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College Football Rankings: Post-spring 2017 Top 25

By Connor Muldowney

Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (4) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Hootie Jones (6) as he scores during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (4) is hit by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Hootie Jones (6) as he scores during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs black team quarterback Jacob Eason (10) passes against the red team during the second half during the Georgia Spring Game at Sanford Stadium. Red defeated Black 25-22. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs black team quarterback Jacob Eason (10) passes against the red team during the second half during the Georgia Spring Game at Sanford Stadium. Red defeated Black 25-22. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Alex Hornibrook be able to answer the call as the team’s starting quarterback? If he can continue to improve and utilize guys like Jazz Peavy and Bradrick Shaw, the Badgers’ offense can take a step forward. However, the defense will likely be the strength of this team once again as Wisconsin has been known for its hard-nosed attitude.

It’s not easy having such high hopes for a team that went just 4-8 last year, but Willie Taggart comes in with a new system and considerable amount of talent returning. The Ducks didn’t go 4-8 for lack of talent, but rather because of injuries and inconsistencies, including from the coaching staff. Royce Freeman returns at running back as a Heisman candidate and Justin Herbert could be the solution at quarterback. The defense also looked better in the spring game.

Another spring for Bill Snyder is in the books and this one has been tough as his health has been brought into question. If he can remain on the sidelines for 2017 and rely on Jesse Ertz to carry the load effectively, the Wildcats will be in good shape. There are some unanswered questions on the defensive side of the ball, but a nine-win team with a returning quarterback who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season should be highly-regarded.

Mark Richt took over the Hurricanes prior to the 2016 season, turning his dream of coaching his alma mater into a reality after 15 years with Georgia. He turned Brad Kaaya into an NFL Draft pick and led the Hurricanes to a 9-4 season. Although there may be questions at quarterback, the Hurricanes are returning 18 starters. Without a spring game, though, it’s impossible to guess who will win the starting job under center.

Conversely, in the first season without Mark Richt in 15 years, the Georgia Bulldogs finished 8-4, a normal season for the program lately. However, Kirby Smart is piecing together a talented team in Athens and it starts with Jacob Eason. The talented freshman had an up-and-down 2016 season, but he looks to return as one of the top SEC gunslingers in 2017. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel will be one of the best one-two running back punches in college football.

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