys
23 Louisville Cardinals
24 Georgia Bulldogs
25 Pittsburgh Panthers

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