The 2016 NCAA College Football season starts in two weeks, and we can't wait for the games to begin.
The third season of the BCS playoff system promises many twists and turns, with teams falling in and out of the four-team "tournament" spots. The so-called experts like the Alabama Crimson Tide to roll to yet another title, but we have different ideas--at least to start.
Below are our preseason CFB rankings (with 2015 won-loss records).
NCAA College Football (CBB) Rankings
1. Clemson, 14-1
Last year's runners-up, the Tigers will close the deal this time around. Head coach Dabo Sweeney has finally figured out how to get his players to play consistently throughout the season and the ACC--and the nation--have taken notice. Star QB Deshaun Watson may not like the "dual threat" label, but he is just that, and should be the top pick in most fantasy contests throughout the season, just like he'll be in the NFL draft come spring.
2. Alabama, 14-1
The defending National Champions, and their legions of fans, have every right to think they can repeat and cement coach Nick Saban's legacy. They have a talented group of receivers, led by Calvin Ridley, but they are young and inexperienced at QB. Still, you can't help but think Saban will be one step ahead of opposing coaches. He always is.
3. Ohio State, 12-1
The Buckeyes always have talent, but they are another team that benefits from having a college pigskin savant--Urban Meyer--at the helm. Running back Ezekiel Elliott and his attitude may be gone, but Mike Weber looks to be a solid replacement.
4. LSU, 9-3
The "Mad Hatter" Les Miles is back as head coach, with rumors of his demise following last season rendered greatly exaggerated. But, more importantly, so is star running back Leonard Fournette, at least for now.
5. Stanford, 12-2
The Cardinal, like 'Bama, have questions at QB, but they also have Heisman runner-up Christian McCaffrey anchoring the backfield. That will be enough in a weak Pac-12.
6. Florida State, 10-3
Some pollsters see the Seminoles as title contenders, but we're not so sure. Redshirt senior Sean Maguire was finally in line to lead the 'Noles to glory, but another injury means highly touted freshman Deondre Francois will get an opportunity. He's drawn comparisons to FSU legend Jameis Winston.
7. Michigan, 10-3
We admit to being loathe to giving Wolverines head blowhard, er, coach Jim Harbaugh too much credit, but he's proved to be a turnaround titan in Ann Arbor. His best move may have been hiring Don Brown as defensive coordinator, a move that should help stalwart Jabrill Peppers boost his already impressive numbers.
8. Oklahoma, 11-2
Regular readers of this space know we're a bit obsessed with the Big 12, so the only surprise here is that we've ranked the Sooners so low in our preseason Top 10. QB Baker Mayfield received an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA, and he'll fill the stat sheet in OU's high-octane offense.
9. TCU, 11-2
Okay, we admit, this is where we're getting a bit wacky. The Horned Frogs have a lot of questions on both sides of the ball, but head coach Gary Patterson is another guy who always seems to find the answers. At QB will be Kenny Hill, who looks to resurrect his career after transferring from Texas A&M.
10. Houston, 13-1
Power Five conference wannabes the Cougars return with QB Greg Ward Jr. under center, a poor man's Deshaun Watson, if you will. They have an early test against Oklahoma that could make or break their season as well as their chances of joining the Big 12 or, reportedly, the Pac-12.
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