I’m eager for Saturday. Georgia is on my mind this week as the new No. 1

Greetings from “Can’t Wait For Saturday,” your daily dose of college football insights, presented by the seasoned Illini beat writer, AP Top 25 voter, and Heisman state representative, Bob Asmussen. Every day, he shares his perspectives on the beloved game.

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“Can’t Wait For Saturday” is akin to navigating a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament; it’s time to shuffle up and deal. I’m reevaluating my Top 5 preseason rankings, considering new information and relying on gut instinct.

It’s crucial to note that these rankings are not set in stone; they are simply a starting point for contemplation. With over five months before I submit my final ballot, teams will inevitably experience fluctuations on the list.

Here’s my initial take:

TEAM PREV.

1. Georgia (Previous rank: 3)

2. Texas (Previous rank: 1)

3. Ohio State (Previous rank: 2)

4. Oregon (Previous rank: 5)

5. Mississippi (Previous rank: 4)

Apologies to Ohio State, but my confidence falters when it comes to a coach like Chip Kelly, who chose to transition from a head coaching position to an offensive coordinator role. While the Buckeyes boast abundant returning talent on the offensive front, I remain skeptical.

On the other hand, Georgia continues to assemble an impressive recruiting class, and Kirby Smart efficiently addresses team needs through the transfer portal. With a challenging schedule ahead, it seems almost inevitable to grant the Bulldogs a bye in the College Football Playoffs. While potential challenges may arise, predicting more than one loss seems unlikely, solidifying Georgia’s spot in the top four.