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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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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) scores on a 25 yard touchdown past Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) 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; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Bo Scarbrough (9) scores on a 25 yard touchdown past Clemson Tigers defensive back Ryan Carter (31) and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

This time Alabama couldn’t hold on for a second straight national championship. The Tide built a two-touchdown lead thanks to Bo Scarborough, who finished the game against Clemson with 93 yards and the two scores before getting injured in the third quarter. The Tigers pulled within a field goal, but then they forgot once again that O.J. Howard existed as Jalen Hurts hit the tight end for a 68-yard touchdown. Clemson ultimately

All throughout the season, this Alabama team has been striving to rise up the list of Nick Saban’s best rosters ever. Through their semifinal win over Washington, the Crimson Tide defeated all but one opponent by double digits. With a true freshman at quarterback, Alabama’s passing game regressed. All the same, they rushed for nearly 50 more yards a game despite losing Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry from last season’s championship team.

But when it counted most, they were unable to get the job done and give Saban his second undefeated national title run. Hurts will be better next season with a year of experience under his belt, and while they probably won’t start 2017 ranked first in the AP Top 25 the Tide will still be among the favorites to return to the College Football Playoff next year.

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