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College Football: 5 surprises from 2016 AP Preseason Poll

By John Buhler

Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to pass during the second half against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to pass during the second half against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

3. LSU ahead of both Michigan and Ohio State.

No. 5 through No. 7 in the first AP Poll is as follows: the LSU Tigers are at No. 5, the Ohio State Buckeyes are at No. 6, and the Michigan Wolverines are at No. 7. Though LSU will be a College Football Playoff contender in the SEC in 2016, it’s a little surprising to see the Tigers ahead of what many consider to be the two best teams in the Big 10 in the initial AP Poll.

LSU does have a legitimate Heisman contender at running back in Leonard Fournette. They have the players to beat realistically anybody they go up against in the SEC. That being said, LSU did drop three games in a row last season and head coach Les Miles was nearly ousted from his post.

LSU is definitely a top 10 team entering the season, but so much of its No. 5 ranking has to do with Fournette, who is currently in a walking boot after hurting his ankle in Tigers practice. Entering 2016, many could argue that either Michigan or Ohio State are a bit more buttoned-up than the Tigers at the moment, yet that did not seem to affect the initial AP Poll.

Ohio State is probably the second best program in the country in terms of recruitment behind only Alabama. The Buckeyes have a Heisman hopeful at quarterback in J.T. Barrett and arguably the best in-game tactician at head coach in Urban Meyer. Michigan may not have the talent just yet of either LSU or Ohio State, but the Wolverines have the most dynamic head coach in the game in Jim Harbaugh.

Perhaps it came down to Michigan and Ohio State splitting right down the middle with AP voters, which allowed LSU to benefit with a No. 5 ranking. Either way, it’s a bit odd to not see a Big 10 team in the top five entering the regular season.

Next: 2. UCLA is in the teens.

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