I'm betting that the Sun Belt wants to announce all at once that the new additions are joining for 2022. And we all know how good JMU is at being tight lipped when they want to be lol

Why do we care what happens with the CUSA schools? What does that have to do with JMU and the SBC?

(01-02-2022 09:49 PM)Potomac Wrote:  Why do we care what happens with the CUSA schools? What does that have to do with JMU and the SBC?

Whether or not they join in 2022 would impact our schedule, and IMO Marshall and ODU are desirable games. It is possible to play in an 11 team conference (see AAC) but it is not ideal. The good news is it seems very likely all will be joining for 2022.

Beyond that, the SBC has a very different culture than the CAA, and tries to be united as a team on these things, rather than "every man for himself." This is the type of thing they would likely announce with all the joining schools together.

I thought we heard SHSU and JSU have a “counts as an FBS game” technicality just like JMU, so I still don’t see why what they’re doing matters for JMU’s plans, even if they’re who is on the schedule.

(01-02-2022 10:10 PM)Potomac Wrote:  I thought we heard SHSU and JSU have a “counts as an FBS game” technicality just like JMU, so I still don’t see why what they’re doing matters for JMU’s plans, even if they’re who is on the schedule.

That part I think is just speculation and curiosity as to who our 5th FBS home game is, since it hasn't been officially announced yet. I'm also curious who it is, but who it is won't impact us playing in SBC.

People are just naturally curious and impatient to know next year's full schedule imo. Details may leak, but they also may not for a few more weeks.

(01-02-2022 07:05 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  Liberty seems most logical for our 5th FBS home game given we already had them on the schedule in 2026 and did home and home with them in FCS.

Assuming the conference reshuffle created an opening for them next year, I could see them wanting to restart a series with us, given it is short travel for both and would draw above average crowds with both fanbases nearby.

Personally, I'm just happy we got something done given the tight time windows. A home FBS OOC game on short notice is not easy, these things are often setup years in advance. This is what enabled us to be a full SBC team next year, so happy with whoever agreed. Future years may give us more flexibility and options.

The problem with them (well...football-wise) is that they had a lot of teams scheduled to play them over the next 5-6 years to fill up their Independent schedule. Now that they will be in a conference (with 8 assigned conference games), they have to shed a lot of those games. (It is possible that they had contingencies in the contracts to allow them to pull out with minimal penalty if they joined a conference, but I don't know if they thought like that.)

There is no reason for the SBC to schedule any games for next year until they have a confirmed membership. Why do a job twice when once will do? As for JMU announcing the 5th FBS home game I think the announcement will come during a time that will maximize PR for JMU, especially if it is a high profile pairing. Why bury the lead story?

(01-02-2022 10:10 PM)Potomac Wrote:  I thought we heard SHSU and JSU have a “counts as an FBS game” technicality just like JMU, so I still don’t see why what they’re doing matters for JMU’s plans, even if they’re who is on the schedule.

There's two reasons (at least in the interim) why it matters what is going on with the other schools...

1) If SHSU & Jax State are showing any signs similar to JMU regarding scheduling, it certainly is a good thing for JMU's pursuit of moving to the Sun Belt

2) If CUSA announces anything regarding football scheduling, it should give insight into what is going on with the Sun Belt

At the end of the day, all of this stuff should work itself out in the next 2-3 weeks and we are all throwing speculation around. Speculation is fun for all and gets us all talking!

From a Sam Houston perspective, I am keeping tabs on the James Madison situation as the Bearkats could conceivably a) end up on the JMU schedule in '22 and b) if JMU is doing this, I want to know why SHSU is or isn't following suit since it would mean the opportunity to cut into the transition was made available

(01-03-2022 10:28 AM)TexasTerror Wrote:  1) If SHSU & Jax State are showing any signs similar to JMU regarding scheduling, it certainly is a good thing for JMU's pursuit of moving to the Sun Belt

2) If CUSA announces anything regarding football scheduling, it should give insight into what is going on with the Sun Belt

Item 1 is irrelevant to JMU. We know from highly credible sources that we will have a full SBC schedule next year, this is not in question. We found a 5th home FBS game and are just speculating who it is now.

Item 2 is also largely irrelevant, we know what is going on with the SBC from the SBC forum threads, and it appears likely all 4 new members will be joining in 2022. I expect news on the SBC schedules to break before CUSA announces anything, just as happened with realignment. SBC clearly has their act together and is moving forward.

SBC certainly seems to have their shi$ together... to date we have seen:
- they got the best teams they could to join
- highly coordinated set of announcements
- tight lipped
- clear messaging and strategy (smaller town schools mainly with good programs and passionate fanbases)
- plus they upped the ESPN deal nicely.

I expect they will wait and wait...........and when it's all set you'll see a nice Keith Gill splash with schedules, branding, rival games and more all set and in place. Maybe we hear the JMU 5th home FBS before then, but the rest will be March I'd wager.

The reason I'm doubting Sammy or Jackie will be our fifth FBS home game next year is due to the fact all three of us are searching for FBS home games not away games. A home and home deal is only going to be beneficial to one team. With that being said, this is also the same reason I question if Sammy and/or Jackie will only use one transition year like we're doing. If they are using two years to transition then doing a deal with one of them would be ideal.

(01-05-2022 09:02 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  The reason I'm doubting Sammy or Jackie will be our fifth FBS home game next year is due to the fact all three of us are searching for FBS home games not away games. A home and home deal is only going to be beneficial to one team. With that being said, this is also the same reason I question if Sammy and/or Jackie will only use one transition year like we're doing. If they are using two years to transition then doing a deal with one of them would be ideal.

But there could be a deal where we host Sammy, play at JSU and then JSU plays at SHSU, or some combination where we each get one home game so that it works out for all of us.

(01-06-2022 12:51 AM)JMaddy Wrote:  

(01-05-2022 09:02 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  The reason I'm doubting Sammy or Jackie will be our fifth FBS home game next year is due to the fact all three of us are searching for FBS home games not away games. A home and home deal is only going to be beneficial to one team. With that being said, this is also the same reason I question if Sammy and/or Jackie will only use one transition year like we're doing. If they are using two years to transition then doing a deal with one of them would be ideal.

But there could be a deal where we host Sammy, play at JSU and then JSU plays at SHSU, or some combination where we each get one home game so that it works out for all of us.

Which would also mean in order to be the pay-back game for JSU or SHSU we would need to cancel two games against Weber, Norfolk St, or Louisville. You've got to think Louisville will stay on the schedule. Can we play a 12-week season without a bye week? That's the only way we can add an FBS game at home and keep the 2 FCS teams. Mr. Bourne has got to be looking at FBS opponents at home for 9/3, 9/10, or 9/17 with one of those FCS games getting cancelled. I'd say it's least likely that we cancel both and go on the road to Sammy or JSU while welcoming the other at home in place of those games, but every option was probably on the table this winter.

(01-06-2022 08:32 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  

(01-06-2022 12:51 AM)JMaddy Wrote:  

(01-05-2022 09:02 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  The reason I'm doubting Sammy or Jackie will be our fifth FBS home game next year is due to the fact all three of us are searching for FBS home games not away games. A home and home deal is only going to be beneficial to one team. With that being said, this is also the same reason I question if Sammy and/or Jackie will only use one transition year like we're doing. If they are using two years to transition then doing a deal with one of them would be ideal.

But there could be a deal where we host Sammy, play at JSU and then JSU plays at SHSU, or some combination where we each get one home game so that it works out for all of us.

Which would also mean in order to be the pay-back game for JSU or SHSU we would need to cancel two games against Weber, Norfolk St, or Louisville. You've got to think Louisville will stay on the schedule. Can we play a 12-week season without a bye week? That's the only way we can add an FBS game at home and keep the 2 FCS teams. Mr. Bourne has got to be looking at FBS opponents at home for 9/3, 9/10, or 9/17 with one of those FCS games getting cancelled. I'd say it's least likely that we cancel both and go on the road to Sammy or JSU while welcoming the other at home in place of those games, but every option was probably on the table this winter.

It's a 13 week season to get in 12 games with 5 of those games being at home against a FBS team. I've got to believe we'll end up with 7 home games and not drop either of the two FCS games. I think we're trying to deal with an existing FBS team rather than a transitioning one. Though, Weber or NSU might agree to postponing for one season. For me personally, I'm good with 6 home games and believe a good chunk of our fans feel the same. It's very difficult to squeeze in 7 games for those living more than 2 - 3 hours away.

(01-06-2022 09:48 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(01-06-2022 08:32 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  

(01-06-2022 12:51 AM)JMaddy Wrote:  

(01-05-2022 09:02 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  The reason I'm doubting Sammy or Jackie will be our fifth FBS home game next year is due to the fact all three of us are searching for FBS home games not away games. A home and home deal is only going to be beneficial to one team. With that being said, this is also the same reason I question if Sammy and/or Jackie will only use one transition year like we're doing. If they are using two years to transition then doing a deal with one of them would be ideal.

But there could be a deal where we host Sammy, play at JSU and then JSU plays at SHSU, or some combination where we each get one home game so that it works out for all of us.

Which would also mean in order to be the pay-back game for JSU or SHSU we would need to cancel two games against Weber, Norfolk St, or Louisville. You've got to think Louisville will stay on the schedule. Can we play a 12-week season without a bye week? That's the only way we can add an FBS game at home and keep the 2 FCS teams. Mr. Bourne has got to be looking at FBS opponents at home for 9/3, 9/10, or 9/17 with one of those FCS games getting cancelled. I'd say it's least likely that we cancel both and go on the road to Sammy or JSU while welcoming the other at home in place of those games, but every option was probably on the table this winter.

It's a 13 week season to get in 12 games with 5 of those games being at home against a FBS team. I've got to believe we'll end up with 7 home games and not drop either of the two FCS games. I think we're trying to deal with an existing FBS team rather than a transitioning one. Though, Weber or NSU might agree to postponing for one season. For me personally, I'm good with 6 home games and believe a good chunk of our fans feel the same. It's very difficult to squeeze in 7 games for those living more than 2 - 3 hours away.

I might be in the minority, but I would prefer to NOT have more than 6 home games. 7 is too much for many to attend, and will ultimately lead to lowering our average attendance.

(01-06-2022 10:40 AM)Dukester Wrote:  

(01-06-2022 09:48 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(01-06-2022 08:32 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  

(01-06-2022 12:51 AM)JMaddy Wrote:  

(01-05-2022 09:02 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  The reason I'm doubting Sammy or Jackie will be our fifth FBS home game next year is due to the fact all three of us are searching for FBS home games not away games. A home and home deal is only going to be beneficial to one team. With that being said, this is also the same reason I question if Sammy and/or Jackie will only use one transition year like we're doing. If they are using two years to transition then doing a deal with one of them would be ideal.

But there could be a deal where we host Sammy, play at JSU and then JSU plays at SHSU, or some combination where we each get one home game so that it works out for all of us.

Which would also mean in order to be the pay-back game for JSU or SHSU we would need to cancel two games against Weber, Norfolk St, or Louisville. You've got to think Louisville will stay on the schedule. Can we play a 12-week season without a bye week? That's the only way we can add an FBS game at home and keep the 2 FCS teams. Mr. Bourne has got to be looking at FBS opponents at home for 9/3, 9/10, or 9/17 with one of those FCS games getting cancelled. I'd say it's least likely that we cancel both and go on the road to Sammy or JSU while welcoming the other at home in place of those games, but every option was probably on the table this winter.

It's a 13 week season to get in 12 games with 5 of those games being at home against a FBS team. I've got to believe we'll end up with 7 home games and not drop either of the two FCS games. I think we're trying to deal with an existing FBS team rather than a transitioning one. Though, Weber or NSU might agree to postponing for one season. For me personally, I'm good with 6 home games and believe a good chunk of our fans feel the same. It's very difficult to squeeze in 7 games for those living more than 2 - 3 hours away.

I might be in the minority, but I would prefer to NOT have more than 6 home games. 7 is too much for many to attend, and will ultimately lead to lowering our average attendance.

With a typical FCS schedule I would absolutely agree with you. However, if there are 5 FBS games at Bridgeforth, I don't see how those won't be packed.
So far, the only game I would probably want to miss would be Norfolk State.
Also may be the first season in a long time where I may be getting season tickets.

Additionally we may need a cakewalk for next year. The last handful of years 10 wins was highly likely.

Next year, I'm not so sure 500 won't be a challenge.

If we lose against Weber to start the season you'll already see fans with pitchforks.

The “standard” SBC schedule is 8 conference (4 home and 4 away), 1 FCS at home (usually to start the season or at least in first 2-3 weeks of season), 1 P5 away game ( big payday), and 2 G5 games ( 1 home and 1 away). Most SBC schools therefore have 6 home/6 away each year

(01-06-2022 08:32 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  

(01-06-2022 12:51 AM)JMaddy Wrote:  

(01-05-2022 09:02 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  The reason I'm doubting Sammy or Jackie will be our fifth FBS home game next year is due to the fact all three of us are searching for FBS home games not away games. A home and home deal is only going to be beneficial to one team. With that being said, this is also the same reason I question if Sammy and/or Jackie will only use one transition year like we're doing. If they are using two years to transition then doing a deal with one of them would be ideal.

But there could be a deal where we host Sammy, play at JSU and then JSU plays at SHSU, or some combination where we each get one home game so that it works out for all of us.

Which would also mean in order to be the pay-back game for JSU or SHSU we would need to cancel two games against Weber, Norfolk St, or Louisville. You've got to think Louisville will stay on the schedule. Can we play a 12-week season without a bye week? That's the only way we can add an FBS game at home and keep the 2 FCS teams. Mr. Bourne has got to be looking at FBS opponents at home for 9/3, 9/10, or 9/17 with one of those FCS games getting cancelled. I'd say it's least likely that we cancel both and go on the road to Sammy or JSU while welcoming the other at home in place of those games, but every option was probably on the table this winter.

I could see Weber St. not coming and potentially cancelling. It does them no good to play us now. We'd be their second FBS game next year with Utah St. also on the calendar and we're not an area where they recruit so it doesn't make much sense for them. Its not like we're going to pay them big bucks to come take an L.

The only advantage for them to play us is if they think they can beat us and get an FBS feather in their cap, but after we man handled them last year in their own place I can't imagine they have that confidence, plus the cost of the trip will be too great for them.

(01-06-2022 01:02 PM)JMaddy Wrote:  

(01-06-2022 08:32 AM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  

(01-06-2022 12:51 AM)JMaddy Wrote:  

(01-05-2022 09:02 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  The reason I'm doubting Sammy or Jackie will be our fifth FBS home game next year is due to the fact all three of us are searching for FBS home games not away games. A home and home deal is only going to be beneficial to one team. With that being said, this is also the same reason I question if Sammy and/or Jackie will only use one transition year like we're doing. If they are using two years to transition then doing a deal with one of them would be ideal.

But there could be a deal where we host Sammy, play at JSU and then JSU plays at SHSU, or some combination where we each get one home game so that it works out for all of us.

Which would also mean in order to be the pay-back game for JSU or SHSU we would need to cancel two games against Weber, Norfolk St, or Louisville. You've got to think Louisville will stay on the schedule. Can we play a 12-week season without a bye week? That's the only way we can add an FBS game at home and keep the 2 FCS teams. Mr. Bourne has got to be looking at FBS opponents at home for 9/3, 9/10, or 9/17 with one of those FCS games getting cancelled. I'd say it's least likely that we cancel both and go on the road to Sammy or JSU while welcoming the other at home in place of those games, but every option was probably on the table this winter.

I could see Weber St. not coming and potentially cancelling. It does them no good to play us now. We'd be their second FBS game next year with Utah St. also on the calendar and we're not an area where they recruit so it doesn't make much sense for them. Its not like we're going to pay them big bucks to come take an L.

The only advantage for them to play us is if they think they can beat us and get an FBS feather in their cap, but after we man handled them last year in their own place I can't imagine they have that confidence, plus the cost of the trip will be too great for them.

Agree. The forum pretty much universally agrees that we have no business playing NSU, but at this point we're better off playing NSU than Weber. I'd rather play Weber, but both of us really don't gain anything by playing the payback game.