(09-16-2017 01:15 PM)DoubleDDuke Wrote:  

(09-16-2017 10:07 AM)2Buck Wrote:  

(09-15-2017 11:50 PM)KickItToScotty Wrote:  

(09-15-2017 01:44 PM)2Buck Wrote:  Really hoping Auburn/LSU doesn't happen but Oct. 28th hosting UNH might be our best shot. Homecoming weekend and the only Top 25 match up is #25 UCLA @ #6 Washington.

Also Penn State at Ohio State. I was thinking the same thing the other day then realized that I also over looked that game.

Shat, you're right. The way ESPN had the scheduled sorted I didn't realize "TBD" times were separate from established times.

Unfortunately they have done the same host twice in a season, they seem to be more about the match up vs a strict rule about one per season. Penn State at Ohio State will be huge so the 14th is it. Let's just hope their decision is more about "variety" vs having to do a Top 25 at all costs.

Only our relationship with Lee is the only reason we're in consideration against Top 25 games so we need to milk that. JMU needs to start marketing hard to Lee and ESPN (send creative videos, send the Duke Dog on a road trip to Connecticut, start Twitter campaign, etc). Demonstrate our energy and passion is on a national level, we're not just a "small school" waiting by the phone.

I think Lee had to do a hell of a sales job on the first visit, but the turnout and production was one of the best Gameday's I've seen so I don't think he needs to do much convincing after that day. That said, I do think our chances are slim as there are several high caliber FBS matchups that week. Hope I'm wrong, it'd be fun to have ESPN back again.

Sure, not referring to 2015. ESPN's decision is much easier if there aren't any Top 25 games competing against us but maybe with a hard sell we have a shot against a weak-ish Top 25 (say a #22 at a #24). Granted Lee may not be directly steering things but anyone that's worked in the corporate world knows a pleased and enthusiastic boss can often tilt the scales on a sub-conscious level. Lee hasn't been shy about sharing his support of JMU on social media and if we did something to create a buzz I'm sure he'd respond. My whole point is we need to do more than sit on our hands when we have such a rare entree into ESPN's inner circle.