Around the CAA: 10/15

To quell some worries and concerns about not making it into the playoffs, let's look at the conference. Given our current condition of having a 2-3 record, the only way to guarantee our way into the playoffs is to win out. If we lose one more, we're potentially out, but not completely. The past two years the CAA has gotten 5 teams in. So if we look at that statistic, and combine it with the fact that at 2-3 we're still ranked at #16, we've been to the playoffs 4 out of the past 5 years, and made it to the semifinals last year, they would likely put us in over other teams (even though the selection committee likes to put us in the worst position possible). Other likely CAA playoff teams, in general order of predicted finish (teams like NE, URI, and TU were left out because I don't view them as real quality wins):

UNH (2-0, 5-0) - #4
Beat: @Ball State (23-16), Villanova (28-24)
Still to play: @Umass, @Hofstra, @W&M, Maine
The only game that will give them too much trouble is @W&M, but I still see them winning out. They're on too much of a roll right now and are looking for their return to prominence. Predicted finish: 11-0.

Richmond (3-0, 5-0) - #1
Beat: @Duke (24-16), @UD (16-15), Hofstra (47-0), @JMU (21-17)
Still to play: @Maine, UMass, Villanova, W&M
Could easily run the table, with Villanova and W&M being the only teams that will give them too much trouble. Predicted finish: 11-0.

Villanova (2-1, 5-1) - #6
Beat: @Temple (27-24), W&M (28-17); Lost to: @UNH (24-28)
Still to play: @JMU, @Richmond, UD
Villanova will have a hard time beating JMU at home on Homecoming. @Richmond will be equally as tough, but Delaware should be a win. Predicted finish: 8-3.

James Madison (0-2, 2-3) - #16
Beat: @Liberty (24-10); Lost to: @Maryland (35-38 OT), @Hofstra (17-24), Richmond (17-21)
Still to play: Villanova, @W&M, @UD, Maine, @UMass
JMU is in playoff mode. Villanova will be telling of how the rest of their season will go. If they beat Villanova, they have a decent chance at running the table if they keep their focus. Predicted finish: 8-3.

William & Mary (2-1, 5-1) - #7
Beat: @UVA (26-14), UD (30-20); Lost to: @Villanova (17-28)
Still to play: JMU, UNH, @Richmond
JMU is fighting for their lives still when they play @W&M. UNH and @Richmond are likely losses. Predicted finish: 7-4.

Delaware (2-2, 4-2) - #23
Beat: @Maine (27-17), UMass (43-27); Lost to: Richmond (15-16), @W&M (20-30)
Still to play: JMU, Hofstra, @Navy, @Villanova
Will have to beat JMU to have any chance of playoffs. Will probably beat Hofstra, but lose @Navy and @Villanova. Predicted finish: 6-5.

UMass (1-1, 3-2) - #18
Lost to: @Kansas State (17-21), @UD (27-43)
Still to play: UNH, @Richmond, @Maine, James Madison, @Hofstra
Will lose to UNH and @UR. Most likely beats Maine to still be hanging onto a glimmer of playoff possibilities for our game. Predicted finish: 6-5.

Maine (2-1, 3-3)
Beat: @Hofstra (16-14); Lost to: @Albany (16-20), @Syracuse (24-41), UD (17-27)
Still to play: Richmond, UMass, @JMU, @UNH
Will lose to Richmond, @JMU, and @UNH. Might be able to beat UMass, but not likely. Predicted finish: 4-7.

So with the #1, #4, #6, #7, and #16 teams in this week's Sports Network poll, I see us getting 5 teams in. Unless there are some big upsets, JMU has a decent chance of making it in even with one more loss. No losses is basically a sure thing. UNH and Richmond are definitely in. Villanova would have to lose to UD to be on the bubble. W&M has to make sure to win all of their should-win games to stay on the bubble. A win against UNH, UR, or JMU basically assures them a playoff spot. I don't see any other CAA teams making it in, other than maybe Delaware if they pull some big upsets.