Alabama Football: After cancellations a new Top 25 preseason poll
By Ronald Evans
No. 20 – Iowa State
Even though his coaching record does not show it, Matt Campbell is highly respected. He did well with Toldeo but is barely above .500 in Ames. The Big 12 schedule is in flux. Not having to play Iowa improves 2020 chances for the Cyclones.
No. 19 – Memphis Tigers
Can Memphis sustain its recent good run under Ryan Silverfield? An explosive offense got them to being the top-rated Group of Five team and a trip to last season’s Cotton Bowl. It matters little Penn State easily handled them in Dallas. The top two returning offensive weapons are solid; QB, Brady White and RB, Kenneth Gainwell. Incoming Defensive Coordinator, Mike MacIntyre has a core group returning while his unit needs to improve.
No. 18 – Virginia Tech Hokies
There was a time Justin Fuentes was considered one of the top young coaches in college football. He has not matched his Memphis-stint success in Blacksburg. But for a 6-7, 2018 season, his Hokie teams have been good or acceptable. Fuentes returns plenty of starter experience. With a more versatile offense led by Hendon Hooker, 2020 might be a break-through season for Virginia Tech.
No. 17 – Cincinnati Bearcats
The Bearcats might deserve all the preseason love they are receiving. An 11-3, 2019 season indicates they do. Then again, does a previous season, Birmingham Bowl winner match most perceptions of a Top 20 team? Luke Fickell may get it done again in Cincy. At least the Bearcats fans don’t have Tommy Tuberville dragging them down any longer.
No. 16 – Tennessee Vols
Thanks to Jeremy Pruitt (and indirectly, Nick Saban) the Vols are back. In a normal year, they are barely a Top 25 team, but not this season. Tennessee or Kentucky will be the third-best team in the SEC East. It will only take one upset for the Vols to finish well inside the Top 20.