Group of Five Teams Face Tough Reality in College Football Playoff
James Madison Falls Short Against Oregon
The College Football Playoff (CFP) once again proved to be a tough nut to crack for Group of Five (G5) teams. James Madison, a standout team from the Sun Belt Conference, faced off against the Oregon Ducks in the first round of the CFP. Despite a valiant effort, the Dukes fell short, losing 51-34. This loss added to a growing trend, as G5 teams now hold a 0-4 record in CFP games.
A Mix of Highs and Lows
James Madison's performance was a mix of highs and lows. They showed glimpses of their offensive prowess, but ultimately, they couldn't keep up with Oregon's dominant play. The Dukes' head coach, Bob Chesney, acknowledged the challenges his team faced.
"We shot ourselves in the foot," he admitted, pointing to penalties and strategic decisions that didn't go their way.
The Power Four vs. G5 Divide
The game highlighted the stark differences between Power Four and G5 teams. Oregon's offense was relentless, averaging over 7.7 yards per rush. James Madison, known for their strong running game, struggled to contain the Ducks. The Dukes' quarterback, Alonza Barnett III, attempted a career-high 48 passes, but even his efforts weren't enough to overcome the deficit.
Tulane's Struggle Against Ole Miss
Tulane, another G5 team, also faced a tough loss against Ole Miss. Despite beating Power Four teams like Northwestern and Duke, Tulane couldn't secure a win in the CFP. Head coach Jon Sumrall argued for better access for G5 teams, emphasizing their achievements.
"We beat the ACC champion," he noted, advocating for more opportunities for teams like his.
The Reality for G5 Teams
The reality is clear: G5 teams have a lot to prove. While they show promise and have moments of brilliance, they often fall short against the top-tier Power Four teams. The CFP remains a steep hill to climb, and until G5 teams can consistently match the physicality and strategy of their Power Four counterparts, the trend is likely to continue.
