College Football Rankings: Way-too-early Top 25 for 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the second half of the Alabama Crimson Tide's game versus the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 7, 2019, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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KNOXVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 17: Missouri Tigers running back Larry Rountree III (34) runs the ball past Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Daniel Bituli (35) during a college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Missouri Tigers on November 17, 2018, at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Key returners: Larry Rountree III, Damarea Crockett, Johnathon Johnson, Cale Garrett, DeMarkus Acy
Key departures: Drew Lock, Emanuel Hall, Terry Beckner Jr., Terez Hall, Brandon Lee, Cam Hilton
Coaching change: None

Barry Odom has done an incredible job with Missouri. Three years ago, this program was in disarray and no one looked to be willing to touch it with a 10-foot pole. Odom took over, went 4-8 in his first year, won seven games in 2017 and then went 8-5 in 2018. Things are looking up in Columbia.

Say goodbye to Drew Lock who passed for over 12,000 career yards and 99 touchdowns — which is definitely going to take a toll on this offense — and say hello to Taylor Powell, a former three-star recruit from the 2017 class. He, along with 2019 signee Connor Bazelak, will duke it out for the starting job this fall.

Fortunately, the Tigers will also be returning Larry Rountree III and Damarea Crockett in the backfield as a deadly one-two punch and Johnathon Johnson at receiver. This offense will have plenty of weapons even with the departure of Emanuel Hall.

The defense wasn’t great, allowing 388 total yards per game, but it was serviceable enough to lead the Tigers to eight wins, but fell just short against Oklahoma State in the Liberty Bowl.

Assuming Lock’s replacement is competent, the Tigers should be contenders in 2019.

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