Clemson moves up in post-spring top-25 |
As the calendar turns to May, spring football is in the books and we're that much closer to the 2018 campaign.
A few outlets have revised their 'way too early' Top 25 rankings for the 2018 season, but they all have the same 1-2, with Alabama a preseason No. 1 and Clemson next-best. Stewart Mandel at The Athletic moved Clemson up from No. 3 behind Ohio State to second behind Alabama ($). Sporting News says any QB controversy only strengthens Clemson's Playoff bid. "The Tigers suffered a few losses to the NFL Draft," Bill Bender writes, "but running back Travis Etienne is a value pick for the Heisman Trophy and the defensive line features four potential first-round picks in Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell. The arrival of five-star freshman Trevor Lawrence has shaken up the quarterback battle, but that only reinforces the point: Clemson isn't going anywhere." Other 2018 opponents on the schedule that made the SN top-25 are Florida State (20) and South Carolina (23). Miami is ranked No. 11 and Virginia Tech is No. 17. CBS Sports' Dennis Dodd also ranked the Tigers No. 2 preseason Tuesday. "One of the greatest defensive lines in the sport's history returns intact," Dodd writes. "All four guys across the front are back -- Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Dexter Lawrence. Kelly Bryant has some work to do to keep his job behind center, but that's a good thing. How many teams have enough QB depth to unseat an incumbent starter who led a team to the playoff? (Not counting Alabama.)" Florida State is the only other 2018 opponent to make CBS' rankings (24). Miami checks in at No. 9 and Virginia Tech No. 14.
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