College football Preseason Coaches Poll: Reactions
While we all agree these polls do not mean much outside of what coaches are thinking and preseason polls are never accurate.
There are a few things that stand out immediately when looking at the preseason coaches poll this year. The very first thing is the ranking of Michigan over Alabama. Then the second thing is three SEC teams in the top 5.
With the other two spots in the top 5 belonging to BIG10 schools. Are we set to have a BIG10/SEC show off in this year’s playoff?
Then after a little scrolling I see something I have not seen in all of my life. The Green Wave of Tulane sitting at number 23.
Also the top 10 specifically 5-10 is fluttered with teams who are on the fringe of good and great.
Is Saban’s and Alabama’s Reign over CFB Over?
Alabama the last few seasons have watched Georgia take over the SEC. However this year it feels like the Crimson Tide is looked at as second rate to big name schools.
Teams like Michigan, Ohio State, and Florida State are rumored to have better seasons. Michigan being ranked above Alabama in this poll reiterates such thoughts.
Alabama for the first time in a long time are not favorites to make the playoffs this season. You can bet them just to make it at plus money at most books.
After looking at their schedule it feels like the game against LSU will determine who makes the SEC championship game. A game in which Georgia will probably be waiting for whoever else makes it.
SEC/BIG10 College Football Playoff?
In the last season that the College Football Playoff is only four teams it feels like we are primed to see two SEC teams take on two BIG10 teams.
However I am sure an ACC team such as Clemson or Florida State would love to spoil the party. Also the Big 12 has a team in Texas that would like to throw their cowboy hat into the party.
Florida State has a tough schedule from the jump, yet they are rumored to be a top 5 program this season. While Texas might be one more year away from truly competing in the playoffs. They do have the talent and chance to go undefeated through regular season play.
College Football Preseason Coaches Poll
Deep Dive, Teams 5-10
All 5 of these teams could be a top 5 school or a 3-5 loss team, only time will tell.
At number five on the list you have the LSU Tigers who have had a rocky few seasons since Joe Burrow left. They have been trying to find their footing and rebuild under new coach Brian Kelly. In Jayden Daniels second year as starter it is believed this could be the season we see them taken serious again on the gridiron.
USC at number 6 also has a returning starting quarterback that has garnered hype. Both as a Heisman hopeful and possible number one overall pick in next year’s NFL draft. Can he repeat some of his magic from last season and carry this team into a playoff spot. The taste of that Tulane comeback in the Cotton Bowl is still fresh in some parts of the country.
Penn State will be looking to continue pounding the ball away as one of the top rushing schools in the last 5 seasons. Will the run game be enough to carry this team? The true question is will the defense be able to give the offense a chance to control the game by getting key stops all season long. Luckily for them the BIG10 is not as deep as it once was on the football field.
Florida State and Clemson, two ACC teams with a lot to prove this season. I already touched on it for the most part, however both of these teams are looking to get back to the top of the totem poll this season.
At number 10 we have in my opinion the most overrated team on this poll, the Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee had arguably their best season ever last year football wise. A big part of that is in the NFL now, asking them to repeat that kind of success is just asking for failure. I expect this team to end up around 8-4, 9-3 territory, which is still an awesome season. Just not top 10 worthy.
College Football Preseason Coaches Poll
Who Will be this Year’s TCU
TCU made a historic run to the title game last season, are there any teams this season that can come out of nowhere and reach that kind of success?
Sure! At first glance you look at teams like Ole Miss and wonder if this is the season Lane Kiffin reaches the top? Or could Drake Maye surpass expectations and lead UNC to an ACC title and playoff birth?
Then there are a set of Texas teams who each could make a run. Texas (#12 on poll), Texas Tech (#24), Texas A&M (#25).
If I had to bet any long shot right now, it would have to be Drake Maye and the UNC Tar Heels to make some noise not only in the ACC but nation wide.
Rowan Donaghey is a Sports and Betting insider for Stare Down Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @RowanDonaghey
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