Tulane or James Madison? Best chance to shock the CFP world

Extended team of 12 College Football Playoff has caused controversy since its inception. Tulane and James Madison snuck in fired up the bitterness of Notre Dame. But it also puts them both in this position: Becoming potential CFP Cinderellas.

The odds, however, are heavily stacked against both. Reigning American Athletic Conference (AAC) champion Tulane heads to Southeastern Conference territory this weekend. I they get the Ole Miss team who previously crushed the Green Wave and entered as an underdog with 17.5 points.

The Dukes face even more daunting odds – going to one of the more vocal places in the country and as a 21.5-point underdog. Plus face Dan Lanningwho has never lost to a Group of Five team as head coach.

But which non-G5 team seems built to shock the world?

Where James Madison holds the lead over Oregon

JMU has Bob Chesney still roaming the sidelines – despite eventually taking over from UCLA.

But the Dukes’ system led by dual-threat quarterback Alonzo Barnett III could spark some offense. He represents the two-headed monster with Wayne Knight.

The latter recently managed 212 yards against Troy. However, the KB and running back need their offensive line to win the leverage battle.

That won’t be easy — as Oregon’s speed up front will stress the front five. Lanning will find ways to close gaps and shut down this vaunted RPO (run pass option) offense.

Chesney and JMU will likely have to rely more on defense. JMU has a chance if it limits the explosive plays, especially on offense from the field. But Dukes can also tap into an old friend Curt Cignetti in learning how he forced multiple interceptions from Dante Moore.

Tulane has the edge over Ole Miss

Like Chesney, Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall is pulling double duty in coaching and juggling his future gig in Florida.

This helps the Green Wave, as they won’t have to adjust to an interim head coach here. Ironically, their opponent is going through a coaching change, but a more high-profile one with Lane Kiffin leaving for LSU.

Kiffin won’t lead the Rebels here despite his attempt to do so. New head coach Pete Golding brings more defensive acumen.

Sumrall can take advantage of Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss without Kiffin by his side. The front line must show their disruptive side and cause Chambliss discomfort. Offensively, Tulane must spread the ball.

But now they face a dilemma with wide receiver Brice Bohannon, listed as doubtful for this weekend. The trio of Shaz Preston, Anthony Brown-Stevens and Omari Hayes must step up and find holes for Ole Miss.

Who becomes the Cinderella between Tulane and James Madison?

Tulane’s opponent faces the most distractions, given how two weeks have passed in Oxford.

While Kiffin has his own controversial exit, he was creative in his use of Chambliss. That aspect risks disappearing Saturday as Kiffin watches from Baton Rouge. You best believe that defensive coordinator Greg Gasparato will unleash a creative 3-4 look to confuse and disrupt Chambliss.

The Green Waves also aren’t deterred by Sumrall’s rush to Gainesville — giving them another lead.

Oregon-JMU looks like a huge mismatch. If there’s potential trouble, it’s at Vaught Hemingway Stadium.