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The first 2017 AP poll was officially released on Monday, and Viva the Matadors will provide a weekly analysis of its updates, sharing thoughts with the real hope to see, sooner rather than later, the Red Raiders breaking into the top 25. Obviously, we’ll switch to the College Football Playoff ranking when it’ll be issued, before week 10.
Alabama and Ohio State are two safe picks starting the season, as they have outstanding coaches and a ton of quality players. Florida State is in third position but they have many offensive holes to fill, and if Clemson finds a quarterback I am not even sure that the Seminoles are the best ACC team.
The AP takes in deep consideration the Big 12, with five ranked teams. Oklahoma’s seventh place is the right position for a team that aspires to the playoffs, while Oklahoma State’s 10th is maybe too high for a college that has so many defensive problems.
In addition, Kansas State is solid enough to deserve the 20th place, but West Virginia shouldn’t be in, as it’s second to last in the FBS in terms of returning production. Texas is the last team to make the top 25, and they’re the only team with a negative record in 2016.
1. ALABAMA
2. OHIO STATE
3. FLORIDA STATE
4. USC
5. CLEMSON
6. PENN STATE
7. OKLAHOMA
8. WASHINGTON
9. WISCONSIN
10. OKLAHOMA STATE
11. MICHIGAN
12. AUBURN
13. LSU
14. STANFORD
15. GEORGIA
16. LOUISVILLE
17. FLORIDA
18. MIAMI (FL)
19. SOUTH FLORIDA
20. KANSAS STATE
21. VIRGINIA TECH
22. WEST VIRGINIA
23. TEXAS
24. WASHINGTON STATE
25. TENNESSEE