The Georgia Bulldogs have secured the top spot in the preseason AP Top 25 college football poll, following their consecutive national championships. This article will provide an overview of the rankings and discuss Georgia’s pursuit of a historic three-peat.
Georgia received an overwhelming majority of the first-place votes, with 60 out of 63, making them the clear favorite to win a third consecutive AP poll national championship. This is the second time in the team’s history that they have been ranked as the preseason No. 1 team, the first being in 2008.
Michigan and Ohio State claimed the remaining first-place votes, securing the second and third spots, respectively. Alabama and LSU round out the top five teams in the preseason rankings. Michigan’s high ranking marks their best preseason position since 1991, while Ohio State finds itself as the second-highest ranked Big Ten team for only the second time in 11 seasons.
Notably, this is the first time since 2009 that Alabama has been ranked outside of the preseason top three. However, history has shown that preseason rankings do not always dictate the final outcome. TCU, last season’s runner-up to Georgia, enters the preseason rankings at No. 17.
Here is the full preseason AP Top 25 poll:
1. Georgia (60)
2. Michigan (2)
3. Ohio State (1)
4. Alabama
5. LSU
6. USC
7. Penn State
8. Florida State
9. Clemson
10. Washington
11. Texas
12. Tennessee
13. Notre Dame
14. Utah
15. Oregon
16. Kansas State
17. TCU
18. Oregon State
19. Wisconsin
20. Oklahoma
21. North Carolina
22. Ole Miss
23. Texas A&M
24. Tulane
25. Iowa
Georgia’s top ranking puts them in a favorable position, but it is important to note that being ranked first in the preseason does not guarantee a national championship. In fact, the team ranked No. 1 in the preseason rarely ends up winning the title. Georgia’s previous championships came after being ranked third and fifth in the preseason. Only six preseason No. 1 teams have won the national title in the past 50 years.
To achieve a three-peat, Georgia will need to avoid complacency and maintain their focus. Last year, head coach Kirby Smart used perceived slights as motivation for his team, but this year there are no such external sources of motivation. The Bulldogs will need to create their own drive and maintain their hunger for success.
The team’s schedule presents a challenge as well. Georgia does not face tough opponents like Clemson or Oregon in their early games. Instead, they will play UT Martin and a series of games that should not pose a significant threat to a team with Georgia’s talent. However, concerns may arise as the season progresses, particularly with the introduction of a new starting quarterback.
Head coach Kirby Smart emphasizes the importance of focusing on themselves rather than their opponents. He believes that playing against Georgia is one of the toughest challenges his team will face, and he encourages his players to concentrate on their own performance.
In conclusion, the Georgia Bulldogs’ top ranking in the preseason AP Top 25 college football poll sets them up as strong contenders for a historic three-peat. However, history has shown that preseason rankings do not always translate into championship victories. Georgia will need to stay motivated, avoid complacency, and navigate their schedule successfully to achieve their goal. The upcoming season promises excitement and challenges for the Bulldogs as they strive to make history once again.