James Madison is No. 1 in the FCS Top 128 Congrove Computer Rankings released late Wednesday night. The Dukes (CAA) are projected to go undefeated, along with 2nd-ranked Sam Houston State (AQ7), No. 3 North Dakota State (MVFC) and 4th-ranked Alabama A&M (SWAC). 5th-ranked Montana (Big Sky) is projected to go 10-1.
In theory, the projected final four would be James Madison, the Bearkats, the Bison and Montana as the SWAC doesn't send a team to the NCAA Playoffs.
Nine different conferences are represented among the top 9 teams.
The opening week rankings (before a single game is played) have the same Top 3, but Montana opens at No. 4 with Monmouth 5th. Those rankings have 3 schools from the Big Sky in the top 9 with Montana State 7th and Weber State 9th.
ALSO SEE::
Projected End-of-season rankings (includes predicted SWAC Championship)
Opening Week Rankings
Opening Week Picks