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zachismadewell Ballot for 2022 Preseason

Ballot Type: Human

Submitted: Aug. 23, 2022, 1:01 p.m.

Overall Rationale: I take a look at returning production, talent composite, coaching changes for the preseason poll. My biggest indicators of season success are scoring offense and scoring defense, with some SOS thrown in there as well.

Rank Team Reason
1 Alabama Crimson Tide Lots of returning production, made the NC on a "rebuilding year"
2 Ohio State Buckeyes Ohio State returns a lot of production, along with Jim Knowles who should have the defense working in short order
3 Georgia Bulldogs Returning national champions. Lose quite a bit on the defense side but with the talent they have, I see them finishing the regular season with no more than 1 loss
4 Utah Utes A top 10 team returning 86% of their production in a weak conference. What more can I say except I love the Utes
5 Michigan Wolverines Michigan, the #3 team in the country last season, loses 8 starters on defense but returns a lot of their offense. Michigan has been known for its defense and its depth last season eases my concern
6 Texas A&M Aggies Texas "8-4" had the #3 scoring defense last season, and loses their QB (usually a bad thing), but in the case of Zach Calzada, it is a net positive. In 3 of their 4 losses, Zach Calzada had a passer rating below 50 (MSST, Ole Miss, and Arkansas). Defense should be elite once again, and getting a new QB in the system eases my concerns.
7 Clemson Tigers Clemson is just like TAMU, #2 scoring defense, but a bad offense. The difference rest in DJU is returning as the starter in 2022. Clemson ended the season strong last season, and I do have some faith in them for this season. Most likely to fall or rise in the top 10 in my opinion.
8 Oklahoma State Cowboys We are starting to see a trend of elite defenses that have to replace starters, just like Michigan. Depth for 22 is a concern, but even with the departure of Knowles, I see a strong Cowboys defense in a wide open division
9 Baylor Bears Baylor returns a lot from its starting defense, and with the direction Aranda is taking this program, I foresee yet another top 10 finish for the baylor bears
10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish ND is a talented team, that loses a lot. Losing their HC, QB, and struggles at WR make me not rank them higher. #10 is a good spot for them in my opinion, and I am a believer in Freeman but I need to see it to believe it. #10 is generous
11 Oklahoma Sooners Oklahoma loses a LOT. But they remain the most talented team in the b12, and with the addition of Jeff Lebby and Brett Venables, I see defensive improvement and the offense not losing too much.
12 NC State Wolfpack NC State returns a LOT, and looked good last season.
13 Miami Hurricanes New head coach, new high ranking. QB is a highlight, and I can see TVD doing a lot in the ACC coastal.
14 Oregon Ducks Oregon at #14 felt like a given, as they have no competition in the PAC12 north, are the most talented team in the PAC12, and have a new head coach. Excited to see Bo Nix after Dark
15 Kentucky Wildcats
16 Houston Cougars
17 Minnesota Golden Gophers
18 Wisconsin Badgers
19 Mississippi State Bulldogs
20 Tennessee Volunteers
21 Arkansas Razorbacks
22 Air Force Falcons
23 BYU Cougars
24 Ole Miss Rebels
25 Iowa Hawkeyes

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