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kamiller2020 Ballot for 2020 Preseason

Ballot Type: Human

Submitted: Sept. 2, 2020, 11:50 a.m.

Overall Rationale: Player opt outs were taken into consideration

Rank Team Reason
1 Clemson Tigers Even without the explosive Justyn Ross, Clemson is the deepest team on both sides of the ball and one of the clear front runners for the national title. Trevor Lawrence is the best player in the country, and with Etienne in the backfield look for Clemson to have maybe the best offense in college football. On defense, Xavier Thomas is a stud who I think will have a breakout season, and they have All-ACC corner Derion Kendrick headlining  leading one of the best young secondaries in college football. 
2 Ohio State Buckeyes Justin Fields had an amazing sophomore campaign, but the biggest thing to note for the Buckeyes is transfer Trey Sermon out of Oklahoma. You saw the talent at OU even splitting time with Kennedy Brooks, and I think transitioning to the Buckeye offense will better highlight his natural running ability. Add to weapons like Master Teague and Chris Olave, and the Buckeyes should have no problem moving the ball. On defense, the loss of Chase Young and Jeff Okduah is massive. However, upfront you have the three-headed monster of Cooper, Harrison, and Smith who should account for some of Chase's production. And Shaun Wade should lead a very inexperienced DB group, which should mitigate any worries about how well they'll learn. 
3 Florida Gators Kyle Trask was great last year, and the Gators offense looked much more efficient with him under center. He has poise, leads the unit, and will be able to properly utilize the weapons on the Gator offense that Franks couldn't do. Trevon Grimes and Kyle Pitts return, but I expect Kadrius Toney to break out this season at WR. Most of the top guys on the Gators defense return and the experience gained on the DLine with Greenard and Zuniga being so hurt should pay dividends this season. Familiarity matters in college football and Mullen have it with this roster across the board. Which in 2020, might be what gets the Gators a national title.
4 Alabama Crimson Tide Having Florida over Alabama is very bold, but I'm less confident about Mac Jones and the Bama D than I am with Florida. Jones has more natural talent than Trask, however, watching the Iron Bowl his highs and lows make me hesitant to say he's more AJ McCarron than he is Jake Coker. On defense, the secondary is maybe the best in college football. The front 7 needs work and fast. Dylan Moses' return is major, but Pete Goulding needs to show something if they want to keep up with these new high power offenses. But to be much more positive, this team is stacked. They have the best WR core in the country, Najee Harris will be a 1K runner, the OLine is amazing, and this team can certainly win a title. The defense just needs to be more consistent and Mac Jones/Bryce Young has to prove they are capable of being good QBs. 
5 Georgia Bulldogs
6 Oregon Ducks
7 Wisconsin Badgers
8 Oklahoma Sooners
9 Penn State Nittany Lions
10 LSU Tigers
11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
12 Texas A&M Aggies
13 Oklahoma State Cowboys
14 Texas Longhorns
15 Auburn Tigers
16 Cincinnati Bearcats
17 Michigan Wolverines
18 North Carolina Tar Heels
19 Boise State Broncos
20 Minnesota Golden Gophers
21 Arizona State Sun Devils
22 UCF Knights
23 Louisville Cardinals
24 Appalachian State Mountaineers
25 USC Trojans

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