JMU is #15 in the First Preseason Poll

The Sports Network released its official 2010 FCS Football Preseason Poll and the JMU Dukes find themselves at number 15. I don’t want to make too much of this, because the polls really don’t concern me. Especially preseason polls. Obviously, it’s where you finish, blah, blah, blah. In all seriousness though, I’m really more focused on how JMU matches up against the rest of the CAA. If history is any indicator, teams that can compete with the CAA elites and finish near the top of the league, go to the playoffs. Plain and simple.

There is a reason why folks call the CAA the “SEC of the FCS.” A CAA team has played in the championship game in each of the last 4 years and in 6 of the last 7.  With a track record like that, maybe the SEC should be known as the “CAA of the BCS.” You’ve basically been able to count on CAA teams being in the running for the National Championship year in and year out.

This doesn’t appear to be the year that is going to break the mold. At least according to the voters that is. In addition to the Dukes landing at #15 in the poll, there are 5 other CAA teams ranked. Defending CAA and FCS champ, Villanova topped the poll. I wish I could argue with that, but I can’t. William & Mary is #4, Richmond #6, New Hampshire #10, and Delaware #16. I can argue with several of those, but I’ll save that for another day. Although I should point out that we’re 17 days from W&M’s opener and Laycock still hasn’t settled on a QB. I’m just saying.