JMU is still technically in the College Football Playoff conversation, but it’s rather obvious the selection committee doesn’t want to put the Dukes in the field. Still unranked by the committee, JMU needs help this weekend to have a chance.

Here’s a TLDR of this CFP rooting guide: JMU needs American Conference contenders (specifically two of UNT, Navy and Tulane) to lose. The Dukes also have to root for Duke to get a minor miracle and make the ACC title game despite being just 6-5. Here are the two realistic Duke tiebreaker scenarios that let the Blue Devils play for a league title, according to the ACC:

• Duke win + PITT loss + SMU loss OR
• Duke win + PITT loss + UVA loss + UNC win

Let’s break it down more. JMU, of course, needs to beat Coastal Carolina on Saturday at 3:45 p.m. to remain in the mix. Style points would help the Dukes’ case.

Thursday

Memphis over Navy, 7:30 p.m.

This would take Navy — which could finish the year with wins over USF, Memphis, and Tulane if it keeps winning — out of the College Football Playoff race. Memphis is already out of the mix with three losses in the American, but the Tigers are a slight favorite here.

Friday

Temple over North Texas, 3:30 p.m.

I don’t see it happening, but it would be massive for JMU’s chances if North Texas falls here. The Mean Green are dealing with the distraction of their coach, Eric Morris, officially leaving for Oklahoma State, although he’s staying through the end of the year.

Temple needs this win to become bowl eligible, so there’s motivation. The Owls should be able to move the ball, but their defense will likely get cooked by perhaps the best offense in college football. North Texas is really, really good offensively, ranking No. 1 nationally in ESPN’s SP+. Defensively? Not so much. The Mean Green force turnovers, but they don’t consistently get stops, ranking 98th in defensive success rate.

Since the committee didn’t rank North Texas again this week, there’s an outside chance that JMU could make the field over the Mean Green, even if UNT wins out. If North Texas wins here, an ugly performance could still help JMU, especially if the committee views Eric Morris’ departure as a meaningful distraction that changes their perception of the team.

JMU fans will know by Friday night if Navy or UNT stumbled.

Saturday

Miami over Pittsburgh, noon

This is necessary for the ACC “Duke Doomsday” plan. If Pitt wins, Duke cannot make the ACC title game, according to the ACC’s official tiebreaker explanation. If Miami wins, it opens up possibilities. JMU needs the Hurricanes badly.

Louisville over Kentucky, noon

Stupid, stupid Louisville. From 7-1 to 7-4 just like that. From a good loss to a middling loss just like that. Louisville avoiding another disaster here would help JMU slightly, but there’s no saving this November slump. Louisville went from a quality loss to a disappointing loss. The Cardinals, even when fully healthy, just don’t look like a top-15 team. JMU missed a big chance in September, and it might keep the Dukes outside the playoff.

ODU over Georgia State, 2 p.m.

The Monarchs should win big here to get to 9-3. If they do win, it ensures one good win on JMU’s iffy resume. ODU looks like one of the best teams in the G5 at the moment.

App State over Arkansas State, 2:30 p.m.

A win makes the Mountaineers bowl eligible, which makes App State look a little better on JMU’s resume. To be fair, getting to 6-6 isn’t that impressive in 2025 and it’s unlikely the committee cares, but JMU having wins over five or more bowl teams would make for fun online banter in the coming days.

This is one of a few online banter games.

Louisiana over ULM, 3 p.m.

Another online banter game! Louisiana moves to 6-6 with a victory here.

Texas State over South Alabama, 3 p.m.

Online banter!!!! Texas State is 5-6. A win gets them to 6-6. We’re firm believers the Bobcats are good, but they missed several opportunities this season. Finishing 9-3 was well within reach, given Texas State’s talent. It’s a season of missed chances for the Bobcats, which hurts JMU.

Duke over Wake Forest, 3:30 p.m.

If Miami beats Pitt, this game matters. A win here following a Miami win keeps 5-loss Duke alive to make the ACC title game. A 5-loss Duke winning the ACC could mean two bids from the Group of Five — the committee is ready to save face if that happens by slowly inching Miami up its rankings despite the Hurricanes doing nothing to justify it. If Duke wins the ACC over UVA or SMU, rest assured the committee will make sure Miami ends up in the CFP via an at-large berth.

Washington State over Oregon State, 6:30 p.m.

This is another online banter game. The Dukes need the Cougars to get to 6-6 to help make last week’s win look better. A blowout here wouldn’t hurt.

Virginia Tech over Virginia, 7 p.m.

This isn’t entirely necessary, but it helps with the least likely of the two “Duke Doomsday” scenarios. It would also be very funny if UVA lost to a 3-win Virginia Tech. Go Hokies.

Charlotte over Tulane, 7:30 p.m.

Don’t hold your breath, but this would certainly throw a huge wrinkle in the American’s playoff push. Charlotte is a 30-point underdog and frankly has no redeeming qualities this season.

UNC over NC State, 7:30 p.m.

Another ACC “Duke Doomsday” scenario game. Can Bill Belichick pull the upset? It’s somewhat unlikely but the Tar Heels have actually improved since Week 1.

Cal over SMU, 8 p.m.

The simplest of the two Duke to the ACC title game scenarios involves Cal upsetting SMU with an interim coach. It’d be hilarious if it plays out this way.

Cal playing at home helps. When the Golden Bears avoid stupid turnovers and penalties, they’re a decent team. SMU is playing its best football of the season, but this is an interesting spot with a lot of pressure. It’s “win and in” for the Mustangs when it comes to the ACC title game. Can they avoid stumbling? If Miami and Duke win earlier in the day, a ton of JMU fans will have their eyes on this game.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications