Why should we doubt Nick Saban and Alabama? There is no evidence to suggest the Crimson Tide will be eclipsed in the top 5 all season, despite having so much youth on their front seven.
Speaking about the new prime-time defenders up front seemed to energize Saban at SEC media days. And Alabama still has a difference maker at quarterback in Jalen Hurts and all those running backs and Calvin Ridley, and a very experienced secondary.
Yeah, that's why the Tide is No. 1 on my preseason ballot.
You'll see a lot of the traditional powers in my top eight or so, including defending national champion Clemson at No.