Dukes Picked to Finish Fourth
Coach Matthews at CAA Media Day
The CAA preseason poll and all conference teams were officially announced at CAA Media Day. The league’s coaches and media picked JMU to finish fourth. Before anybody freaks out, let’s remember that the CAA is no longer a 2 division league so if the Dukes actually finish fourth, they’d be in prime position for a playoff spot. Especially with the FCS playoffs expanding to 20 teams. Defending FCS National Champion Villanova is picked to be CAA Champ. Seems logical.
While we’re not ready to reveal the “Official JMUSB” predictions for how the CAA will shake out, this is about where I thought voters would position JMU in the preseason poll. To be precise, I said the coaches and media would slot the Dukes for fifth. I was wrong about the media picking the Blue Hens to finish above the Dukes, but at least one voter stayed true to my “the media will over-rate Delaware prediction” by lobbing a first place vote in their direction.
The official preseason predicted order of finish is below. The links are to the JMUSB CAA Football Previews when applicable. We’ll knock out previews for the remaining teams before the season kicks off. The number of first place votes are in parentheses. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments.
1. Villanova (17)
2. William & Mary
3. New Hampshire (2)
4. James Madison
5. Delaware (1)
6. Richmond
7. Maine
8. Massachusets
9. Rhode Island
10. Towson
UR’s underrated, I just can’t believe (and Cavalier fans shouldn’t either) that it’s been ALL London the last couple of years. Could be more of a struggle for UNH w/out more Northern teams too.
What do I know, but, come on, 17 votes for Villanova? Just because they won it all last year does not mean they will do it again. P.S. Mickey Matthews couldn’t make it to the Hampton Roads Coaches Kick Off due to all of the storms/tornado warnings/HRBT traffic mess this evening:(