🏈 Phil Steele's Projected AP Top 25

[252BAMA]

"Before I go into the rankings, it is important to make the point that this is NOT my preseason Top 10 for next season, but rather what I am projecting the AP Top 10 will look like to start the season."

http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2015/APR15/DBApr27.html

 

[bama alum]

Can't argue with that top 3, esp. with Boykin coming back.

 

[TerryP]

Can't argue with that top 3, esp. with Boykin coming back.

They're part of those pre-season head scratchers. No one can really argue about their place at #2 especially considering coming off an impressive bowl win. Yet, there seems to be little attention paid to the bowl performance of Ole Miss.

I haven't started thinking about how I think the west will end up this fall. I can say the way the west teams are anticipated to be ranked is a little...odd?

Consider Ole Miss, Auburn, and LSU where they are and only one of those three had a + .500 conference record last season: Ole Miss at 5-3.

A 2-6 Arkansas team breaking into the top 20? Yes, they closed the season strong. I assume, their wins over teams like Ole Miss weigh in but that only brings up the question of why Ole Miss is where they are, right?

 

[BamaFan334]

LSU will be a Top 10 team next season. I think we're going to be two very similar teams, with us having a little more firepower on defense.

 

[TerryP]

LSU will be a Top 10 team next season. I think we're going to be two very similar teams, with us having a little more firepower on defense.

It's not much of a stretch to think LSU makes it in the top 10 this fall. Their schedule, along with the teams ranked just above them, leave it as a very distinct possibility. Hell, Notre Dame could have a loss coming out of week one. UGA and Ole Miss both are on our schedule leaving the probability they'll be ranked lower than LSU come the game in late October.

Ya know, now that I think about it, going into week six (?, maybe five) LSU was in the top 10 last season; only to finish outside the top 25 in the AP. (It seems like they were in the 22-24 range in the CFP rankings.)

BTW, you and I look like we've got differing opinions on LSU for this fall. As one example, I don't think you can put position group vs position group and have LSU winning a majority on offense. As of today I'd give them the edge at the WR position.

 

[BamaFan334]

It's not much of a stretch to think LSU makes it in the top 10 this fall. Their schedule, along with the teams ranked just above them, leave it as a very distinct possibility. Hell, Notre Dame could have a loss coming out of week one. UGA and Ole Miss both are on our schedule leaving the probability they'll be ranked lower than LSU come the game in late October.

Ya know, now that I think about it, going into week six (?, maybe five) LSU was in the top 10 last season; only to finish outside the top 25 in the AP. (It seems like they were in the 22-24 range in the CFP rankings.)

BTW, you and I look like we've got differing opinions on LSU for this fall. As one example, I don't think you can put position group vs position group and have LSU winning a majority on offense. As of today I'd give them the edge at the WR position.

I meant more on a loose comparison. We both have talented running backs, talented receivers that still need to come out, quarterback wuestions, decent line, and defense for both teams will be tough like most years. They're going to have athletes, just like we will, so I just see a similarity based on that. I do think we have more depth, but I still think we're similar teams.

 

[UAgrad93]

What is the love affair with the Barn? They replace 7 starters on the offense, but return 8 starters off a defense that allowed 400+ yds per game and 30+ pts per game in SEC play!! Are they ALL OF A SUDDEN going to know how to tackle and execute just because Muschamp is the new DC? ESPN is all over that ass projecting them all the way into the Natty Title game!! I just don't get it!
As for us, our biggest concerns to me is getting 5 Olinemen to gel and gel quickly. Get one QB to separate himself from the others, either Coker or Cornwell. Finally, getting solid and consistent play from our secondary. Any letdown here, and we are possibly looking at a couple of losses. If we are solid in these areas, watch out!!

 

[JoshB]

Are they ALL OF A SUDDEN going to know how to tackle and execute just because Muschamp is the new DC?!

It wont be all of a sudden but it will be a vast improvement, quickly.