A pair of in-state Colonial Athletic Association teams are earning preseason praise in national publications' Football Championship Subdivision projections.

James Madison, with 15 starters back from an 8-4 team that fell 28-27 in the first round of the FCS playoffs at eventual national champion Appalachian State, was projected as the top-ranked or No. 2 team in the nation by three of the five organizations that rated.

The University of Richmond, which will play for first-year coach Mike London, returns 16 starters from an 11-3 team that advanced to the FCS semifinals and shared the CAA championship. The CAA will hold its annual media football day Wednesday in Baltimore.

- John O'Connor

 

 

High hopes

James Madison and the University of Richmond are highly ranked in preseason FCS prognostications:

Preseason poll	James Madison	Richmond
Sporting News	No. 2	No. 7
Lindy's	No. 3	No. 6
Phil Steele Preview	No. 1	No. 3
USA Today	No. 4	No. 7
Anygivensaturday.com	No. 2	No. 3