(06-16-2013 09:23 PM)DoubleDDuke Wrote:  Check this out from spring practice. Doesn't look like Mickey has any intention of hanging 'em up any time soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14-xpHh5i7s

Not sure that this video tells us anything bc I would be just as hyped and into it as he was being on the field during these drills. You would have to be a corpse to not get pumped up. That said, this video is making me want the fall to come quickly!

What the "negative" article fails to see is that certain schools load up on FBS teams to pay for other aspects of their program. Schools like UD, Montana, JMU and a few others have the luxury of scheduling patsies to buy wins and get paid through more home games. What is more asinine is that JMU didn't schedule another home game and opportunity for more income through gate receipts.

When we play in the playoffs (how could we not with all the other regional programs defecting to CUSA, SB, etc.?), we should be able to rack up some extra money with the additional home games. It's simple logic, make it happen.

(06-17-2013 07:40 AM)jmu-fan-1981 Wrote:  

(06-16-2013 09:23 PM)DoubleDDuke Wrote:  Check this out from spring practice. Doesn't look like Mickey has any intention of hanging 'em up any time soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14-xpHh5i7s

Not sure that this video tells us anything bc I would be just as hyped and into it as he was being on the field during these drills. You would have to be a corpse to not get pumped up. That said, this video is making me want the fall to come quickly!

+1 thanks for the link. Good stuff! Can never get enough.

(06-17-2013 03:49 PM)Yesolitis Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 07:40 AM)jmu-fan-1981 Wrote:  

(06-16-2013 09:23 PM)DoubleDDuke Wrote:  Check this out from spring practice. Doesn't look like Mickey has any intention of hanging 'em up any time soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14-xpHh5i7s

Not sure that this video tells us anything bc I would be just as hyped and into it as he was being on the field during these drills. You would have to be a corpse to not get pumped up. That said, this video is making me want the fall to come quickly!

+1 thanks for the link. Good stuff! Can never get enough.

+2 and see, DoubleD is wanting so badly to come to BFS in the fall. I think his season tickets are just about to be purchased. Let's take bets on which hour of which day he makes the call to the ticket office.

(06-17-2013 03:48 PM)Yesolitis Wrote:  What the "negative" article fails to see is that certain schools load up on FBS teams to pay for other aspects of their program. Schools like UD, Montana, JMU and a few others have the luxury of scheduling patsies to buy wins and get paid through more home games. What is more asinine is that JMU didn't schedule another home game and opportunity for more income through gate receipts.

When we play in the playoffs (how could we not with all the other regional programs defecting to CUSA, SB, etc.?), we should be able to rack up some extra money with the additional home games. It's simple logic, make it happen.

The CAA was considered by many to be the fifth or sixth best FCS conference last year and we finished pretty poorly. The CAA also stunk it up in the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

There are so many questions with regard to our QB, offensive line and new offensive coordinator that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes struggle (yet again) on offense. Hell, it even felt like our defense was slipping a little bit last year (the ODU and Villanova games were brutal). I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes finish 7-4 and fourth or below in the CAA and not get a bid over a team with an 8-4 record.

(06-17-2013 04:03 PM)All Dukes_All Day Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 03:48 PM)Yesolitis Wrote:  What the "negative" article fails to see is that certain schools load up on FBS teams to pay for other aspects of their program. Schools like UD, Montana, JMU and a few others have the luxury of scheduling patsies to buy wins and get paid through more home games. What is more asinine is that JMU didn't schedule another home game and opportunity for more income through gate receipts.

When we play in the playoffs (how could we not with all the other regional programs defecting to CUSA, SB, etc.?), we should be able to rack up some extra money with the additional home games. It's simple logic, make it happen.

The CAA was considered by many to be the fifth or sixth best FCS conference last year and we finished pretty poorly. The CAA also stunk it up in the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

There are so many questions with regard to our QB, offensive line and new offensive coordinator that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes struggle (yet again) on offense. Hell, it even felt like our defense was slipping a little bit last year (the ODU and Villanova games were brutal). I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes finish 7-4 and fourth or below in the CAA and not get a bid over a team with an 8-4 record.

0-11 Rhode Island
1-10 Georgia State
2-9 William & Mary were all a major factor in dragging everyone else down.

(06-17-2013 04:12 PM)Potomac Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 04:03 PM)All Dukes_All Day Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 03:48 PM)Yesolitis Wrote:  What the "negative" article fails to see is that certain schools load up on FBS teams to pay for other aspects of their program. Schools like UD, Montana, JMU and a few others have the luxury of scheduling patsies to buy wins and get paid through more home games. What is more asinine is that JMU didn't schedule another home game and opportunity for more income through gate receipts.

When we play in the playoffs (how could we not with all the other regional programs defecting to CUSA, SB, etc.?), we should be able to rack up some extra money with the additional home games. It's simple logic, make it happen.

The CAA was considered by many to be the fifth or sixth best FCS conference last year and we finished pretty poorly. The CAA also stunk it up in the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

There are so many questions with regard to our QB, offensive line and new offensive coordinator that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes struggle (yet again) on offense. Hell, it even felt like our defense was slipping a little bit last year (the ODU and Villanova games were brutal). I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes finish 7-4 and fourth or below in the CAA and not get a bid over a team with an 8-4 record.

0-11 Rhode Island
1-10 Georgia State
2-9 William & Mary were all a major factor in dragging everyone else down.

That is very true, but also remember that Georgia State only lost to us by 7 and W&M probably should've beaten us (both games at home as well). I really think last season was the worst Dukes team since the year before we won the championship. Obviously, they can turn it around, but there are plenty of question marks going in.

(06-17-2013 04:21 PM)All Dukes_All Day Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 04:12 PM)Potomac Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 04:03 PM)All Dukes_All Day Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 03:48 PM)Yesolitis Wrote:  What the "negative" article fails to see is that certain schools load up on FBS teams to pay for other aspects of their program. Schools like UD, Montana, JMU and a few others have the luxury of scheduling patsies to buy wins and get paid through more home games. What is more asinine is that JMU didn't schedule another home game and opportunity for more income through gate receipts.

When we play in the playoffs (how could we not with all the other regional programs defecting to CUSA, SB, etc.?), we should be able to rack up some extra money with the additional home games. It's simple logic, make it happen.

The CAA was considered by many to be the fifth or sixth best FCS conference last year and we finished pretty poorly. The CAA also stunk it up in the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

There are so many questions with regard to our QB, offensive line and new offensive coordinator that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes struggle (yet again) on offense. Hell, it even felt like our defense was slipping a little bit last year (the ODU and Villanova games were brutal). I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes finish 7-4 and fourth or below in the CAA and not get a bid over a team with an 8-4 record.

0-11 Rhode Island
1-10 Georgia State
2-9 William & Mary were all a major factor in dragging everyone else down.

That is very true, but also remember that Georgia State only lost to us by 7 and W&M probably should've beaten us (both games at home as well). I really think last season was the worst Dukes team since the year before we won the championship. Obviously, they can turn it around, but there are plenty of question marks going in.

It was 28-7 with a poor offensive effort in that game (as was the case all season). The true reason why they came back 28-21 was because our defense seemed to take it easy once we had the unusual 21 point lead in what seems like the first time in YEARS. That game actually did feature the first defensive TD for the first time in over 2 years dating back to the 2010 season.
Many large yardage running plays were allowed to fake gsu and it was very frustrating to watch.
All I know is Birdsong showed potential and I'm glad we're finally moving on at the QB position. It should have happened sooner. It all boils down to the coaching and if they'll not keep calling the same predictable offensive plays. A QB who can complete passes more and receivers who can catch them never hurts either.

(06-17-2013 04:26 PM)Potomac Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 04:21 PM)All Dukes_All Day Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 04:12 PM)Potomac Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 04:03 PM)All Dukes_All Day Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 03:48 PM)Yesolitis Wrote:  What the "negative" article fails to see is that certain schools load up on FBS teams to pay for other aspects of their program. Schools like UD, Montana, JMU and a few others have the luxury of scheduling patsies to buy wins and get paid through more home games. What is more asinine is that JMU didn't schedule another home game and opportunity for more income through gate receipts.

When we play in the playoffs (how could we not with all the other regional programs defecting to CUSA, SB, etc.?), we should be able to rack up some extra money with the additional home games. It's simple logic, make it happen.

The CAA was considered by many to be the fifth or sixth best FCS conference last year and we finished pretty poorly. The CAA also stunk it up in the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

There are so many questions with regard to our QB, offensive line and new offensive coordinator that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes struggle (yet again) on offense. Hell, it even felt like our defense was slipping a little bit last year (the ODU and Villanova games were brutal). I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes finish 7-4 and fourth or below in the CAA and not get a bid over a team with an 8-4 record.

0-11 Rhode Island
1-10 Georgia State
2-9 William & Mary were all a major factor in dragging everyone else down.

That is very true, but also remember that Georgia State only lost to us by 7 and W&M probably should've beaten us (both games at home as well). I really think last season was the worst Dukes team since the year before we won the championship. Obviously, they can turn it around, but there are plenty of question marks going in.

It was 28-7 with a poor offensive effort in that game (as was the case all season). The true reason why they came back 28-21 was because our defense seemed to take it easy once we had the unusual 21 point lead in what seems like the first time in YEARS.
Many large yardage running plays were allowed to fake gsu and it was very frustrating to watch.

I know, I was there, but considering how truly awful fake GSU was, even beating them by 21 would've been a little discouraging. Every other team (save URI) beat them by at least 21.

(06-17-2013 04:30 PM)All Dukes_All Day Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 04:26 PM)Potomac Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 04:21 PM)All Dukes_All Day Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 04:12 PM)Potomac Wrote:  

(06-17-2013 04:03 PM)All Dukes_All Day Wrote:  The CAA was considered by many to be the fifth or sixth best FCS conference last year and we finished pretty poorly. The CAA also stunk it up in the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

There are so many questions with regard to our QB, offensive line and new offensive coordinator that I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes struggle (yet again) on offense. Hell, it even felt like our defense was slipping a little bit last year (the ODU and Villanova games were brutal). I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dukes finish 7-4 and fourth or below in the CAA and not get a bid over a team with an 8-4 record.

0-11 Rhode Island
1-10 Georgia State
2-9 William & Mary were all a major factor in dragging everyone else down.

That is very true, but also remember that Georgia State only lost to us by 7 and W&M probably should've beaten us (both games at home as well). I really think last season was the worst Dukes team since the year before we won the championship. Obviously, they can turn it around, but there are plenty of question marks going in.

It was 28-7 with a poor offensive effort in that game (as was the case all season). The true reason why they came back 28-21 was because our defense seemed to take it easy once we had the unusual 21 point lead in what seems like the first time in YEARS.
Many large yardage running plays were allowed to fake gsu and it was very frustrating to watch.

I know, I was there, but considering how truly awful fake GSU was, even beating them by 21 would've been a little discouraging. Every other team (save URI) beat them by at least 21.

yep, that is exactly what my friend and I were saying on our way out. I said, at least we beat them, but anything less than a 28-point blowout was unacceptable. They are equivalent to St. Francis and CCSU really.
people were chuckling about how this program was going fbs next year? "good luck!".

(06-17-2013 07:40 AM)jmu-fan-1981 Wrote:  

(06-16-2013 09:23 PM)DoubleDDuke Wrote:  Check this out from spring practice. Doesn't look like Mickey has any intention of hanging 'em up any time soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14-xpHh5i7s

Not sure that this video tells us anything bc I would be just as hyped and into it as he was being on the field during these drills. You would have to be a corpse to not get pumped up. That said, this video is making me want the fall to come quickly!

I would too but I don't think most head coaches are running from station to station running one on ones. I think Bobby Bowden was probably thinking what he was gonna have for dinner during practice toward the end of his career. I know he was much older but you get the point. Mickey is still very hands on.

(05-29-2013 09:06 PM)Potomac Wrote:  These past few years, I've seen fans complaining about our OOC opponents as one of the main reasons why they don't feel like attending games anymore. I created a list of all of the OOC opponents of the MM era (1999-Present) to show that the scheduling of the recent years is not exactly anything new.
I then looked up the attendance ranking of each OOC opponent each year to show their general "relevance" in the I-AA football world that season. I know you can argue that attendance isn't everything, but it's hard to argue that a top attended team doesn't lead to an attractive OOC opponent, and the opposite is equally applicable.

Right, but the feeling/hope was that we were building (literally & figuratively), moving forward, and on the horizon of something much bigger....or at least that was my perception. The fact that we're standing still is not exciting anymore. In fact, in this climate, standing still is actually moving backwards. I don't think this comparison really paints the picture of why there's disappointment. It's kind of like saying "I was making $150k 14 years ago and I'm still making $150k. What's the issue?".

(06-17-2013 06:45 PM)DoubleDDuke Wrote:  

(05-29-2013 09:06 PM)Potomac Wrote:  These past few years, I've seen fans complaining about our OOC opponents as one of the main reasons why they don't feel like attending games anymore. I created a list of all of the OOC opponents of the MM era (1999-Present) to show that the scheduling of the recent years is not exactly anything new.
I then looked up the attendance ranking of each OOC opponent each year to show their general "relevance" in the I-AA football world that season. I know you can argue that attendance isn't everything, but it's hard to argue that a top attended team doesn't lead to an attractive OOC opponent, and the opposite is equally applicable.

Right, but the feeling/hope was that we were building (literally & figuratively), moving forward, and on the horizon of something much bigger....or at least that was my perception. The fact that we're standing still is not exciting anymore. In fact, in this climate, standing still is actually moving backwards. I don't think this comparison really paints the picture of why there's disappointment. It's kind of like saying "I was making $150k 14 years ago and I'm still making $150k. What's the issue?".

To support your argument, provide me an example of a non-transitioning Fcs team that doesn't face at least one lower 2/3rds Fcs program on a yearly basis. How many Fcs powers schedule other Fcs powers? Examples?
App state and Montana have a home and home last and this year.
I bet most Fcs powers have an Fbs team and then two powder puffs 9 times out of 10.

Well, the first part is the non-transitioning thing. That's by far and away the biggest problem. Most of the FCS powers are gone or going to FBS so there's hardly anyone to schedule an interesting game with even if we wanted to. Towson played Kent St. and LSU last year. I wouldn't advocate two FBS away games but at least they had the balls to do it. Back to my point, there's not many interesting teams that are going to come to Bridgeforth that are left. App. St. is out. Ga. Southern is out. Montana, NDSU, and some of the other teams are unlikely to travel that far and with uncertainty regarding conference affiliation, they're not going to do it because I imagine very few schools want to schedule a one and one with us (which is the only way you get a good team in) because they don't know what the hell we're doing. But, the bottom line is it's a moot point because of the non-transitioning thing. We should have transitioned a long time ago.

the bottom line is, as of today we are fcs and we can't schedule 2 fbs teams and hope for the fcs playoffs. it's suicide as towson and UNI clearly showed us last season. we are fcs, so we must schedule fcs. there is no quality in our region anymore, as you've pointed out. Montana and NDSU are too geographically far and you are correct, they will demand a 1and1 and nothing less.
Until we announce a move to FBS, and I am 100% in favor of it if you couldn't tell from my past comments, we must schedule like a playoff team. That is to maximize our chances of getting into the playoffs so we can then play the NDSU's and Montanas out there.
The CAA is a grueling schedule despite the off year for the conference the last two seasons. We don't need to pile on OOC losses too and have fans crying because we're 5-6 or worse.

Lehigh (next year), Lafayette, Wofford, Furman, The Citadel, Youngstown, even the one no one wants to play, Liberty, are examples of competitive teams who are within driving distance and would, and do, provide better entertainment for me. I really don't mind (and expect it) having one "St Francis" each year, but this is two years in a row of having two of these games. I get "zero" out of the second one each year.

I know, I know...I sound like a broken record. Its not going to stop me from supporting my Dukes with this scheduling, but as I did last year, I gave away my Alcorn St. tickets and will probably give away my St. Francis one's this year.

(06-17-2013 08:40 PM)Potomac Wrote:  the bottom line is, as of today we are fcs and we can't schedule 2 fbs teams and hope for the fcs playoffs. it's suicide as towson and UNI clearly showed us last season. we are fcs, so we must schedule fcs. there is no quality in our region anymore, as you've pointed out. Montana and NDSU are too geographically far and you are correct, they will demand a 1and1 and nothing less.
Until we announce a move to FBS, and I am 100% in favor of it if you couldn't tell from my past comments, we must schedule like a playoff team. That is to maximize our chances of getting into the playoffs so we can then play the NDSU's and Montanas out there.
The CAA is a grueling schedule despite the off year for the conference the last two seasons. We don't need to pile on OOC losses too and have fans crying because we're 5-6 or worse.

Yeah, I think we basically agree on all fronts. I think Towson actually scheduled themselves out of the playoffs last year. They were obviously going to lose at LSU but that Kent St. game probably put them out of the playoffs. That said, it's almost like "Who cares?" at this point. We're just pushing our fans away with these garbage games. And here's the part that's the ultimate killer. When we do make the playoffs, despite the fact that we have one of the best facilities and average attendances in all of FCS, we get outbid by a school who draws 3,000 per game so our fans get a big spit in the face for showing up. What's the point?