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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 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington could be a victim of post-semifinal backlash against the College Football Playoff selections. Their 17-point loss against Alabama in the Peach Bowl wasn’t all bad, as the Huskies defense held quarterback Jalen Hurts to just 57 passing yards and 50 rushing yards. But they gave up 180 yards and two scores on the ground to Bo Scarborough in the loss. Jake Browning managed to throw for just 150 yards while tossing two picks, and in the end Chris Petersen’s team was overmatched by the Crimson Tide juggernaut.

What Washington did this year, though, should not be discounted. After years of dominance by Oregon and Stanford, the Huskies shifted the nexus of power in the Pac-12 North. UW was hindered by a non-conference schedule that featured woeful Rutgers, surprisingly decent Idaho, and FCS Portland State. They took over the division with a 44-6 win over Stanford followed by a cathartic 70-21 road victory over Oregon that ended a 12-game losing streak to the Ducks. And except for a 26-13 loss to USC, they were perfect until facing Saban and the Tide.

With Jake Browning returning next season for his third year of eligibility, the Huskies will enter 2017 as the favorite to repeat as Pac-12 North champions. But they will just barely hang on to their top ten position in the final AP Top 25 after falling short in their chance at playing for the national title.

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