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College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 After National Championship

By Zach Bigalke

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scores a touchdown on an 8 yard run past against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scores a touchdown on an 8 yard run past against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies fullback Sam Rogers (45) dives in for a score against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Hokies win the Belk Bowl 35-24 over the Razorbacks. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies fullback Sam Rogers (45) dives in for a score against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Hokies win the Belk Bowl 35-24 over the Razorbacks. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Fuente’s first season in Blacksburg was a success after taking over for living legend Frank Beamer. The new head coach led Virginia Tech to its first 10-win season since 2011 thanks to an 11-point victory over Arkansas in the Belk Bowl. Jerod Evans threw for 243 yards and two scores and rushed for 87 yards and two more touchdowns. The Hokies defense held Arkansas to just 36 rushing yards on 34 attempts for a 1.1-yard average. Most importantly, they tormented Razorbacks QB Austin Allen with three interceptions and six sacks to secure their tenth win.

It was a successful year all around for the Hokies. They won the ACC Coastal and played in the league championship after a five-year absence. Though it resulted in a loss, they had the honor of playing before the largest football crowd ever assembled in the Battle at Bristol against Tennessee. Their other losses before the ACC championship came inexplicably at Syracuse in mid-October and at home to Georgia Tech in mid-November.

Virginia Tech will benefit from their win over an SEC foe by receiving a boost in the final AP Top 25, and they are set up for long-term growth. Fuente started his tenure at Virginia Tech with one of the least experienced teams in the ACC, which bodes well for their prospects in 2017.

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