JMU’s Potential Playoff Ranking: Analyzing Lane Kiffin’s Influence
The anticipation surrounding the College Football Playoff rankings continues as the selection committee prepares to unveil its penultimate Top 25. Scheduled for Tuesday night, this release will be crucial as it comes just days before selection Sunday.
Impact of Recent Games
Last week saw significant shifts, notably the defeat of No. 3 Texas A&M by Texas. This loss could reshape the playoff landscape, influencing discussions about various teams in contention for a spot.
Ole Miss: Coaching Change and Ranking Implications
A critical focus remains on Ole Miss, especially following head coach Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU. The Rebels enter this week with an 11-1 record. Despite this coaching change, projections suggest Ole Miss remains a strong contender, likely maintaining its position among the top teams.
Projected Rankings for Ole Miss
- Previous Ranking: No. 7
- Current Standing: Expectation to remain in playoff contention
There is debate regarding whether the committee will penalize Ole Miss for the coaching change. Historical precedent suggests the committee tends to overlook such shifts, particularly given the competitive nature of this year’s rankings.
James Madison and Duke: A Fight for Ranking
James Madison, boasting an 11-1 record, could enter the Top 25 if it captures the Sun Belt title. Comparatively, Duke’s performance has been less stellar, with a 7-5 record and an uncertain playoff future. The outcome of their upcoming ACC Championship game against Virginia is crucial.
Current Standings of Interest
- James Madison: 11-1, strong strength of record at 25th
- Duke: 7-5, strength of record at 65th
Should Duke prevail, its ranking potential remains questionable, given its below-average record this year. Conversely, if James Madison remains unranked, further evaluations of both teams’ standings could prove significant.
Other Notable Discussions
- The ACC’s ambiguous playoff position raises questions about conference representation.
- Potential for teams like Notre Dame and Miami to impact rankings remains highly debated.
Future Projections
Looking ahead, the final playoff bracket will hinge upon this week’s rankings. The projected inclusion of teams like Notre Dame appears highly likely, while Miami’s chances seem considerably lower.
As we prepare for Tuesday’s announcements, the landscape of college football remains dynamic, with every game’s outcome pivotal to the playoff discussions.
