Tide rolls in on top, Ohio State and Georgia lurk in the AFCA Coaches Poll

Photo credit, The Columbus Dispatch

Though the Tide fell in last year’s national championship game to SEC foe Georgia 33-18, Alabama enters the preseason atop the AFCA Coaches Poll. Still, the No. 2 Buckeyes and No. 3 Bulldogs boast enough talent to win it all.

The Bulldogs waited 41 years before winning the championship last season. Quarterback Stetson Bennett, receivers Brock Bowers, Adonai Mitchell and cornerback Kelee Ringo enticed the victory with key plays. Bennett’s 40-yard touchdown pass to Mitchell all but closed the game. However, Bowers was on the receiving end of a 15-yard scoring pass with 3:33 left as Ringo’s interception brought Georgia fans to its feet.

No. 11 Oregon will make the trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, September 03, 2022, to face the Bulldogs in an early season showdown. Georgia will need a season like last year if it looks to defend its title.

Ohio State is in the title debate after dealing Utah a loss in the Rose Bowl last season. The late-season loss to Michigan frustrated the Buckeyes and kept it out of the championship series. However, this season Ohio State looks to control its destiny.

The Buckeyes welcome No. 5 Notre Dame to Columbus to open the season on Saturday in a showdown of top five ranked teams. The fighting Irish won’t be looking to rest, and its chances of reaching the national title round rest in mistake-free football and limiting turnovers.

Who can stay alive, avoid the upset bug and avoid injuries might have the best chance to play at Lucas Oil Stadium come January.

The remaining schools will look to improve on last season’s finishes.

View a listing of the college football top 25 below.