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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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Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls players hold up the trophy as they celebrate after the 2016 Birmingham Bowl against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Legion Field. South Florida won 46-39 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; South Florida Bulls players hold up the trophy as they celebrate after the 2016 Birmingham Bowl against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Legion Field. South Florida won 46-39 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
21

South Florida Bulls

Last week: 11-2 Record

It’s not often that a team finishes 11-2, goes to a bowl game and then upgrades at the head coach spot. That’s exactly what South Florida did after Willie Taggert took the job at Oregon and former Texas coach, Charlie Strong replaced him. Now, I’m not saying Taggart is a bad coach but I’d give strong the slight edge based on long-term success. Strong’s greatest successes as a head coach came at Louisville where he brought kids from the state of Florida to the Bluegrass state. Now, Strong can keep those kids in the state and compete for a wide open American Conference.

The Bulls return quarterback Quinton Flowers who threw for over 2,800 yards last season and is a poor man’s Teddy Bridgewater. Charlie Strong is one of the most respected and liked coaches around the college football world. The American Conference takes a step back with Houston and Temple losing their head coaches. The non-conference schedule also lightens up so no Florida State to get in the Bulls way this season.

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