Who Needs a Blog Poll: Finale

Let me begin this final edition of the 2014 WNaBP by echoing John Saxon's piece earlier today: This has been an incredibly fun team, and easily one of the best times as I've had as a lifelong fan. What made this, for me, so memorable, is that no one saw this coming.This was supposed to be a rebuilding year: new faces on the offensive line, uncertainty at corner, Landon Collins playing out of position deep, CJ Moseley's departure which forced Trey Depriest to step into new and larger shoes, a new offensive coordinator, health concerns about TJ Yeldon and Amari Cooper, oh -and that whole new quarterback thing.

Then, something magical happened; the team found not just one leader, like Blake Sims, but several: Jalston Fowler became a crucial cog to this offense. Veteran linemen like Arie, Carpenter etc quietly went about their business and let Cameron Robinson flourish as a freshman. Kenyan Drake bought in, stayed out of the doghouse, and became the special player we (and he) knew that he could be. Landon Collins, particularly early, helmed the defensive calls...often getting front seven guys lined up while Depriest learned his new responsibilities. I could go on, but, suffice it to say, a 12-2 SEC Championship season, making the college playoffs, and sweeping our Big Three rivals (two on the road) is more than we could have possibly asked for.

I thank all 100+ guys for the ride. It was a damned good time, and they leave as SEC Champions and as one of the most beloved Alabama teams of the Saban era.

Now, on to your post-bowl, post-playoff NON-blog poll. I think the results are largely explanatory, but for the initiated:

- Told y'all Ohio State was good, and last year I warned you repeatedly that the Big Ten was as close to the top tier as possible. /peaks at bowl results/ Yup. Still true.

- The ACC had some good teams (FSU, Duke, Louisville etc.) but, by season's end, give me the Yellow Jackets. Just a lethal, pain-in-the-ass to play.

- Yes, Memphis is this high because they could beat 90% of the teams below them. The Tigers retaining Justin Fuente was the silly season's biggest coaching retention.

- I was so, so wrong on TCU. That team was a freakin' buzzsaw.

- Georgia could be frightening next season (as we've all said for the past 12 years.)

- The Big Twelve was a hot mess outside of TCU: K State, Baylor, Texas, Oklahoma, Okie Lite all lost...some of them very badly. Forget the narrative about the death of the SEC. Your real story is that the Big Twelve is still well behind the PAC12, SEC, and Big Ten.

- Finally, if you haven't, check out CB's wrapup post, "CFB Random Thoughts From Around the Country." It's excellent stuff.