Commonwealth Collegiate Power Rankings Week 15 (12-5-24)
By: Joe Dillard Jr.
Headline Photo Credit: Brynne Smith-LMS Network
With teams in the playoffs looking to extend their season week by week we have a different look after Turkey Day to see where teams are landing. Let’s take a look at the list now.
HM Hampton- (5-7) Losing the last four games was tough however the Pirates will have something to build on with multiple games that showed how explosive this offense could be. Defensive will be key for next year if they plan to elevate within the CAA
10. Old Dominion- (5-7) Finishing the year with a win and going .500 within conference play deserves the number 10 slot with plenty of opportunities for this Monarch program to have ascended to the top of our rankings but again this is why we play the game. Avoiding a four-game losing streak to end the year shows they played with pride but missed out on an opportunity to play in a bowl game this season.
9. Virginia – (5-7) After a huge upset beating Pittsburgh, UVA lost the final three games 105-38 and just stumbled across the finish line missing out on a chance for a bowl game will have Virginia wondering if the offensive changes will be the answer to the solution or if more drastic measures are needed. One thing is for sure, they are bringing in talent and will just need some momentum to build off of the highlights. Finishing ninth on this pole is disappointing but this is a sign of how good the state is with football from all programs.
8. Virginia State University (7-4) When you win the regular season championship it counts for something. However, when you don’t get a post-season game after losing in the championship, it’s only but so much one could say for the Trojans. Successful season but you know they wanted more and will have to prove so with a dominant Virginia Union team in the conference.
7. Virginia Tech- (6-6)- Winning the Commonwealth Clash Cup is for bragging rights, recruiting rights, and in this case bowl eligibility for the winner. The Hokies dominated the Hoos 37-17 and earned the right to play one more game and gain traction going into next season. The Hokies have done an outstanding job within state recruiting and we will see how it all looks on the field. Not sure of the bowl game just yet but they know that UVA is not going bowling.
6. William and Mary – (7-5) The Tribe finished the year on a bad note losing to Richmond 27-0, however, the Tribe has shown that they will never be an easy out maintaining the home field and just need some of that young defense to gain the experience they needed. We will see what they look like next year with many players needing to step up.
5. JMU-(8-4) Dropping to the fifth spot with back-to-back losses, ending the Dukes season on a sour note. On the bright side with a full coaching staff change and losing so many players from last season, I would say the Dukes continued to be identified and respected as a great football program. They might want to make sure they start the recruiting process like no other time before as they will have a target on their back and usually, you get everyone’s best when you have that target.
4 Randolph-Macon (10-1) Winning 38-22 against #17 Washington and Jefferson College the Yellow Jackets advance to face Salisbury University this Saturday for a chance to advance to the quarterfinals. Randolph Macon has secured a playoff win and that has heavy value as they have jumped up to the fourth spot. A great season already but who is to say they don’t want more? If they get this win, I am sure the news will travel far. Does this journey continue?
3. Virginia Union (10-3) The Panthers are looking for blood as they have rallied two postseason wins which has propelled them to the top three with a big quarterfinal matchup against undefeated Valdosta State who is 10-0. This matchup is this Saturday at 1 pm. If the Panthers win this one, should they continue moving up?
2. . Liberty- (8-3) Coming off a tough loss to Sam Houston 18-20, The Flames will be preparing for the Bahamas Bowl and will face Buffalo on January 4. They can solidify the second slot with a win and could jump Richmond with a dominant win against Buffalo. We just have one more ranking coming up so we will see where they land.
1. Richmond-(10-3) The hottest team in the state and went into the postseason and lost at home. It’s a tough way to end your season after having such success however they are hanging on to the number one spot by a thin margin. Winning the CAA championship and having a 10-game winning streak are major points in why they hold the top spot.
