Alabama ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s preseason SP+ college football rankings

ESPN released the preseason SP+ college football rankings, and Alabama was back at the top.

ESPN released the preseason SP+ college football rankings, and Alabama was back at the top.

The SP+ rankings are based on returning production, recent recruiting, as well as recent history.

Alabama finished the season 11-2, but don’t count them out just yet.

The Crimson Tide’s 2020 offense is ranked No. 1 in the nation, according to the ESPN SP+ rankings, while its defense comes in at No. 8. Alabama.

Here is what Connelly said about Alabama:

“I was expecting Ohio State and Clemson as the top two teams here, and you probably were, too. But the injury that defined Bama’s 2019 season helped boost its 2020 odds. Losing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to injury for four late games meant that backup Mac Jones got an extended audition in the starting role, and he looked mostly great. He produced a better passer rating against Auburn than LSU’s Joe Burrow and a better rating against Michigan than Ohio State’s Justin Fields.

Because the Tide return Jones’ 1,503 passing yards (plus 100 more from Taulia Tagovailoa) — not to mention the contributions of receivers DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, running back Najee Harris, most of the offensive line, and most of the defensive front seven — they boast a better returning production ranking (88th) than Ohio State (93rd), Clemson (96th), LSU (127th), etc.

That, combined with consistently elite recruiting and performance (the Tide haven’t finished lower than third in SP+ since 2008), pushed Bama to the top. Disagree if you want, but allow this to be a reminder that Nick Saban’s run of greatness in Tuscaloosa probably isn’t over.”

There’s no doubt that this season for Alabama will be fun to watch!

ESPN’s SP+ college football rankings will be updated prior to the season to because transfers, injuries, etc.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated!