IMG Cancels St. Frances Showdown, Putting No. 1 Hold in Jeopardy as Playoffs Begin
Opting out of the December date left IMG without a final marquee test, leaving its top ranking dependent on other contenders faltering.
Overview
- IMG confirmed it will not reschedule the nationally touted game with St. Frances, which had been moved from Nov. 7 to early December for television exposure.
- School officials cited player health and safety tied to a six-week layoff and seniors' college transitions, saying the academy’s purpose extends beyond championships.
- IMG remains No. 1 in The Sporting News Top 25 and the Rivals/On3 composite, with ESPN and USA Today also listing the Ascenders first as of this week.
- Analysts say IMG is unlikely to retain the top spot as state playoffs in California, Georgia, Texas and Florida get underway and other contenders add quality wins.
- IMG’s season is effectively over at 9-0 because it does not compete in Florida’s postseason, drawing public criticism including from former NFL receiver Torrey Smith and prompting questions about the future of the IMG–St. Frances series.