Alabama Football: After cancellations a new Top 25 preseason poll
By Ronald Evans
No. 25 – Mississippi State Bulldogs
A stretch perhaps but Mike Leach’s team is going to run up points never before seen in Starkville. The Bulldogs have a (small) shot at getting to seven wins and 7-3 will be Top 25 qualifying. The Bulldogs will not top Alabama football or the other Bulldogs on the schedule but could have a good season anyway.
No. 24 – Navy Midshipmen
There are four AAC teams in this ranking. Navy got a boost from losing Notre Dame to ACC competition. They are another team that can win seven games.
No. 23 – Virginia Cavaliers
Bronco Mendenhall deserves credit for injecting needed toughness into UVA football. Although Virginia Tech is ranked higher on this list, there may not be much separation between the two programs.
No. 22 – Lousiville Cardinals
Scott Satterfield has the Cardinals rapidly recovering from a second Bobby Petrino debacle. Other than going to South Bend, the schedule of tough games is mostly at home.
No. 21 – Miami Hurricanes
Does Manny Diaz prove in 2020 he can be a winning head coach? His team should be improved. The schedule has tough road trips to Louisville, Clemson and Virginia Tech.