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Alabama is everybody's No. 1, except here

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney raises his arms after winning the Orange Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game against Oklahoma, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Clemson defeated Oklahoma 37-17 to advance to the championship game. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney raises his arms after winning the Orange Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game against Oklahoma, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Clemson defeated Oklahoma 37-17 to advance to the championship game. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Most of the preseason polls are out, and Alabama is the consensus No. 1.

But if memory serves, Clemson had a real shot to beat the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff title game.

Here's another perspective, for fun, and keep in mind that while there are two SEC teams in the top four, that is not a prediction two SEC teams will make the final four.

  1. Clemson -- The best quarterback in the ACC gets you extra consideration. Deshaun Watson is a one-man wrecking crew.

  2. LSU -- Brandon Harris is a better quarterback than he is being given credit for, and if he improves 10 percent, the Tigers will be hard to defend. Leonard Fournette cannot improve; he's too good.

  3. Alabama -- Crimson Tide return just 11 starters, but at Bama they truly just go "next," and another five-star recruit lines up.

  4. Florida State -- There was more than one reason Jimbo Fisher jilted LSU last year. The Seminoles have their entire offense back and get Clemson at home.

  5. Oklahoma -- Baker Mayfield is a great story and quarterback, and Samaje Perine is difficult to tackle. Sooners will win a lot of games, but probably not the last one.

  6. Ohio State -- Probably too much belief in Urban Meyer's coaching abilities, but always good even with just six starters back.

  7. Michigan -- The Kool-Aid is maize and blue. Jim Harbaugh won 10 games his first season, and Wolverine Nation expectations are for more improvement.

  8. Tennessee -- With 17 starters back from a nine-victory season, Rocky Top appears rock solid.

  9. Stanford -- The Cardinal have one of the nation's most exciting players in Christian McCaffrey, who is multitalented and should be a strong Heisman candidate.

  10. Notre Dame -- Most of O-line has to be replaced, but this is a program on the rise under Brian Kelly.

  11. Michigan State -- Some question marks, but Mark Dantonio has won at least 11 games each of the past three seasons.

  12. Washington -- Looking to move onto the national radar with 15 starters back from a 7-6 team, but must watch out for nemesis Washington State.

  13. Ole Miss -- Chad Kelly is probably the SEC's best quarterback, but the Rebels enter the season with some question marks.

  14. Houston -- The Cougars were national players last year by going 13-1, and this season they are trying to prove they belong in the Big 12.

  15. TCU -- The Horned Frogs have been known for offense in recent years, but they will live and die with defense this season.

  16. UCLA -- A very good defense returning, and a solid quarterback in Josh Rosen, but must find an every down back.

  17. Louisville -- Bobby Petrino is always dangerous but will be at his best with 17 starters back, nine on offense.

  18. Iowa -- Probably should be ranked higher with eight defensive starters back from a 12-2 season.

  19. Georgia -- Kirby Smart inherits a very talented squad and doesn't play Bama or LSU.

  20. Southern Cal -- Clay Helton has stabilized the Trojans program. If he can find the right answers on defense, USC could be in the hunt for the playoffs.

  21. North Carolina -- Larry Fedora has stopped the bleeding.

  22. Baylor -- Hard to figure. Lots of talent, but lots of off-field issues.

  23. Oregon -- Coach Mark Helfrich might feel some heat if he doesn't win at least 10 games. Fan base got spoiled under Chip Kelly.

  24. Florida -- Big question at quarterback, but Jim McElwain finds ways to win. Might not mirror last season's 10 victories, but Gators will be good.

  25. Texas -- Fifteen returning starters help Charlie Strong get off the undeserved hot seat, and the Longhorns get back into national play.

Sports on 08/28/2016

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