(08-30-2016 09:08 AM)CISDuke2014 Wrote:  

(08-30-2016 09:00 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  If you are JMU and playing in FCS the #1 GOAL is to reach the FCS playoffs. In an 11 game schedule to be safe you need to get to 8 wins over D1 opponents. I think the marque OOC FCS game is much more do-able in a 12 game season. I see no issue with a scheduling alliance with Patriot/Southern/Big South. It makes too much sense for all the conferences.

If you are someone like AppSt/ODU/JMU playing in the FBS the #1 GOAL is to get enough wins to be bowl eligible.

I agree with the #1 goal is reaching the playoffs. My point is 1-2 in OOC 85% will still be enough for JMU to make the playoffs, especially if the tough OOC game we play is close (i.e. CSU @ NDSU Saturday). The committee isn't stupid, I bet they view this past Saturday's loss for CSU the same as a 30pt (current spread) win over Morehead St.

To me it sounds like Coach Houston isn't a fan of the weak schedule either. I just don't understand being scared that isn't how I live, how I am wired. That said I do agree with Bourne not caving to NDSU, it's home and home or nothing for ANY FCS team, 5 time defending champ or not. This possible alliance needs to be OVC, MVFC, or Big South. I'd throw in Big Sky but no way that's happening due to travel (same thing that will shut down the chance with MVFC).

You hit the nail on the head, a lot of it comes down to what makes sense with travel. For JMU, it would be a bus charter to almost every school in the Southern/Patriot/Big South/OVC. It may not be what everyone wants but it is better than the NEC and MEAC. One other thing to remember is this alliance ain't gonna be only home games for JMU like the Morehead and CCSU.....these most likely be home and homes. So this would probably only be one game with still an opener against a home game always type Morehead State.