🏈 Post-spring Top 25: Crimson Tide back in top spot

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The last time this happened at Alabama, Nick Saban called his team everything but slackers.

The Tide in 2010 had the temerity to go 10-3 a year after winning it all in 2009. Properly scolded, Alabama then won two more titles in a row and were gunning for a third until Chris Davis decided to return that missed field goal on Nov. 30.

You can bet a two-game losing streak to end the season -- the first since 2008 at Bama (also under Saban) -- will not be tolerated. Welcome back, then, Tide. Welcome back -- at least in this modest space -- to the top of the post-spring top 25.

With the rest of the world talking about Gus' tempo, Stanford's physicality and Jameis' choice in seafood, we prefer to go with an old standard.

Never bet against a pissed-off Nick.

1. Alabama: The free-agent signing -- er -- transfer of Jacob Coker makes sure the circle will be unbroken for the Tide. They'll contend and possibly win it all. This may be Saban's best group of tailbacks -- T.J. Yeldon, Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake. New offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin is in a perfect spot. He'll only call plays the head coach wants. That seems to have worked well in the past. Oh, yeah, and Auburn comes to T-Town.

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6. Auburn: What does Gus Malzahn do for an encore? Probably compete for SEC titles for the next 10 years. Tre Mason and Greg Robinson are gone but there are eight returning starters on offense, including QB Nick Marshall. The schedule is brutal starting with a visit to Kansas State in Game 3. But this is the SEC, where 10-2 teams get every benefit of the doubt.

8. South Carolina: Once upon a time, Steve Spurrier said he wouldn't coach this long. But the 69-year old Spur Dog has the Gamecocks challenging for the SEC East, even with the loss of Jadeveon Clowney and Connor Shaw. Three consecutive 11-win seasons, three consecutive top 10 finishes, a quarterback in his fifth year (Dylan Thompson). Yup, the Gamecocks could do it all again.

9. LSU: Les Miles has to replace an NFL quarterback (Zach Mettenberger) and two superb receivers (Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry), but at LSU they just keep pumping out NFL talent. A big, experienced offensive line will help Brandon Harris or Anthony Jennings take over for Mettenberger. It will be up to the rest of us to learn a whole new set of Tigers stars.

14. Georgia: The past two years have been heartbreaking, whether it's been Alabama (2012) or Auburn (2013). Wouldn't it be ironic -- after Aaron Murray -- if Hutson Mason won the East. Todd Gurley gives the Dawgs a fighting, bashing, pounding chance.

22. Texas A&M: In the post-Manziel era, Kyle Allen and Kenny Hill will compete for the starting job. The defense can't be that bad again, can it? Things get started with a bang as the Aggies play at South Carolina on Aug. 28.