LSU was coming off a year where they lost something like 21 of 22 starters, and had multiple opt outs among their projected starters for this year. Their 2 QBs were freshmen, and they still beat Florida on the road. Clemson is losing a similar amount of production this year. They’ll still win the Atlantic, and more than likely the ACC, but they’re going to have a significant drop-off when compared to the traditional powerhouses next year. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if UGA boat raced them in Charlotte next year. LSU’s recruiting rankings since 2017 are: 8, 14, 3, 4, and 3.
Oregon was one of the youngest teams in college football last year. 73% of their roster was underclassmen. 4 of their best defensive players were draft eligible and all are returning next year. Since 2017 Oregon’s recruiting rankings are: 17, 13, 7, 9, and 6. Cristobal is considered one of the best coaches in the country.
To think LSU and Oregon aren’t elite teams based on their results from last year is asinine.
Based on 2020’s data, because 2021 isn’t updated yet, UCLA and Georgia Tech both play 5 teams ranked in the top 25 of 247’s team talent composite
UCLA
- LSU - 6
- USC - 10
- Oregon - 12
- Washington - 19
- Stanford - 20
Tech
- Georgia - 1
- Clemson - 4
- ND - 8
- Miami - 18
- UNC - 22
The next highest rated teams each team plays are Arizona State at #30, and Virginia Tech at #36. Just because you don’t respect PAC-12 football doesn’t mean UCLA isn’t playing some top-tier teams.