Back to poll results >>

DataDrivenPirate Ballot for 2021 Preseason

Ballot Type: Human

Submitted: Aug. 25, 2021, 11:21 p.m.

Overall Rationale: I look at an average of computer polls as a baseline and adjust based on how much information we have about the team (coach, players, performance, injuries, style, all of it.) My process yields the best results compared to computer polls mid-season, when the differences between information quantity for teams is the greatest, and will yield the best results overall by the end of the season.

Rank Team Reason
1 Alabama Crimson Tide Despite new QB, we know what Saban is capable of, and despite some reservations I have due to their returning production, he deserves the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.
2 Oklahoma Sooners I know more about Rattler than I do about DJ, so OU gets the nod.
3 Clemson Tigers
4 Ohio State Buckeyes Lot of focus on QB battle, but my biggest concern is defensive production in the back 7. They could easily be ranked #1 or #2 in two weeks depending on how they handle Minnesota and Oregon.
5 Texas A&M Aggies Impressed by the defensive personnel
6 Georgia Bulldogs
7 Wisconsin Badgers I know I'm pretty bullish on Wisconsin, but I think all the pieces are there for a great bounce back year for them.
8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
9 Iowa State Cyclones
10 Cincinnati Bearcats
11 Oregon Ducks
12 Florida Gators
13 Iowa Hawkeyes
14 North Carolina Tar Heels
15 Penn State Nittany Lions
16 Texas Longhorns
17 San José State Spartans
18 USC Trojans
19 Washington Huskies
20 Miami Hurricanes I am personally bearish on Miami, but the margin of uncertainty here cannot be under-stated. I have no problem moving them up 5+ spots depending on how they play against Alabama even if it's a loss (and much more than that if it's a win.)
21 Arizona State Sun Devils
22 Rutgers Scarlet Knights This is my "hot take" for the preseason, so I'm including it in my preseason ranking, since preseason rankings don't matter anyway: Schiano has this program humming, and *if they continue on their trajectory* they can go to-to-toe with Michigan, Indiana, and Michigan State in the B1G East. Or maybe 2020 was a big fluke. We'll known soon enough.
23 Ole Miss Rebels
24 Oklahoma State Cowboys
25 Michigan Wolverines Plenty of people talking about Harbaugh on the hot seat, but their floor is 8-4 in my opinion, which might not be good enough for Michigan, but is good enough to be a top 25 team.

Back to poll results >>