2. AP Preseason Top 25 College Football Poll: Yeah, it’s still a big deal
It’s still fun.
I know, I know, I’m the first to always point out that the College Football Playoff rankings coming out in early November need all the focus and scrutiny – you should start now, CFP, and put a camera on what should be a fully transparent process, and … sorry, more on that another time – but the preseason rankings are all a part of the the puzzle with that panel of judges down in Grapevine, Texas.
Don’t think for a second that the human element in deciding the College Football Playoff top 25 isn’t influenced in some way by the prevailing overall belief reflected in the rankings.
At the very least, the AP and Coaches polls set the tone and expectations going forward. They’re a part of the rhythm of the football season with a history going back to 1936.
It’s cool to continue to compare and contrast how the AP rankings have worked over more than 80 years, and how there’s still so much interest from college football fans.
It’s a badge of honor to be ranked in this thing. No matter what happens, Coastal Carolina and Louisiana can thump their chests that they’re preseason AP top 25 football teams.
Iowa State is seventh – IOWA STATE. That’s an amazing distinction for a program that’s had to claw its way to get to this point.
Cincinnati – CINCINNATI – is ranked ahead of Notre Dame, Florida, USC, LSU, and Penn State.
Indiana – INDIANA – is ranked ahead of Penn State, Iowa, and Michigan.
Blow off crusty old blowhards like me – this thing is still a big deal.
It’s the middle of August, it’s still summer, and the Preseason AP Top 25 Poll is out.
The world isn’t totally in the tank quite yet.
2021 Preseason Top 25 Analysis
Overrated | Underrated | Oklahoma Respect
Winners & Losers | AP Preseason Top 25