If you’re tired of reading Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State at the top of every college football power ranking list every season, you’re obviously not a fan of any of those three programs. From a sports betting perspective, the hammerlock that these three programs have on the game means that it is also difficult to find a lot of value in wagering, at least at the national level. Point spreads involving these three teams are also difficult to handicap at times (although the Buckeyes lived more dangerously last season than did Clemson and Alabama).
Looking ahead to 2021 college football odds, let’s consider the top five teams in the nation, at least right now, with about six weeks to go until the start of the regular season.
NCAA News: College Football Team Analysis Series — Top 5 Teams
#1: Alabama
It’s the recruiting at Alabama that makes their position so ridiculous. They lose key starters at crucial positions to the NFL on both sides of the ball every year, but it doesn’t matter, because the next year’s blue-chip recruits at those positions are ready to fill in the next season. This time around, quarterback Mac Jones has gone, but he was really only in charge of the offense for one full season, so the Tide really didn’t get locked in with his style. Bryce Young takes over the offense, and all he did in high school was put up 13,250 yards and 152 touchdowns in four seasons. Agiye Hall is an outstanding wide receiver who plugs in this year — and he’s a true freshman. Once again, until someone knocks this team off its pedestal, it holds the top ranking.
#2: Clemson
When the Tigers have stumbled en route to the national championship, the problems came from their defense. The last time Clemson won the title, they did have Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, but they had an ironclad defense. In 2020, their defense was too porous at times, but that shouldn’t be the case this time around. James Skalski has been ejected in two consecutive College Football Playoffs for targeting, but maybe he’s learned his lesson this time around. He returns to provide a physical presence in the defense. Andrew Booth Jr leads a lockdown secondary. And yes, Lawrence is now in Jacksonville with the Jaguars, but D.J. Uiagalelei looked terrific against Notre Dame last season and will have no problems leading the Clemson offense.
#3: Texas A&M
The quarterback situation in College Station remains in flux, but Isaiah Spiller is the best tailback in the nation, and he is just one of three terrific running backs. Kenyon Green leads a solid offensive line, and Jaley Wydermyer is the nation’s top tight end. On defense, there are playmakers on all three levels, and DeMarvin Leal is ready to lead the unit. The biggest problem that the Aggies face is the fact that they are in the same division of the SEC as Alabama.
#4: Ohio State
Justin Fields has left for the NFL, which means that it is time for C.J. Stroud to make a name for himself at quarterback. Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave might be the nation’s best pair of wide receivers. The Buckeyes did have to replace all of their starting linebackers, but they have Sevyn Banks, an elite cornerback, and a powerful defensive line. Look out for that early-season matchup with Oregon, though. The Buckeyes should roll here, but if Oregon can pull the upset, then a trip to the national semifinal gets a lot trickier.
#5: Oklahoma
The Sooners have Spencer Rattler at quarterback, and his development in 2020 was extremely impressive. He has three speedy wide receivers who also have possession skill, and Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray make a scary tandem at tailback. The problem for the Sooners comes on defense. Yes, they have Nik Bonitto and Perrion Winfrey leading the unit. However, they have a hard time stopping opponents, especially once they get outside the Big 12. It will be a shame to see them take a playoff spot from a deserving team, only to get routed once again in prime time, because they ran the table in a soft Big 12.
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