Kadeezy
Active member
These are silly, but still surreal to see us up there. For those that don’t have ESPN+ (https://www.espn.com/college-football/insider/story/_/id/35096203/fcs-playoffs-ranking-every-team-chances):
1. Sacramento State (11-0)
SP+ rank: first (third offense, second defense)
Advancement odds: 78.0% to reach the quarterfinals, 22.2% to win the title
When Troy Taylor took over at Sac State in 2019, the Hornets had won 13 games over the last four seasons. Five straight coaches had left with losing records. They hadn't won a playoff game since the 1988 D-II quarterfinals. Taylor ignited things immediately. He's 29-7 overall and an incredible 23-1 in the Big Sky. This year they have a 1,200-yard rusher (Cameron Skattebo), plus a run-first backup QB who's scored 19 touchdowns and a defense led by two of the most dynamic players in the country: linebacker Armon Bailey and nickel back Marte Mapu. They stomped Colorado State, and they've beaten four ranked opponents in the last five weeks.
All they lack is a history of playoff success. They have absolutely none of that. It's the biggest thing standing in the way of the Hornets making a hell of a usurper title run. SP+ loves them. They haven't lost in nearly a calendar year. Now they have get by the likes of NDSU and SDSU. Let's see if they can do it.
1. Sacramento State (11-0)
SP+ rank: first (third offense, second defense)
Advancement odds: 78.0% to reach the quarterfinals, 22.2% to win the title
When Troy Taylor took over at Sac State in 2019, the Hornets had won 13 games over the last four seasons. Five straight coaches had left with losing records. They hadn't won a playoff game since the 1988 D-II quarterfinals. Taylor ignited things immediately. He's 29-7 overall and an incredible 23-1 in the Big Sky. This year they have a 1,200-yard rusher (Cameron Skattebo), plus a run-first backup QB who's scored 19 touchdowns and a defense led by two of the most dynamic players in the country: linebacker Armon Bailey and nickel back Marte Mapu. They stomped Colorado State, and they've beaten four ranked opponents in the last five weeks.
All they lack is a history of playoff success. They have absolutely none of that. It's the biggest thing standing in the way of the Hornets making a hell of a usurper title run. SP+ loves them. They haven't lost in nearly a calendar year. Now they have get by the likes of NDSU and SDSU. Let's see if they can do it.