ESPN's released it's (likely) final "Way-Too-Early Preseason rankings" and if things hold throughout the season, we're talking back-to-back championships for Nick Saban and Alabama.
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The Crimson Tide come in at No. 1, even after losing starters like Derrick Henry, Reggie Ragland, Ryan Kelly and others to the NFL.
Clemson follows behind at No. 2, unsurprisingly, after returning eight offensive starters including Heisman trophy hopeful Deshaun Watson, one of the most explosive quarterbacks in the country.
Surprisingly, resurgent Michigan ranks No. 3 and Florida State comes in at No. 4.
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Alabama and Clemson are heavy favorites in most polls, and the mad scramble for the remaining two playoff spots are going to be hotly contested between a number of teams. The Big 10, baring a surprise (and there always are surprises) will come down between Michigan and Ohio State, a game played on the last Saturday of the regular season; and the ACC will come down between Clemson and Florida State on Oct. 29 in Tallahassee. Neither the Big 10 nor the ACC will get two teams in the playoffs, so those will be among the most anticipated games of the season.
The remainder of the top 10: Oklahoma, LSU, Stanford, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Tennessee.
Baylor, in the midst of a rape scandal that has resulted in the firing of its coach, drops out of the top 25. Really, how long will it be the NCAA bans Baylor from bowl games, with some even calling for the death penalty?
Other notables include Georgia (12) and Texas A&M (21).
[h/t ESPN]
