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College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 4

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 24, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Xavian Marks (19) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Xavian Marks (19) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Florida Gators running back Mark Thompson (24) runs the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Florida Gators running back Mark Thompson (24) runs the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida took charge of their rivalry game against Tennessee early, holding a 21-3 lead at halftime and looking poised to win a 12th straight against the Volunteers. Then the Gators defense gave up four touchdown passes to Joshua Dobbs in the second half, and the Vols broke their streak of futility with a runaway 38-28 win in Neyland Stadium. The Gators got solid play from senior quarterback Austin Appleby, but the running game couldn’t sustain anything and the defense cracked.

Now the Gators must regroup quickly if they still want to have a shot at the SEC East title. Vanderbilt provides such a rebound opportunity next weekend before the Gators host LSU on October 8. They also have to travel to Arkansas and Florida State before the season is out, and those tests will likely determine whether or not Florida remains a Top 25 team by the end of the season. Jim McElwain seems to have the offense in shape, but now the defense needs work.

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