CLEMSON, ALABAMA TOPS AGAIN
The preseason Amway Coaches Poll, with outlooks for the Top 25 teams
No. 1 Clemson (15-0 last season)
Points: 1,619 (59 first-place
votes).
Opens: Aug. 29 vs. Georgia
Tech.
Outlook: A overwhelming performance in the national-title game last season against Alabama has the Tigers at No. 1 for the first time in the preseason poll. The offense looks to be dominant again, with QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Travis Etienne both among the best at their position. On defense, the dominant front four that was the bedrock of the unit must be replaced. The good news is that there’s lots of talent on hand after years of successful recruiting.
No. 2 Alabama (14-1)
Points: 1,566 (six first-place
votes).
Opens: Aug. 31 vs. Duke in
Atlanta.
Outlook: The Crimson Tide start the season as the hunter instead of the hunted for the first since 2015. Nick Saban overhauled his coaching staff in an attempt to fix the issues that burst open in the title-game loss to Clemson. With QB Tua Tagovailoa returning and Jerry Jeudy headlining one to the best receiver groups in the country, the offense is in good hands. The defense again was hit by early NFL departures, leaving some concern about depth.
No. 3 Georgia (11-3)
Points: 1,447. Opens: Aug. 31 at Vanderbilt.
Outlook: For the second consecutive year, the Bulldogs led Alabama in the fourth quarter and saw their national-title dreams spoiled by a loss. They again will be the overwhelming favorite in the SEC East, with QB Jake Fromm returning as a starter for his third season. On defense, DL Tyler Clark and DB J.R. Reed are stalwarts.
No. 4 Oklahoma (12-2)
Points: 1,415. Opens: Sept. 1 vs. Houston.
Outlook: Another year, another transfer quarterback for the Sooners. Jalen Hurts likely won’t match Baker Mayfield or Kyler Murray in winning the Heisman, but he brings experience and leadership to keep the offense humming with WR CeeDee Lamb on the end of many of his throws. The bigger concern is on defense. That unit likely will determine whether Oklahoma makes a third consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff.