They only got $60,000 for playing at Georgia Southern, Article here, and while it looks like they’ll get in a couple more games I’m curious why they uncancelled the season, unlike UConn or ODU, when they buy game payouts are so small. Is this a prelude to a “we did our best” retreat to the FCS, presumably as FB-only member of the CAA along with UConn? An FBS Indy scheduling alliance with Army, NMSU, Liberty, UConn and BYU would still leave them with 7 games to fill out a future schedule and I don’t see any P5 teams agreeing to visit any time soon; indeed, I don’t even see BYU on the current Future Schedules period.

(10-20-2020 09:41 PM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  They only got $60,000 for playing at Georgia Southern, Article here, and while it looks like they’ll get in a couple more games I’m curious why they uncancelled the season, unlike UConn or ODU, when they buy game payouts are so small. Is this a prelude to a “we did our best” retreat to the FCS, presumably as FB-only member of the CAA along with UConn? An FBS Indy scheduling alliance with Army, NMSU, Liberty, UConn and BYU would still leave them with 7 games to fill out a future schedule and I don’t see any P5 teams agreeing to visit any time soon; indeed, I don’t even see BYU on the current Future Schedules period.

I think UMass's short term plan for 2020 is as simple as "playing a few games, even if we lose $$$ doing so, is the right thing to do on behalf of our student-athletes who have worked hard for the opportunity."

I commend UMass for their decision to try to play football in 2020. Admittedly, they'll probably only play a handful of games. They are in a tough spot, being outside an actual conference.

As for 2021 and beyond, they do have full schedules for each of 2021 & 2022. 11 games scheduled for each of 2023 & 2024 (including a home game with Missouri in 2024). It won't be easy, but I think they will find a way to stay the course in FBS.

(10-20-2020 09:54 PM)Nittany_Bearcat Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 09:41 PM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  They only got $60,000 for playing at Georgia Southern, Article here, and while it looks like they’ll get in a couple more games I’m curious why they uncancelled the season, unlike UConn or ODU, when they buy game payouts are so small. Is this a prelude to a “we did our best” retreat to the FCS, presumably as FB-only member of the CAA along with UConn? An FBS Indy scheduling alliance with Army, NMSU, Liberty, UConn and BYU would still leave them with 7 games to fill out a future schedule and I don’t see any P5 teams agreeing to visit any time soon; indeed, I don’t even see BYU on the current Future Schedules period.

I think UMass's short term plan for 2020 is as simple as "playing a few games, even if we lose $$$ doing so, is the right thing to do on behalf of our student-athletes who have worked hard for the opportunity."

I commend UMass for their decision to try to play football in 2020. Admittedly, they'll probably only play a handful of games. They are in a tough spot, being outside an actual conference.

As for 2021 and beyond, they do have full schedules for each of 2021 & 2022. 11 games scheduled for each of 2023 & 2024 (including a home game with Missouri in 2024). It won't be easy, but I think they will find a way to stay the course in FBS.

Its a huge advantage over ODU and UConn.

(10-20-2020 10:05 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 09:54 PM)Nittany_Bearcat Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 09:41 PM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  They only got $60,000 for playing at Georgia Southern, Article here, and while it looks like they’ll get in a couple more games I’m curious why they uncancelled the season, unlike UConn or ODU, when they buy game payouts are so small. Is this a prelude to a “we did our best” retreat to the FCS, presumably as FB-only member of the CAA along with UConn? An FBS Indy scheduling alliance with Army, NMSU, Liberty, UConn and BYU would still leave them with 7 games to fill out a future schedule and I don’t see any P5 teams agreeing to visit any time soon; indeed, I don’t even see BYU on the current Future Schedules period.

I think UMass's short term plan for 2020 is as simple as "playing a few games, even if we lose $$$ doing so, is the right thing to do on behalf of our student-athletes who have worked hard for the opportunity."

I commend UMass for their decision to try to play football in 2020. Admittedly, they'll probably only play a handful of games. They are in a tough spot, being outside an actual conference.

As for 2021 and beyond, they do have full schedules for each of 2021 & 2022. 11 games scheduled for each of 2023 & 2024 (including a home game with Missouri in 2024). It won't be easy, but I think they will find a way to stay the course in FBS.

Its a huge advantage over ODU and UConn.

Did either UConn or ODU try to reverse course (to the extent we know)?

I suspect the realization hit that there will be nothing but a smattering of FCS games if any available as most appear to be planning to play conference only in Spring.

It’s possible UMass could land some MWC games if New Mexico continues to have issues getting its team on the field.

We have four games official, or should say FAU is almost official.

Quote:Fight Massachusetts
@FightMA247
It has not yet been officially posted by UMass (though it is somehow in the release from Liberty below) that the Minutemen will also travel to face Florida Atlantic on November 21st, the week before traveling to Liberty

Georgia Southern Oct 17 41-0
Marshall Nov 7
FAU Nov 21
Liberty Nov 27

https://www.liberty.edu/flames/index.cfm...6&teamID=9

Quote:UMass Athletics provided an update on the status of its football program on Sept. 21, stating the Minutemen would play a limited schedule in 2020. UMass opened the season with a 41-0 loss at Georgia Southern, last Saturday, and will face Marshall on Nov. 7.

Along with today's announcement, UMass also released it will play Florida Atlantic on Nov. 21, the Saturday before facing the Flames.

The Nov. 27 match-up marks the third-straight season the Flames have faced UMass and will be the Minutemen's first trip to the "Hill City." Liberty split the first two games in the series in Amherst, Mass., including a 63-21 win at UMass on Nov. 2, 2019.

I think assuming that there is an actual plan is making a leap of logic that is unwarranted.

We knew there would be opportunities and the spring had none with every FBS conference playing. UConn is not playing to September 2021 and assume the same for ODU and NMSU.

We are on the same cycle as everyone else and will have normal spring practice and game.

There is room for 6 games and the stated number was 3-6 games. So far 4 games schedule and hoping for possible another game whether it's Army or another team.

(10-20-2020 10:17 PM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 10:05 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 09:54 PM)Nittany_Bearcat Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 09:41 PM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  They only got $60,000 for playing at Georgia Southern, Article here, and while it looks like they’ll get in a couple more games I’m curious why they uncancelled the season, unlike UConn or ODU, when they buy game payouts are so small. Is this a prelude to a “we did our best” retreat to the FCS, presumably as FB-only member of the CAA along with UConn? An FBS Indy scheduling alliance with Army, NMSU, Liberty, UConn and BYU would still leave them with 7 games to fill out a future schedule and I don’t see any P5 teams agreeing to visit any time soon; indeed, I don’t even see BYU on the current Future Schedules period.

I think UMass's short term plan for 2020 is as simple as "playing a few games, even if we lose $$$ doing so, is the right thing to do on behalf of our student-athletes who have worked hard for the opportunity."

I commend UMass for their decision to try to play football in 2020. Admittedly, they'll probably only play a handful of games. They are in a tough spot, being outside an actual conference.

As for 2021 and beyond, they do have full schedules for each of 2021 & 2022. 11 games scheduled for each of 2023 & 2024 (including a home game with Missouri in 2024). It won't be easy, but I think they will find a way to stay the course in FBS.

Its a huge advantage over ODU and UConn.

Did either UConn or ODU try to reverse course (to the extent we know)?

Neither will be playing football at all this year. That will kill them in recruiting.

(10-21-2020 11:51 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 10:17 PM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 10:05 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 09:54 PM)Nittany_Bearcat Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 09:41 PM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  They only got $60,000 for playing at Georgia Southern, Article here, and while it looks like they’ll get in a couple more games I’m curious why they uncancelled the season, unlike UConn or ODU, when they buy game payouts are so small. Is this a prelude to a “we did our best” retreat to the FCS, presumably as FB-only member of the CAA along with UConn? An FBS Indy scheduling alliance with Army, NMSU, Liberty, UConn and BYU would still leave them with 7 games to fill out a future schedule and I don’t see any P5 teams agreeing to visit any time soon; indeed, I don’t even see BYU on the current Future Schedules period.

I think UMass's short term plan for 2020 is as simple as "playing a few games, even if we lose $$$ doing so, is the right thing to do on behalf of our student-athletes who have worked hard for the opportunity."

I commend UMass for their decision to try to play football in 2020. Admittedly, they'll probably only play a handful of games. They are in a tough spot, being outside an actual conference.

As for 2021 and beyond, they do have full schedules for each of 2021 & 2022. 11 games scheduled for each of 2023 & 2024 (including a home game with Missouri in 2024). It won't be easy, but I think they will find a way to stay the course in FBS.

Its a huge advantage over ODU and UConn.

Did either UConn or ODU try to reverse course (to the extent we know)?

Neither will be playing football at all this year. That will kill them in recruiting.

If they were planning to miss multiple seasons or there was serious discussion about this leading to disbanding the program, then maybe, but I think we're overstating the effect of live games on the recruiting process. It's nice to get them in front of a full house on game day, but that's not happening anyway. Otherwise, the recruiting functions the same for them as it does any other program. Those kids won't be playing until 2021, when both schools should be up and going again. Don't know what UConn's doing, but ODU's having a pretty productive recruiting season with a new coach.

The Liberty fanbase is excited to pick up our game with the Minutemen once again. If they can somehow get to 6 games it shows they remain committed to football for the time being.

Congrats, Steve1981!

(10-21-2020 12:16 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 11:51 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 10:17 PM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 10:05 PM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 09:54 PM)Nittany_Bearcat Wrote:  I think UMass's short term plan for 2020 is as simple as "playing a few games, even if we lose $$$ doing so, is the right thing to do on behalf of our student-athletes who have worked hard for the opportunity."

I commend UMass for their decision to try to play football in 2020. Admittedly, they'll probably only play a handful of games. They are in a tough spot, being outside an actual conference.

As for 2021 and beyond, they do have full schedules for each of 2021 & 2022. 11 games scheduled for each of 2023 & 2024 (including a home game with Missouri in 2024). It won't be easy, but I think they will find a way to stay the course in FBS.

Its a huge advantage over ODU and UConn.

Did either UConn or ODU try to reverse course (to the extent we know)?

Neither will be playing football at all this year. That will kill them in recruiting.

If they were planning to miss multiple seasons or there was serious discussion about this leading to disbanding the program, then maybe, but I think we're overstating the effect of live games on the recruiting process. It's nice to get them in front of a full house on game day, but that's not happening anyway. Otherwise, the recruiting functions the same for them as it does any other program. Those kids won't be playing until 2021, when both schools should be up and going again. Don't know what UConn's doing, but ODU's having a pretty productive recruiting season with a new coach.

I think what he meant (though I don't want to put words in his mouth), is that other schools who recruit the same areas can point out that UConn & ODU cost their players an entire free season while they (fill-in-the-blank with a school who is playing) did play, & they gave their players a chance to grow in a free season.

Take Liberty, for instance. NoVa is a major area that they try to recruit, & so far they've been able to avoid a COVID issue in their team. If Freeze & his guys want to beat out ODU for recruits, they can easily point to their success in keeping their athletes safe while still playing this year. So long as that continues, they can spin a narrative that they "put in the hard work that ODU wasn't willing to do & succeeded."

(10-21-2020 12:31 PM)Keswick_Crusaders_Forever51 Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 12:16 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 11:51 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 10:17 PM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 10:05 PM)bullet Wrote:  Its a huge advantage over ODU and UConn.

Did either UConn or ODU try to reverse course (to the extent we know)?

Neither will be playing football at all this year. That will kill them in recruiting.

If they were planning to miss multiple seasons or there was serious discussion about this leading to disbanding the program, then maybe, but I think we're overstating the effect of live games on the recruiting process. It's nice to get them in front of a full house on game day, but that's not happening anyway. Otherwise, the recruiting functions the same for them as it does any other program. Those kids won't be playing until 2021, when both schools should be up and going again. Don't know what UConn's doing, but ODU's having a pretty productive recruiting season with a new coach.

I think what he meant (though I don't want to put words in his mouth), is that other schools who recruit the same areas can point out that UConn & ODU cost their players an entire free season while they (fill-in-the-blank with a school who is playing) did play, & they gave their players a chance to grow in a free season.

Take Liberty, for instance. NoVa is a major area that they try to recruit, & so far they've been able to avoid a COVID issue in their team. If Freeze & his guys want to beat out ODU for recruits, they can easily point to their success in keeping their athletes safe while still playing this year. So long as that continues, they can spin a narrative that they "put in the hard work that ODU wasn't willing to do & succeeded."

It could for some recruits. For others, it probably won't matter much. And for still others, it might actually end up blowing back in the recruiters' faces if the kid and/or his parents thought that ODU (or UConn) made the prudent decision to not play. The overwhelming majority of FBS schools are playing a compromised season, but that doesn't mean the overwhelming majority of fans are going to agree with it, let alone recruits.

Obviously it's hard to know how much effect it would have on an individual recruit or the class as a whole, but my uneducated guess is that it won't move the needle much in either direction. Certainly wouldn't say they'd get "killed" in recruiting over it.

(10-21-2020 11:51 AM)bullet Wrote:  Neither will be playing football at all this year. That will kill them in recruiting.

For UMass or UConn to get noticeably better they need to win recruiting battles against schools other than each other. UMass losing 4 or 5 games 41-0 this fall while losing seven figures doesn't accomplish that.

(10-21-2020 12:55 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 12:31 PM)Keswick_Crusaders_Forever51 Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 12:16 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 11:51 AM)bullet Wrote:  

(10-20-2020 10:17 PM)CarlSmithCenter Wrote:  Did either UConn or ODU try to reverse course (to the extent we know)?

Neither will be playing football at all this year. That will kill them in recruiting.

If they were planning to miss multiple seasons or there was serious discussion about this leading to disbanding the program, then maybe, but I think we're overstating the effect of live games on the recruiting process. It's nice to get them in front of a full house on game day, but that's not happening anyway. Otherwise, the recruiting functions the same for them as it does any other program. Those kids won't be playing until 2021, when both schools should be up and going again. Don't know what UConn's doing, but ODU's having a pretty productive recruiting season with a new coach.

I think what he meant (though I don't want to put words in his mouth), is that other schools who recruit the same areas can point out that UConn & ODU cost their players an entire free season while they (fill-in-the-blank with a school who is playing) did play, & they gave their players a chance to grow in a free season.

Take Liberty, for instance. NoVa is a major area that they try to recruit, & so far they've been able to avoid a COVID issue in their team. If Freeze & his guys want to beat out ODU for recruits, they can easily point to their success in keeping their athletes safe while still playing this year. So long as that continues, they can spin a narrative that they "put in the hard work that ODU wasn't willing to do & succeeded."

It could for some recruits. For others, it probably won't matter much. And for still others, it might actually end up blowing back in the recruiters' faces if the kid and/or his parents thought that ODU (or UConn) made the prudent decision to not play. The overwhelming majority of FBS schools are playing a compromised season, but that doesn't mean the overwhelming majority of fans are going to agree with it, let alone recruits.

Obviously it's hard to know how much effect it would have on an individual recruit or the class as a whole, but my uneducated guess is that it won't move the needle much in either direction. Certainly wouldn't say they'd get "killed" in recruiting over it.

Not sure that the logic makes sense. The best athletes are generally competitive and enjoy playing sports. Hard to fathom how athletes wouldn’t prefer to attend a university that gives them a better opportunity to play. No one wants to take inappropriate risks, but the schools that are currently playing are proving that it is still safe to compete.

(10-21-2020 01:10 PM)Wahoowa84 Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 12:55 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 12:31 PM)Keswick_Crusaders_Forever51 Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 12:16 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 11:51 AM)bullet Wrote:  Neither will be playing football at all this year. That will kill them in recruiting.

If they were planning to miss multiple seasons or there was serious discussion about this leading to disbanding the program, then maybe, but I think we're overstating the effect of live games on the recruiting process. It's nice to get them in front of a full house on game day, but that's not happening anyway. Otherwise, the recruiting functions the same for them as it does any other program. Those kids won't be playing until 2021, when both schools should be up and going again. Don't know what UConn's doing, but ODU's having a pretty productive recruiting season with a new coach.

I think what he meant (though I don't want to put words in his mouth), is that other schools who recruit the same areas can point out that UConn & ODU cost their players an entire free season while they (fill-in-the-blank with a school who is playing) did play, & they gave their players a chance to grow in a free season.

Take Liberty, for instance. NoVa is a major area that they try to recruit, & so far they've been able to avoid a COVID issue in their team. If Freeze & his guys want to beat out ODU for recruits, they can easily point to their success in keeping their athletes safe while still playing this year. So long as that continues, they can spin a narrative that they "put in the hard work that ODU wasn't willing to do & succeeded."

It could for some recruits. For others, it probably won't matter much. And for still others, it might actually end up blowing back in the recruiters' faces if the kid and/or his parents thought that ODU (or UConn) made the prudent decision to not play. The overwhelming majority of FBS schools are playing a compromised season, but that doesn't mean the overwhelming majority of fans are going to agree with it, let alone recruits.

Obviously it's hard to know how much effect it would have on an individual recruit or the class as a whole, but my uneducated guess is that it won't move the needle much in either direction. Certainly wouldn't say they'd get "killed" in recruiting over it.

Not sure that the logic makes sense. The best athletes are generally competitive and enjoy playing sports. Hard to fathom how athletes wouldn’t prefer to attend a university that gives them a better opportunity to play. No one wants to take inappropriate risks, but the schools that are currently playing are proving that it is still safe to compete.

I'm sure we'll be playing in 2021 when the player's we are recruiting become eligible.

(10-21-2020 01:17 PM)mturn017 Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 01:10 PM)Wahoowa84 Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 12:55 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 12:31 PM)Keswick_Crusaders_Forever51 Wrote:  

(10-21-2020 12:16 PM)Cyniclone Wrote:  If they were planning to miss multiple seasons or there was serious discussion about this leading to disbanding the program, then maybe, but I think we're overstating the effect of live games on the recruiting process. It's nice to get them in front of a full house on game day, but that's not happening anyway. Otherwise, the recruiting functions the same for them as it does any other program. Those kids won't be playing until 2021, when both schools should be up and going again. Don't know what UConn's doing, but ODU's having a pretty productive recruiting season with a new coach.

I think what he meant (though I don't want to put words in his mouth), is that other schools who recruit the same areas can point out that UConn & ODU cost their players an entire free season while they (fill-in-the-blank with a school who is playing) did play, & they gave their players a chance to grow in a free season.

Take Liberty, for instance. NoVa is a major area that they try to recruit, & so far they've been able to avoid a COVID issue in their team. If Freeze & his guys want to beat out ODU for recruits, they can easily point to their success in keeping their athletes safe while still playing this year. So long as that continues, they can spin a narrative that they "put in the hard work that ODU wasn't willing to do & succeeded."

It could for some recruits. For others, it probably won't matter much. And for still others, it might actually end up blowing back in the recruiters' faces if the kid and/or his parents thought that ODU (or UConn) made the prudent decision to not play. The overwhelming majority of FBS schools are playing a compromised season, but that doesn't mean the overwhelming majority of fans are going to agree with it, let alone recruits.

Obviously it's hard to know how much effect it would have on an individual recruit or the class as a whole, but my uneducated guess is that it won't move the needle much in either direction. Certainly wouldn't say they'd get "killed" in recruiting over it.

Not sure that the logic makes sense. The best athletes are generally competitive and enjoy playing sports. Hard to fathom how athletes wouldn’t prefer to attend a university that gives them a better opportunity to play. No one wants to take inappropriate risks, but the schools that are currently playing are proving that it is still safe to compete.

I'm sure we'll be playing in 2021 when the player's we are recruiting become eligible.

It’s impossible to be “sure” about the future (especially 2021). There are a lot of twists and turns when facing a pandemic.

All that is really known is how universities are addressing the challenges today. So far Liberty football appears to be doing a good job addressing safety during COVID.

I think UMass and other schools that decided at the last minute to play are just making it up as they go. Not a bad choice just the only choice they are given this late in the season with most conferences only playing themselves. Long term who knows what will happen. Dropping down to FCS isn’t a good look for a school. And given what happened to Idaho I’m not sure it would save money either. Your buy games become cheaper and you lose whatever FB money you may be getting.

While we’re talking UMass. Is there any conference besides the AAC they would leave the A-10 for to become an all sports member? Most realignment threads involving them always put them down as “football only”. If not, what all sports members in a new league would it take for them to join?

I’m interested to hear the UMass perspective.