The College Call of Duty League is getting ready for an exciting 2019. With the start of Season One right around the corner, it is time to take a look back to the Preseason Power Rankings heading into the new season. Many changes have occurred since the last Preseason Power Rankings; roster changes, newcomers and returning teams have all shaken up the league heading into the new season.
The scheduling and divisions for Season One can be watched live on January 5th, 2019 at 8 PM (EST) on the Official College COD Twitch.
College Call of Duty Power Rankings:
Ole Miss Esports
1. University of Mississippi Red
Previous ranking: 6
Ole Miss Red has had the best bounce-back story in the CCL up to date. The team was ranked sixth in the first Power Rankings but continued practicing without stopping. The team looked ready to challenge for the title, but internal struggles appeared. Sergio “Physix” Brack stepped down from the lineup which brought a sense of uncertainty to the team. Ole Miss was still confident and proved themselves by winning the Third Preseason 2K sweeping both previous winners Ohio State University and Grossmont Community College. Momentum alone can carry a team, and their comeback story is enough to get any player pumped up for a match. Expect this team to challenge for the Season One title.
2. Grossmont Community College
Previous ranking: 2
Grossmont continues to prove they deserve to be in the Top 3. They are a consistent powerhouse in the CCL. The team once again makes the finals of a 2K tournament. Their loss against Ole Miss Red was very convincing which means there are still a few things to tune up heading into the new season. Grossmont is another team expected to challenge for the Season One title. They have a strong showing in respawn which will help them in the long run.
3. Ohio State University
Previous ranking: 1
The previous number one seed suffered a setback in the third preseason 2K. A very tough match against Liberty University Navy (newcomers in the CCL) followed by a sweep from Ole Miss Red raised a few eyebrows. This is no reason for anyone to worry about Ohio State though. Ohio State has proven themselves as an elite team. Once they regroup, the team will once again be challenging for the Season One title. Their undefeated Search and Destroy record may have been snapped, but they are still one of the best in the league at the game mode.
4. Liberty University Red
Previous ranking: 5
Liberty University loves to have close matches to please the neutral fans of the league. Each match they have goes down to the wire. The team has continuously proven they can compete against anyone and this will definitely be true heading into the new season. Every match they participate in should be an exciting one.
5. University of Toronto
Previous ranking: 3
The University of Toronto has had two tough losses during the CCL preseason. These losses have not allowed the team to continue climbing the power rankings. Their team still has enough quality to challenge for the Season One CCL Title. Both of their losses have come in Round 2, one against Butler in the first 2k and now against Liberty Red in the third 2k. The team has experience which will carry them forward. Darshan “Toonie2k” Nauth will continue to guide this team and the veteran will look to improve their placing.
6. Butler University
Previous ranking: 4
Butler University is a sleeper team heading into Season One. This is a team no one can take lightly. Their finals appearance in the first 2k already proves their quality. Their third 2k run was cut short by Ole Miss Red, but they will look to bounce back and continue to rise in the rankings.
7. Liberty University Navy
Previous ranking: N/A
Liberty University Navy is a newcomer to the CCL. The third preseason 2k was the first time seeing their team in action and they put on a show. Their match against Ohio State was not live on stream but we were kept up to date with the results. They took the number one seed to 5 maps where Ohio State eventually stabilized. Liberty Navy is the first team in the CCL to beat Ohio State in Search and Destroy.
8. Georgia Southern University
Previous ranking: N/A
The previous CCL champions are back in action. Season Zero winners are finally back and looking to prove they are aiming for the top. They are yet to compete in preseason but the voters are still confident that they will come out firing from the start. Expect Georgia Southern to cause some upsets and potentially move up through the rankings quickly.
9. University of South Carolina
Previous ranking: 9
The team had a strong showing in the second preseason 2K. The voters trust that South Carolina will deliver once the season begins. They will be a dark-horse team for their division and will look to move up the rankings. They will have the chance for upsets throughout the regular season.
10. University of Iowa
Previous ranking: N/A
The University of Iowa is a newcomer into the CCL who debuted in the third preseason 2K. They had a good showing in the third preseason 2K. Iowa began with a 3-0 sweep of West Texas A&M, but a 3-0 drubbing by Grossmont showed that there is still a long way to go.
11. University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Previous ranking: N/A
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville also debuted in the third preseason 2k. They got off to a flying start with a map one victory against Butler University. After map one, they were unable to get a grip on the series and ended up losing 3-1 in round one. If they are able to improve consistency, they have the potential to challenge teams above them.
12. Abilene Christian University
Previous ranking: 11
Abilene debuted in the second 2k with a tough matchup against Liberty University Red. Despite the tough match, Abilene gave Liberty Red a drubbing in Search and Destroy. If they can build off this previous performance, they can cause upsets to the teams above.
Previous ranking: N/A
Humber College is an interesting team. They have not debuted in the league, yet they have gathered the trust of both CCL Staff and Veterans. With practice, they have the potential to challenge their division.
Previous ranking: N/A
Grand Canyon University is the final team to debut during the third 2K tournament and reach the Top 15. A rough pairing in round one against Liberty Red meant they were one and out. They will look to keep improving throughout the season in hopes of climbing up the ladder.
15. University of Mississippi Blue
Previous ranking: 15
Ole Miss Blue is looking forward to climbing the ladder in the CCL. They are a talented team and have all the right tools to climb up the rankings. With mentoring from Ole Miss Red and Physix, Ole Miss Blue has the potential to challenge their division.
Author Power Rankings:
- University of Mississippi Red
- Ohio State University
- Grossmont Community College
- Liberty University Red
- Georgia Southern University
- University of Toronto
- Butler University
- Liberty University Navy
- Mississippi State University Maroon
- University of South Carolina
- University of Iowa
- Abilene Christian University
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- University of Mississippi Blue
- East Carolina University
Author’s Comment:
Season One is bound to bring the best out of all the competitors. 32 teams competing for just 12 playoff spots. Who will be able to grind their way to the playoffs? Only time will tell… ______________________________________________________________________________________
The College Call of Duty regular season will begin on January 21st, 2019. All series will be best of 5 matches following COD World League rule-set. Tune in LIVE at the College COD Twitch.
CCL Season One general information, rules, brackets, participants and results can be all found on College COD Esportspedia. You may follow College Call of Duty on Discord and Twitter.
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Featured Image courtesy of College Call of Duty
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