Oregon-James Madison predictions: Picks for the CFP first-round game
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Does Cinderella exist in the College Football Playoff in the same way it does in the NCAA basketball tournament? We’re about to find out with James Madison’s participation in the 12-team playoff on Saturday at Oregon.
The Dukes made the field as one of the five highest rated conference champions because five-loss Duke won the ACC championship game. James Madison finished No. 24 in the final playoff rankings, but it dominated the Sun Belt and played a competitive game at Louisville, showing the capability of playing competitively in this matchup.
Oregon, however, enters as a prohibitive three-touchdown favorite, having only lost once – to No. 1 Indiana – all season. The Ducks lost their first game in the playoff last year, so they shouldn’t be overlooking the Dukes. But these are college kids and maybe some overconfidence creeps and a drop in the level of play opens the door for the type of upset we see so often in March.
Here’s our predictions for the game that will complete the first round of the playoff.
Matt Hayes
Maybe the Ducks will be rusty, maybe they’ll overlook the Dukes. Or maybe James Madison will be the speedbump they’ve been set up to be. Shame on the College Football Playoff selection committee. Oregon 49, James Madison 7.
Jordan Mendoza
Not many people are giving James Madison a chance, and it makes sense. Oregon is scary at home and Dan Lanning will be hellbent on not having another one-and-done performance in the playoff. The Ducks fire out of the gates early and don’t look back en route a dominant win over the Dukes. Oregon 45, James Madison 17.
Paul Myerberg
James Madison is a great story set to run into a buzzsaw at Autzen Stadium. Barring something ridiculous (Oregon commits five turnovers, for example), the Dukes just don’t have the bodies to match up with one of the top teams in the Power Four in its home stadium. Look for Oregon to win going away. Oregon 38, James Madison 10.
Erick Smith
While everyone expects James Madison to get smashed in this game – including the person making this prediction – it should not diminish the season the Dukes have had. They were a dominant team in the Sun Belt and among the best in the Group of Five. But this is just a step too far against an Oregon team that won’t be lackadaisical. Oregon 40, James Madison 13.
Eddie Timanus
Most viewers around the country will be pulling for the Dukes as the plucky underdogs, but the crowd in Autzen Stadium will have other ideas. In any event, the Ducks are simply more talented across the board and will make short work of this one. Oregon 45, James Madison 20.
Blake ToppmeyerAround the time Oregon kicks off against James Madison on TNT, the Bears–Packers game will begin on Fox. Which one do you think will attract more eyeballs? Hint: The one that doesn’t involve a Sun Belt team. Remind me why a first-round playoff beatdown is a more appealing way for James Madison to finish its season as opposed to a bowl game that it stands a chance of winning. Oregon 45, James Madison 7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oregon-James Madison predictions: Picks for CFP first-round game
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