Dukes Ranked 19th in TSN Preseason Poll
The Sports Network released its preseason Top 25 for FCS yesterday and the JMU finds itself at a “yeah, sounds about right” #19. As all FCS fans know, preaseason polls are mostly meaningless, especially given that of the four “somewhat known” national polls, two of them seem to include voters who’ve never watched an FCS game. But while TSN has had it’s ups and downs in terms of quality, it’s the first poll we’ve seen this year that seems to have some clue about this year’s landscape. As noted in the article, many voters in this poll at least did us all the courtesy of leaving off Georgia Southern and App. St. who are ineligible for the SoCon title or the postseason (for that matter ODUh has even shown up in some other polls and they are in the same position), though real GSU did end up in the Top 25.
From a JMU perspective, #19 sounds decent but it’s important to note they are the fifth of five CAA teams in the poll so this accurately reflects at least what the CAA coaches believe. (on that note, we’ve also enjoyed the nugget out of Dukes camp that the boys are breaking the huddle with “FIVE” every time to remind themselves where the so-called experts have placed them). Villanova is the only CAA team in the Top 10 but Towson, Stony Brook, and Richmond are all picked ahead of JMU. Surprisingly, UNH, off 7 straight playoff appearances, is unranked, but the recently underwhelming CAA is already fortunate to be riding the coattails of its own faded glory to the most ranked teams.
Not surprisingly, back-to-back national champion and FCS’s newest dynasty leads the way with North Dakota St. at #1. Montana St., Sam Houston St., and Eastern Washington show the recent power shift to the west by rounding out the Top 4. With their soft schedules aside from their FBS games, these folks aren’t likely to move too much for a while so get used to it.
Whatever the ranking, the Dukes have a TON to prove before being taken too seriously either here or in the polls. We’re certainly hoping they do it!
The fact Stony Brook is pick ahead of us is just downright disrespectful.
I think JMU and MM do their best work when they feel dis-respected and play with a chip on their shoulder.
It sounds like old/new oline coach Chris Malone has the OLine getting big and nasty with a mean streak like they were when he was guiding them before.
Also all the players seem pretty excited about the new offense under O’Cain. If they stick with a real no-huddle/hurry-up approach rather than don’t huddle and stand at the line for 30 seconds that will be very exciting to watch.