(11-24-2019 11:26 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(11-24-2019 09:32 PM)Anders Wrote:  [quote='Longhorn' pid='16485908' dateline='1574634903']
[quote='Anders' pid='16475000' dateline='1574358134']
[quote='JmuDukes4Life' pid='16474936' dateline='1574356674']

Looking back at it you're right. UNC is a great, regional, FBS matchup that is winnable. Chattanooga at home shouldn't be a tough game but is also not a cupcake and should put some butts in the seat. Merrimack is what it is but I do like having it at the end of the season before playoffs rather than a tune-up. Delaware could be a little scary an opener with a new QB, but certainly a matchup with some history that is good to get on years when we don't have them in conference play.

In a perfect world where we could choose any schedule we wanted, I wouldn't mind replacing the Chattanooga game with a low level G5 (Akron/Marshall/Coastal Carolina/Charlotte) and do double FBS games like some of the Big Sky teams . It would be a little tough spacing them out, and losing a home game, but I think it could work and get another paycheck. If FBS losses don't count against you in playoff seeding, I feel like the only penalty is possibly losing a home game. Beating an FBS team on the road can also be a good recruiting tool. Obviously this is hypothetical since getting teams to agree these games is a lot more difficult when you're doing well.

No FCS program that is serious about making the playoffs (and as long as JMU is FCS that’s the goal during the regular season) is going to play two FBS games in a 11 game season. Also, to get a seed and play at home (assuming JMU loses both FBS games playing on the road) JMU would have to win a minimum of 8 out of the remaining 9 FCS games on the schedule. Given the strength of the CAA winning 8 of 9 is not something you can depend on.

Just my observation, but I think the recent run of success of 6 consecutive playoff appearances has some JMU FB fans thinking this is the norm. It is not. Hopefully this “golden age” of JMU FB continues unabated, and lasts until something bigger comes along (like a FBS invite). Until then it strikes me that scheduling 1 FBS game and 1 creampuff opponent in a 11 game season is the right formula for continued success.

That's funny because 3 of the top 8 seeds used this formula. I'm not going to argue about it because in the end it's just my opinion, but you can't say that it doesn't work and couldn't work for JMU. You are correct that the current formula is proven as effective for getting into the playoffs and a top seed. I just think it is worth considering in terms of fan interest and recruiting.