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College Football Rankings: Projected top 25 for 2017

By Andrew Hammond

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) makes a catch ahead of Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) makes a catch ahead of Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Eli Stove (12) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) after a pass reception in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Eli Stove (12) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jordan Thomas (7) after a pass reception in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
23

Auburn Tigers

Last week: 8-5 Record

In some ways, you can make the case Auburn overachieved. On the other hand, you can make the case that 2016’s successes were just the beginning for Gus Malzahn and the Auburn program. Ever since their Cinderella BCS title game run in 2013-14 the program has seen hard times. However, a midseason turnaround this season has put the program back where they want to be, playing in major bowl games.

Now I know that a loss in a bowl game really doesn’t help tell the story of a team but it can boost a team into next season. As for next season, the Tigers get one of the nation’s best transfers Jarrett Stidham arrives after sitting out this past season. Now the biggest question becomes how do you replace a defense that in some ways kept you in games throughout the season. Montravious Adams, Carl Lawson as they terrorized SEC quarterbacks for the last few seasons. Auburn’s offense will put up points on the scoreboard but it will be the defense that determines their fate in 2017.

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