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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 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Dominique Heath (4) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Dominique Heath (4) scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

What Bill Snyder has done in his second act in the Little Apple continues to astound. The Wildcats reached nine wins for the fourth time in the past six seasons thanks to their win over Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston. Down early, Kansas State claimed the lead before halftime and never let go once they had the advantage. Snyder’s defense allowed the Aggies to gain 454 yards, but they also forced two turnovers to secure the win and play their way back into the AP Top 25 at the end of the year.

The Wildcats lost close contests to West Virginia and Oklahoma State and suffered a blowout at Oklahoma, and they also dropped the season opener against Stanford. It was a season of uncharacteristic self-destruction, as Snyder’s usually-disciplined team ranked in the bottom half of the country in penalties per game. Even in the bowl victory, the Wildcats accrued 12 penalties for 80 lost yards.

Given the way the Big 12 punched above its weight this bowl season, though, Kansas State has done enough to claw its way back into the final poll of the year. With a far more experienced team returning in 2017, they should get a bump from the win over an SEC opponent and could be a dark-horse in the Big 12 next season.

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