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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; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls safety Khalid McGee (21) celebrates a fumble recovery during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls safety Khalid McGee (21) celebrates a fumble recovery during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

The American Athletic Conference took a major hit this postseason, losing five of their seven bowl appearances. USF emerged as one of the league’s victors thanks to an overtime win against South Carolina. Quinton Flowers showed off his throwing arm and his legs against the Gamecocks in the 46-39 Birmingham Bowl victory. He finished the contest with 261 passing yards, 105 rushing yards, and five total touchdowns. Though South Florida allowed their SEC opponent to force extra time, the Gamecocks were still one dimensional with fewer than 100 rushing yards on the day.

The Bulls missed out on playing in the AAC championship game this year after losing to Temple in Philadelphia. Their only other loss came at home to a Florida State team that finished the year on a high note of its own. South Florida claimed a Power Five win over Syracuse and took down AAC West champ Navy. Beyond the Owls and Seminoles, USF won every other game for the first 11-win season in school history.

The successful campaign led Oregon to hire away head coach Willie Taggart, but they managed to snatch Charlie Strong after he was terminated by Texas. They should climb a few places in the AP Top 25 after the bowl win, and will probably be the team to beat in the AAC in 2017.

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