There is something to be said about the Elite FCS model NDSU, and JMU have built. Don't get me wrong, I would love for JMU to move to FBS/G5. I think they'd be successful at it. But JMU's Big Bully Boy on the Block or The Premier FCS program (Along with NDSU) or FCS Elite program, or whatever you want to call it, has it's benefits.

The JMU, Elite FCS program/Big Bully Model is infinitely better than most of the G5 programs out there. With this model we have created a brand that has given us a higher profile than we ever would've attained as some G5 Sun Belt or CUSA or MAC program. This profile enhances our recruitment, coaching hires, fan support, attendance and donations. I can state for a fact that on the recruiting trail, this profile is leveraged to get FBS/G5 caliber commits. Go look at our recruits and their offer list the last 3 cycles--- 19,20,21. Any High School coach will advise his player to take JMU over most of the rag-bag G5 Sun Belt, CUSA and MAC schools JMU recruits against.

The real debate is how long is this model sustainable? How long remaining with this FCS Elite/ Premier/Bully Boy model, is too long? When do we start to get diminishing returns and regress? The argument could be made that the model was sustainable for long into the future, but because of all the revenue hits many schools are going to take because of the covid-19 situation, that the game has changed, and it's time to make a move. JMU is in a good position to modify the model, and land in a spot that benefits them. Whatever they do they must protect the JMU brand. If that means the Premier, Elite, Bully Boy, FCS model can be sustained and enhanced, then JMU should do it. If it means it's time to move up in the world, then JMU should do that.

My opinion is that the FCS Elite/Premier/Bully-Boy model has run it's course (because of the change in CFB landscape, not because of any mistakes JMU has made), and it's time to make a move before it's too late, and we get left behind.