JMU has been a football national powerhouse for a few years and they've had our number the past two years...two losing seasons for us. They've been at the top of the FCS and we haven't been relevant. While they've beaten nearly everyone, we've struggled against conference opponents. That said, in the scope of things, we are merely in a 2 year slump. Not a big deal. A new HC is going to bring in new staff across the board. That process could elevate us or bring with it a string of lean years. JMU got immediately better with every coaching change but that doesn't seem to be the norm. The Dukes have a model that works for them: catch a spark, fan it, bring in a bunch of FBS transfers, and win. I'm not sure W&M is set up to go about it the same way.
Our mbb program has been much better than theirs for the past few years because Shaver built teams with guys who play together. JMU filled rosters with good players who seemingly play small ball. Our schools just approach things differently. We really do have very little in common with them.

(08-26-2018 09:06 PM)Zorch Wrote:  

(08-26-2018 07:24 PM)TribePride91 Wrote:  For basketball, JMU isn't in the top 5, they just haven't been relevant enough in the last few years to be there.

That line, there-- if we don't watch it -- and start winning again -- then JMU will feel that way about us in football. I know some JMU fans who already feel that way.

I'll go ahead and say it, I'd rather the Tribe win in Harrisonburg this year than Tech if I had the choice and could only pick one. Neither has a real chance of happening. As far as the JMU fans, there were some that felt we were not relevant even when we were beating them in 2013 and 2015. They have earned their place at the top of FCS along with ND St even though some would rather they be ODU. I still think that ultimately there will be no more than 64 seats at the big football table and JMU and many others have no shot at one of those. That being said, they could be very successful at whatever level is below P5 which ultimately likely will still include where top FCS is now. They are definitely on a roll in football. But, they have been a notch below in men's basketball which is surprising given their budget and potential new facilities.

Given that they have lower academic standards than W&M and admit 2.5 times the number of students, it is a wonder the Tribe beats them so often. Yet, it keeps happening. Even in football, it was 4 wins for the Dukes and 2 for the Tribe in the last 6 years which included 3 losing seasons for the Tribe. Only last season was non-competitive.

I support the Tribe no matter who we play, but it is a little more fun to play teams like the Spiders and the Dukes. In football, I'd put Villanova and Delaware in that group and in basketball, Hofstra, UNCW, Northeastern and Charleston. Hoping this year can rival 2009-2010 which stands as the best year since I graduated for Tribe sports I think.