2014 CBS Preseason Top 25..

No. 2 is a little high for us IMO. I would prefer something around No. 5 so we could work our way up like in 2009. It would be nice to fly under the radar for a bit.

If it makes you guys feel better remember this is a CBS preseason poll....and those knuckleheads don't know a thing. I expect us to start somewhere between 5-7th which is about right and fair IMHO. If Del Rio can just run things like Gmac and AJ did their first years then we have a chance to compete for the SEC West. We won't sniff a NC or the playoff though. It's going to be a rebuilding year.

tusks_n_raider said:

If it makes you guys feel better remember this is a CBS preseason poll....and those knuckleheads don't know a thing. I expect us to start somewhere between 5-7th which is about right and fair IMHO. If Del Rio can just run things like Gmac and AJ did their first years then we have a chance to compete for the SEC West. We won't sniff a NC or the playoff though. It's going to be a rebuilding year.

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Rebuilding? Yep. But won't sniff the playoff. We have a great chance to win it all every year. Next year won't be different.


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Looked @ the top twenty can't believe MS state not in it.

crimsonaudio said:

While I'm not a playoff proponent, we now 'only' need to finish in the top four to have a shot, so starting off as low as four or five would be preferable. The problem with #2 is that FSU could lose early in the season and then we're #1 again and haven't necessarily don't anything to 'prove' it.

I'd rather this team come in really hungry, so I'm hoping we'll come in around #4 when all is said and done.

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This. Ginormous target on your back if you're number one and we always have a huge target anyway since we are Bama.


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crimsonaudio said:

Did you forget the blue font? They finished 7-6 - why would you think they'll be in the top 25 next year?

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They do have a lot coming back, especially on the defensive front and they definitely found a QB. I think State could make some noise next season as well.

Alasippi said:

They do have a lot coming back, especially on the defensive front and they definitely found a QB. I think State could make some noise next season as well.

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Agreed!! 100%

Don't count MSU out yet.

I too would prefer to be ranked a little lower as well. It helps us fly under the radar and gain momentum without so much pressure. The QB position will tell the tale of next year. The roster is so stacked, and so many young guys gained experience we should be in good shape everywhere else. I like that the first four games are winnable off talent alone. That should let the QB situation shake itself out before a trip of Oxford for the fifth game. Next year is not a rebuilding year at all. Bama will not have rebuilding years with the level of talent on the three deep roster. CNS has shown that he knows how to bring along a QB. John Parker made a nice improvement in his second year under CNS, GMac got stronger as the year went, and so did AJ. That is three for three. No reason to think he can't do it again. I am also interested in what "starting over" will look like next year.

Alasippi said:

They do have a lot coming back, especially on the defensive front and they definitely found a QB. I think State could make some noise next season as well.

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I concur Sir.

Bamabuzzard said:

Wow, #2. People sure do think highly of us and what we have coming back. Honestly I think we're more like 6-10, take your pick. Especially seeing how much of a ??? the QB and CB positions are.

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They just may like us having a very big target on our back. I would be satisfied with #4.

tusks_n_raider said:

If it makes you guys feel better remember this is a CBS preseason poll....and those knuckleheads don't know a thing. I expect us to start somewhere between 5-7th which is about right and fair IMHO. If Del Rio can just run things like Gmac and AJ did their first years then we have a chance to compete for the SEC West. We won't sniff a NC or the playoff though. It's going to be a rebuilding year.

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Why not? 3 out of the last 5 NC teams have had first year starting QBs so, I don't see why we can't be successful again with a new QB. If we compete for the SEC West then we will be sniffing the playoffs.

RollTide1017 said:

Why not? 3 out of the last 5 NC teams have had first year starting QBs so, I don't see why we can't be successful again with a new QB. If we compete for the SEC West then we will be sniffing the playoffs.

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Agreed. For the record, ESPN's Mark Schlabach has us #2 as well. I'd guess we'll open in the top 4 easily.

While I'm sure the rankings throughout the year will have SOME influence on the playoff, it's important to remember that there will be no BCS rankings, and it's a selection committee, not the rankings, that will determine who plays in the round of 4.

Still, always better to start higher than lower so you can recover from a loss. Perception is perception. If you are ranked #1 and lose, you will normally only fall to 4-5. If you are 4-5, you can drop to 10 or worse.