If you perusing an IUFB message board, I imagine you are at least a little bit like me and have projected out your 12 playoff teams. Of course, it's a fool's errand but looking like a fool has never stopped me before so....do you have any teams making the 12-team playoff that would be surprises?
I am projecting the James Madison Dukes to grab the 12-seed as the G5 selection, I have Michigan making the CFP as the 11-seed thanks to the emergence of Bryce Underwood and the Texas A&M Aggies making the field.
Nothing completely wild but those three would be at least surprises. Anyone have any team you are much higher on than most?
@tjinman1987 I am going to go with Tulane is probably the best G5 CFP value bet. They get chances against Northwestern and Duke at home and go to Ole Miss. They could win the AAC as well, which is usually the strongest G5 conference.
Looks like JMU didn’t miss a beat after Cignetti left. Their coach should be a hot commodity in the offseason.
Looks like JMU didn’t miss a beat after Cignetti left. Their coach should be a hot commodity in the offseason.
They did slightly worse in 2024 at 9-4 but that still seems pretty good given how many players Cigs took with him.
JMU had Mike Houston (now at Clemson) before Cigs. They have been making some good choices, although their AD retired last year.
Looks like JMU didn’t miss a beat after Cignetti left. Their coach should be a hot commodity in the offseason.
They did slightly worse in 2024 at 9-4 but that still seems pretty good given how many players Cigs took with him.
JMU had Mike Houston (now at Clemson) before Cigs. They have been making some good choices, although their AD retired last year.
I would say they did exceptionally well given the players that left for IU.
Michigan is starting a true freshman QB and has a lot of holes on its roster, especially on offense. Texas A&M is always hyped in the preseason then finishes 8-5.
@iugradman very true on Texas A&M but they will have a really good offensive line and, in my opinion, as good of a stable of running backs as anyone in the country. I am betting on Marcel Reed making some progress and Mike Elko (who I have a lot of respect for) making a big difference as the defensive play-caller this season. As for Michigan, they play at Oklahoma in week two and I think they win that one because I have no faith in Brent Venables at head coach (perhaps foolishly). In the Big Ten, they miss IU, Illinois, Oregon and Penn State and get Washington at home. I think if they go 10-2 (with a loss to Ohio State and someone else) they squeak in. I believe Underwood is an absolute stud and starting him over Keene is the right call. You make valid points though.
INDIANA is my surprise because outside the state of Indiana lots of talking heads are talking about Indiana being a one and done.
BEAT PURDUE
Boise St. looking ROUGH.