(08-10-2016 06:52 AM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  I agree- it's disappointing. The saving grace is the regional games (the addition of ODU and to a lesser degree App State and Charlotte) and the fact that they have home games but it's not a good schedule and JMU could have and should have done better.

Brady delegated to O Driscoll every time I asked about the schedule and Rowe the same to Deane. I guess it is common for an assistant to handle the schedule but I'm sure the head coach has input. When Rowe said that they would go anywhere and play anyone I got excited. That's what I would like all JMU programs to do. Seems like it would have made sense with a veteran team when he's trying to change the culture to do that in year 1. I'm surprised with all the recruiting that they are doing in Florida that they couldn't land a game or two at Miami or Florida State or Florida, etc. I'd much rather squeeze 2 of those games in than a trip to Montana State and they would have an opportunity to showcase their style of play in front of some local recruits. Maybe I'm missing something as a fan but it's a missed opportunity.

I hate to blame Deane 100%- but I was not a fan of retaining him from the prior staff. He's very blunt/matter of fact about the Dukes. IMO he's been around too long and I question his energy. We need new coaches with a different perspective about JMU- coaches that think the sky is the limit and maybe haven't been around long enough to be satisfied with just being a mid major in a one bid league.
Deane doesn't fit with the rest of the staff. I sure hope that he wasn't forced on the staff and I hope he retires very soon. If his contacts in the game can't yield a quality P5 opponent or 2 on the schedule I'd rather have someone else in charge of it.

I realize if I was in the administration and wrote the above paragraph in an email I would be in trouble for age discrimination. I'm just calling it like I see and hear it as a fan. I'm sorry with all due respect I don't like Deane on this staff and his role with the schedule. The OOC schedule is extremely important to getting JMU to where they need to be and that's not 20 wins and a lower tier post season tournament. I wouldn't think that Bourne based on his comments when changing coaches is a fan of the 1st years schedule.