(04-20-2022 04:15 PM)Potomac Wrote:  Then throw in the crappy locker rooms some schools had where they'd have to take cold showers or be outside in the heat in literal tents as locker rooms.

In Huntsville Texas, they call that “FBS-quality facilities”.

(04-20-2022 03:50 PM)Potomac Wrote:  Massey has us ranked 104th, which is 6th best in the Sun Belt. Not bad for not playing a single game.

They think we'll finish 5-6 based on the W/L probability score. Strictly following the point spreads, we will go:

MTSU - W 2 point favs
NSU - W 29 point favs
App - L 7 point dogs
TSU - W 4 point favs
Ark St - L 1 point dogs
Ga So - L 2 point dogs
Marshall - W 1 point favs
UL - L 14 point dogs
ODU - L 3 point dogs
GA St - L 3 point dogs
CCU - L 3 point dogs

Tough end to the season losing 4 in a row and 6 of the last 7.

I personally think we're a 6 or 7 win team.

Massey is reflecting what Sagarin did also - a lot of these games are likely to be close nail biters that could go either way. The only games where we are currently big underdogs are App St and Louisville.

I'm not at all confident we will beat Marshall at home, but on the flip side don't think we will lose all 3 of the final games with two of those being held at BFS.

(04-20-2022 03:50 PM)Potomac Wrote:  Massey has us ranked 104th, which is 6th best in the Sun Belt. Not bad for not playing a single game.

They think we'll finish 5-6 based on the W/L probability score. Strictly following the point spreads, we will go:

MTSU - W 2 point favs
NSU - W 29 point favs
App - L 7 point dogs
TSU - W 4 point favs
Ark St - L 1 point dogs
Ga So - L 2 point dogs
Marshall - W 1 point favs
UL - L 14 point dogs
ODU - L 3 point dogs
GA St - L 3 point dogs
CCU - L 3 point dogs

Tough end to the season losing 4 in a row and 6 of the last 7.

I personally think we're a 6 or 7 win team.

I'll see your 6 or 7 and raise you one. I think we will lose two of our road games, one to Ape State in a close one, because we always lose there, usually in bizarre ways (if that was a home game, I believe the Dawgs win by a touchdown), the other to Louisville in another close game. We would also win this one at home. We drop one other game somewhere along the way, possibly the season finale to CCU (even though we can definitely beat them, especially at home).

So, I see us finishing at 8-3. This is dependent upon GOOD to VERY GOOD quarterback play. Without that, throw the schedule out the window.

Also, I have read a post or two here lacking confidence in our O-line. What's up with that? Those youngsters not only played solid football last season (don't take my word for it, ask Cole Johnson), but they are now experienced vets. Plus, we have the 320-pound hoss from Liberty coming in. I see lots of rotation on the O-line to keep players fresh.... because we can.

Look out, Sun Belt, here we come! It is going to be fun!

(04-20-2022 03:51 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  If it’s hunting season, or, if the Hogs are home, no one will be at Arkansas St

How do you see us faring against our schedule as an outsider? I think we most likely go 6-5 plus or minus 1

(04-20-2022 06:35 PM)James Madison Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 03:51 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  If it’s hunting season, or, if the Hogs are home, no one will be at Arkansas St

How do you see us faring against our schedule as an outsider? I think we most likely go 6-5 plus or minus 1

Hard to say because I really don’t know what you have in relation to current talent and how it will translate against FBS talent. As I have said before, I don’t doubt that your 1st team can compete. It’s the second and third teamers that are going to determine the success. So having said that , I see maybe 4 wins. I say maybe because your backend is brutal. Probably the most brutal stretch of games for a team that will have depth issues. So here is how I see it going for you.

MTSU - W? Not a great team but still an FBS team. How will JMU handle the hype of opening the season at home against an FBS opponent at home?
NSU - W Solid win to build some confidence. Possible 2-0 start can really build some confidence.
@ App State - L First conference with a team that you have history with. A competitive loss can keep the train moving forward, but a lopsided loss can derail momentum. This could be interesting depending on how App comes off playing UNC and Texas A&M.
Texas State - W? Only say maybe depending on how you come out of the App game. An emotional letdown can turn an easy win into a head scratching loss.
@ Ark State - W? A loss here isn’t out of the question. I was in Jonesboro last year. They looked really close to turning the corner so they could be improved. The other thing is that the stadium could be dead if it’s hunting season. The lack of energy affects both teams. (Side note. Cool Place to watch a game. Easy to get to if you fly into Memphis. Plenty of free parking close to the stadium.)
@ GSU - W? I’ll give you another maybe. Back to back road games are always tough. If they have bought into Helton’s plan, they could be a tough out. Personally, I’m not opposed to them ever winning a game again.

So through the first 6 games, I see 1 loss, 1 win, and 4 winnable contests but no guarantees.
Marshall - L.? If JMU gets through the first six games relatively unscathed and healthy. and a good record, they could make this a game.
@ Louisville - L No shot at a W.
@ ODU - W? This is your best chance at a win in the rest of the schedule. ODU looked better towards the end of the season and could be good. How you respond after Louisville could have an affect on this one.
GA State - L It’s a home game but Georgia State could win the East.
CCU - L Could be a good team by the end of the season. I’m not sold on them this year. Lost a lot of leadership but they should have more talent at the end of the year.

Through the final 5 I see 3 losses and 2 that could go either way.

(04-20-2022 08:05 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 06:35 PM)James Madison Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 03:51 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  If it’s hunting season, or, if the Hogs are home, no one will be at Arkansas St

How do you see us faring against our schedule as an outsider? I think we most likely go 6-5 plus or minus 1

Hard to say because I really don’t know what you have in relation to current talent and how it will translate against FBS talent. As I have said before, I don’t doubt that your 1st team can compete. It’s the second and third teamers that are going to determine the success. So having said that , I see maybe 4 wins. I say maybe because your backend is brutal. Probably the most brutal stretch of games for a team that will have depth issues. So here is how I see it going for you.

MTSU - W? Not a great team but still an FBS team. How will JMU handle the hype of opening the season at home against an FBS opponent at home?
NSU - W Solid win to build some confidence. Possible 2-0 start can really build some confidence.
@ App State - L First conference with a team that you have history with. A competitive loss can keep the train moving forward, but a lopsided loss can derail momentum. This could be interesting depending on how App comes off playing UNC and Texas A&M.
Texas State - W? Only say maybe depending on how you come out of the App game. An emotional letdown can turn an easy win into a head scratching loss.
@ Ark State - W? A loss here isn’t out of the question. I was in Jonesboro last year. They looked really close to turning the corner so they could be improved. The other thing is that the stadium could be dead if it’s hunting season. The lack of energy affects both teams. (Side note. Cool Place to watch a game. Easy to get to if you fly into Memphis. Plenty of free parking close to the stadium.)
@ GSU - W? I’ll give you another maybe. Back to back road games are always tough. If they have bought into Helton’s plan, they could be a tough out. Personally, I’m not opposed to them ever winning a game again.

So through the first 6 games, I see 1 loss, 1 win, and 4 winnable contests but no guarantees.
Marshall - L.? If JMU gets through the first six games relatively unscathed and healthy. and a good record, they could make this a game.
@ Louisville - L No shot at a W.
@ ODU - W? This is your best chance at a win in the rest of the schedule. ODU looked better towards the end of the season and could be good. How you respond after Louisville could have an affect on this one.
GA State - L It’s a home game but Georgia State could win the East.
CCU - L Could be a good team by the end of the season. I’m not sold on them this year. Lost a lot of leadership but they should have more talent at the end of the year.

Through the final 5 I see 3 losses and 2 that could go either way.

I generally agree except I think Louisville is a winnable game. I went there for grad school and held season tickets. No one knows how to blow a game like Louisville does lol. We could either win that game by 10 or lose by 28 depending on how they come out

(04-21-2022 08:54 AM)James Madison Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 08:05 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 06:35 PM)James Madison Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 03:51 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  If it’s hunting season, or, if the Hogs are home, no one will be at Arkansas St

How do you see us faring against our schedule as an outsider? I think we most likely go 6-5 plus or minus 1

Hard to say because I really don’t know what you have in relation to current talent and how it will translate against FBS talent. As I have said before, I don’t doubt that your 1st team can compete. It’s the second and third teamers that are going to determine the success. So having said that , I see maybe 4 wins. I say maybe because your backend is brutal. Probably the most brutal stretch of games for a team that will have depth issues. So here is how I see it going for you.

MTSU - W? Not a great team but still an FBS team. How will JMU handle the hype of opening the season at home against an FBS opponent at home?
NSU - W Solid win to build some confidence. Possible 2-0 start can really build some confidence.
@ App State - L First conference with a team that you have history with. A competitive loss can keep the train moving forward, but a lopsided loss can derail momentum. This could be interesting depending on how App comes off playing UNC and Texas A&M.
Texas State - W? Only say maybe depending on how you come out of the App game. An emotional letdown can turn an easy win into a head scratching loss.
@ Ark State - W? A loss here isn’t out of the question. I was in Jonesboro last year. They looked really close to turning the corner so they could be improved. The other thing is that the stadium could be dead if it’s hunting season. The lack of energy affects both teams. (Side note. Cool Place to watch a game. Easy to get to if you fly into Memphis. Plenty of free parking close to the stadium.)
@ GSU - W? I’ll give you another maybe. Back to back road games are always tough. If they have bought into Helton’s plan, they could be a tough out. Personally, I’m not opposed to them ever winning a game again.

So through the first 6 games, I see 1 loss, 1 win, and 4 winnable contests but no guarantees.
Marshall - L.? If JMU gets through the first six games relatively unscathed and healthy. and a good record, they could make this a game.
@ Louisville - L No shot at a W.
@ ODU - W? This is your best chance at a win in the rest of the schedule. ODU looked better towards the end of the season and could be good. How you respond after Louisville could have an affect on this one.
GA State - L It’s a home game but Georgia State could win the East.
CCU - L Could be a good team by the end of the season. I’m not sold on them this year. Lost a lot of leadership but they should have more talent at the end of the year.

Through the final 5 I see 3 losses and 2 that could go either way.

I generally agree except I think Louisville is a winnable game. I went there for grad school and held season tickets. No one knows how to blow a game like Louisville does lol. We could either win that game by 10 or lose by 28 depending on how they come out

Maybe. They do have Clemson the following week. That’s not enough for me to think that JMU can win.

(04-21-2022 09:36 AM)Appst94 Wrote:  

(04-21-2022 08:54 AM)James Madison Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 08:05 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 06:35 PM)James Madison Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 03:51 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  If it’s hunting season, or, if the Hogs are home, no one will be at Arkansas St

How do you see us faring against our schedule as an outsider? I think we most likely go 6-5 plus or minus 1

Hard to say because I really don’t know what you have in relation to current talent and how it will translate against FBS talent. As I have said before, I don’t doubt that your 1st team can compete. It’s the second and third teamers that are going to determine the success. So having said that , I see maybe 4 wins. I say maybe because your backend is brutal. Probably the most brutal stretch of games for a team that will have depth issues. So here is how I see it going for you.

MTSU - W? Not a great team but still an FBS team. How will JMU handle the hype of opening the season at home against an FBS opponent at home?
NSU - W Solid win to build some confidence. Possible 2-0 start can really build some confidence.
@ App State - L First conference with a team that you have history with. A competitive loss can keep the train moving forward, but a lopsided loss can derail momentum. This could be interesting depending on how App comes off playing UNC and Texas A&M.
Texas State - W? Only say maybe depending on how you come out of the App game. An emotional letdown can turn an easy win into a head scratching loss.
@ Ark State - W? A loss here isn’t out of the question. I was in Jonesboro last year. They looked really close to turning the corner so they could be improved. The other thing is that the stadium could be dead if it’s hunting season. The lack of energy affects both teams. (Side note. Cool Place to watch a game. Easy to get to if you fly into Memphis. Plenty of free parking close to the stadium.)
@ GSU - W? I’ll give you another maybe. Back to back road games are always tough. If they have bought into Helton’s plan, they could be a tough out. Personally, I’m not opposed to them ever winning a game again.

So through the first 6 games, I see 1 loss, 1 win, and 4 winnable contests but no guarantees.
Marshall - L.? If JMU gets through the first six games relatively unscathed and healthy. and a good record, they could make this a game.
@ Louisville - L No shot at a W.
@ ODU - W? This is your best chance at a win in the rest of the schedule. ODU looked better towards the end of the season and could be good. How you respond after Louisville could have an affect on this one.
GA State - L It’s a home game but Georgia State could win the East.
CCU - L Could be a good team by the end of the season. I’m not sold on them this year. Lost a lot of leadership but they should have more talent at the end of the year.

Through the final 5 I see 3 losses and 2 that could go either way.

I generally agree except I think Louisville is a winnable game. I went there for grad school and held season tickets. No one knows how to blow a game like Louisville does lol. We could either win that game by 10 or lose by 28 depending on how they come out

Maybe. They do have Clemson the following week. That’s not enough for me to think that JMU can win.

I wouldn’t bet that we will win but I definitely think we can win. They’re no better than the nc state and wvu teams we’ve played recently. We didn’t win either but we were in them the whole time. Took a late 4th quarter turnover in each to cost us those games. We’re coming off a bye and they have Clemson to look ahead to. I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened

Just a question to gather opinions, but given that this season doesn’t count for much. I.e. bowl game scenarios. A win at Louisville would be a big deal, but could create a letdown the following week. So would you take a win at Louisville at the cost of a loss the following week @ODU, or would the win against a conference foe be a bigger deal?

(04-21-2022 11:41 AM)Appst94 Wrote:  Just a question to gather opinions, but given that this season doesn’t count for much. I.e. bowl game scenarios. A win at Louisville would be a big deal, but could create a letdown the following week. So would you take a win at Louisville at the cost of a loss the following week @ODU, or would the win against a conference foe be a bigger deal?

I'd rather beat ODU.

(04-21-2022 11:41 AM)Appst94 Wrote:  Just a question to gather opinions, but given that this season doesn’t count for much. I.e. bowl game scenarios. A win at Louisville would be a big deal, but could create a letdown the following week. So would you take a win at Louisville at the cost of a loss the following week @ODU, or would the win against a conference foe be a bigger deal?

I’d rather beat Louisville. One because I went there and have a lot of friends there who have called Jmu d2. And two because we’d have every other year to beat Odu. And we’ll beat them often

(04-21-2022 11:41 AM)Appst94 Wrote:  Just a question to gather opinions, but given that this season doesn’t count for much. I.e. bowl game scenarios. A win at Louisville would be a big deal, but could create a letdown the following week. So would you take a win at Louisville at the cost of a loss the following week @ODU, or would the win against a conference foe be a bigger deal?

Tough question. Beating Louisville would be a bigger high, but losing to ODU would be a bitter low for the year. We are due some revenge in Norfolk.

(04-21-2022 10:57 AM)James Madison Wrote:  

(04-21-2022 09:36 AM)Appst94 Wrote:  

(04-21-2022 08:54 AM)James Madison Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 08:05 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  

(04-20-2022 06:35 PM)James Madison Wrote:  How do you see us faring against our schedule as an outsider? I think we most likely go 6-5 plus or minus 1

Hard to say because I really don’t know what you have in relation to current talent and how it will translate against FBS talent. As I have said before, I don’t doubt that your 1st team can compete. It’s the second and third teamers that are going to determine the success. So having said that , I see maybe 4 wins. I say maybe because your backend is brutal. Probably the most brutal stretch of games for a team that will have depth issues. So here is how I see it going for you.

MTSU - W? Not a great team but still an FBS team. How will JMU handle the hype of opening the season at home against an FBS opponent at home?
NSU - W Solid win to build some confidence. Possible 2-0 start can really build some confidence.
@ App State - L First conference with a team that you have history with. A competitive loss can keep the train moving forward, but a lopsided loss can derail momentum. This could be interesting depending on how App comes off playing UNC and Texas A&M.
Texas State - W? Only say maybe depending on how you come out of the App game. An emotional letdown can turn an easy win into a head scratching loss.
@ Ark State - W? A loss here isn’t out of the question. I was in Jonesboro last year. They looked really close to turning the corner so they could be improved. The other thing is that the stadium could be dead if it’s hunting season. The lack of energy affects both teams. (Side note. Cool Place to watch a game. Easy to get to if you fly into Memphis. Plenty of free parking close to the stadium.)
@ GSU - W? I’ll give you another maybe. Back to back road games are always tough. If they have bought into Helton’s plan, they could be a tough out. Personally, I’m not opposed to them ever winning a game again.

So through the first 6 games, I see 1 loss, 1 win, and 4 winnable contests but no guarantees.
Marshall - L.? If JMU gets through the first six games relatively unscathed and healthy. and a good record, they could make this a game.
@ Louisville - L No shot at a W.
@ ODU - W? This is your best chance at a win in the rest of the schedule. ODU looked better towards the end of the season and could be good. How you respond after Louisville could have an affect on this one.
GA State - L It’s a home game but Georgia State could win the East.
CCU - L Could be a good team by the end of the season. I’m not sold on them this year. Lost a lot of leadership but they should have more talent at the end of the year.

Through the final 5 I see 3 losses and 2 that could go either way.

I generally agree except I think Louisville is a winnable game. I went there for grad school and held season tickets. No one knows how to blow a game like Louisville does lol. We could either win that game by 10 or lose by 28 depending on how they come out

Maybe. They do have Clemson the following week. That’s not enough for me to think that JMU can win.

I wouldn’t bet that we will win but I definitely think we can win. They’re no better than the nc state and wvu teams we’ve played recently. We didn’t win either but we were in them the whole time. Took a late 4th quarter turnover in each to cost us those games. We’re coming off a bye and they have Clemson to look ahead to. I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened

(04-21-2022 11:58 AM)James Madison Wrote:  

(04-21-2022 11:41 AM)Appst94 Wrote:  Just a question to gather opinions, but given that this season doesn’t count for much. I.e. bowl game scenarios. A win at Louisville would be a big deal, but could create a letdown the following week. So would you take a win at Louisville at the cost of a loss the following week @ODU, or would the win against a conference foe be a bigger deal?

I’d rather beat Louisville. One because I went there and have a lot of friends there who have called Jmu d2. And two because we’d have every other year to beat Odu. And we’ll beat them often

I get that. Problem is that you are still going to have a$$hats that will forever refer to you as D2. App still sees it occasionally.

(04-21-2022 12:17 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(04-21-2022 11:41 AM)Appst94 Wrote:  Just a question to gather opinions, but given that this season doesn’t count for much. I.e. bowl game scenarios. A win at Louisville would be a big deal, but could create a letdown the following week. So would you take a win at Louisville at the cost of a loss the following week @ODU, or would the win against a conference foe be a bigger deal?

Tough question. Beating Louisville would be a bigger high, but losing to ODU would be a bitter low for the year. We are due some revenge in Norfolk.

That’s pretty much how I feel about beating UNC or A&M. Falling flat after a big win takes the luster off pretty quick. We have fans who are living for September 3rd. To me, a P5 loss doesn’t keep you out of the NY6 conversation. Losing a conference game that could cost you a conference championship will.

(04-21-2022 12:28 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  

(04-21-2022 12:17 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(04-21-2022 11:41 AM)Appst94 Wrote:  Just a question to gather opinions, but given that this season doesn’t count for much. I.e. bowl game scenarios. A win at Louisville would be a big deal, but could create a letdown the following week. So would you take a win at Louisville at the cost of a loss the following week @ODU, or would the win against a conference foe be a bigger deal?

Tough question. Beating Louisville would be a bigger high, but losing to ODU would be a bitter low for the year. We are due some revenge in Norfolk.

That’s pretty much how I feel about beating UNC or A&M. Falling flat after a big win takes the luster off pretty quick. We have fans who are living for September 3rd. To me, a P5 loss doesn’t keep you out of the NY6 conversation. Losing a conference game that could cost you a conference championship will.

For the greater good of the Sunbelt, I would vote Louisville.

(04-21-2022 12:31 PM)JMU08 Wrote:  

(04-21-2022 12:28 PM)Appst94 Wrote:  

(04-21-2022 12:17 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  

(04-21-2022 11:41 AM)Appst94 Wrote:  Just a question to gather opinions, but given that this season doesn’t count for much. I.e. bowl game scenarios. A win at Louisville would be a big deal, but could create a letdown the following week. So would you take a win at Louisville at the cost of a loss the following week @ODU, or would the win against a conference foe be a bigger deal?

Tough question. Beating Louisville would be a bigger high, but losing to ODU would be a bitter low for the year. We are due some revenge in Norfolk.

That’s pretty much how I feel about beating UNC or A&M. Falling flat after a big win takes the luster off pretty quick. We have fans who are living for September 3rd. To me, a P5 loss doesn’t keep you out of the NY6 conversation. Losing a conference game that could cost you a conference championship will.

For the greater good of the Sunbelt, I would vote Louisville.

I'd agree with this. Yeah it would sting to take another loss to ODU and move to 0-3 against them but we've got all the time in the world to correct that head to head record. I really want to see a great first impression of the new Sun Belt with out of conference wins this year. A win over Louisville(and hopefully MTSU earlier) then loss to ODU, who hopefully pulls off some very solid OOC wins of their own, would be very bittersweet but would definitely be much better than the other way around for doing our part to continue improving the SBC's reputation.

Also I felt pretty good about our chances to beat Louisville before we knew we'd finally be getting out of FCS and the CAA. I definitely wouldn't suddenly change my feeling to "no shot at a win" now that we have more scholarships and are filling them with guys we might or might not have been able to get a year ago. I guess you could say we could face more injuries and general wear and tear by the time that game gets here, but it's not like a CAA schedule is without injuries and wear and tear. Louisville will have their own wear and tear by the time November 5 comes around and that date was always going to be a question mark for whether it hurts or helps, but I'd lean towards the extra scholarships helping more than the tougher schedule hurts. Especially since we'll be coming off a bye. Dukes by 90.

Separate post just for the sake of keeping it from getting absurdly long if anyone quotes one, but I'll go ahead and take my stab at game by game predictions too:

MTSU - W
Solid opponent but Dukes come out with their hair on fire for their first game as an FBS team and first time hosting an FBS opponent.
NSU - W
@ App State - L
I don't think any game is unwinnable, but tough to pick a W here.
Texas State - W
Bounce back from the App L in the Withers Bowl at Bridgeforth.
@ stAte - L
Biggest letdown of the year, close loss on the road to a much improved Arkansas State.
@ GS - W
Hoping GS is improved and on the right track to turn things around, but I'm betting it won't be enough to get a lot of W's yet in such a tough conference/division. Dukes are fired up to bounce back from a disappointing loss.
Marshall - W
Another hair on fire game for an insane HC atmosphere and we upset what I think will be a strong Marshall team.
@ Louisville - W
Pick that momentum right back up after the bye and upset a middle of the pack ACC team who might be looking ahead to Clemson.
@ ODU - W
Getting to a pretty optimistic record at this point, but I just can't pick a loss here. I expect a really good and intense game that could go either way, but JMU rides the momentum and confidence to a W instead of a letdown game.
GSU - L
Should be a very solid Georgia State team, the win streak dies here.
CCU - L
A little disappointing 2 game losing streak to end a very solid season, but a good Coastal team who is probably extremely motivated and needing to finish with a W a lot more than we are here.

The Marshall game SHOULD be the best home game we've ever had at Bridgeforth. No offense to MTSU or Texas State, but that game is exactly why we've been hoping to go FBS.
The App State game is still the benchmark, but having Marshall at home for Homecoming? That should easily be a sellout and LOUD.
Could very well be the first time to experience the full potential of BFS.
For that reason, I would lean towards W.

(04-21-2022 01:32 PM)KickItToScotty Wrote:  Separate post just for the sake of keeping it from getting absurdly long if anyone quotes one, but I'll go ahead and take my stab at game by game predictions too:

MTSU - W
Solid opponent but Dukes come out with their hair on fire for their first game as an FBS team and first time hosting an FBS opponent.
NSU - W
@ App State - L
I don't think any game is unwinnable, but tough to pick a W here.
Texas State - W
Bounce back from the App L in the Withers Bowl at Bridgeforth.
@ stAte - L
Biggest letdown of the year, close loss on the road to a much improved Arkansas State.
@ GS - W
Hoping GS is improved and on the right track to turn things around, but I'm betting it won't be enough to get a lot of W's yet in such a tough conference/division. Dukes are fired up to bounce back from a disappointing loss.
Marshall - W
Another hair on fire game for an insane HC atmosphere and we upset what I think will be a strong Marshall team.
@ Louisville - W
Pick that momentum right back up after the bye and upset a middle of the pack ACC team who might be looking ahead to Clemson.
@ ODU - W
Getting to a pretty optimistic record at this point, but I just can't pick a loss here. I expect a really good and intense game that could go either way, but JMU rides the momentum and confidence to a W instead of a letdown game.
GSU - L
Should be a very solid Georgia State team, the win streak dies here.
CCU - L
A little disappointing 2 game losing streak to end a very solid season, but a good Coastal team who is probably extremely motivated and needing to finish with a W a lot more than we are here.

7-4 seems optimistic but not entirely unrealistic. If I were a JMU fan, losing those last two after a 7-2 start would stick with me for a long time and make for a loooong offseason.

6-5 or 5-6, MTSU is the swing game for me. Losses to App, Marshall, Louisville, GSU, and CCU. I also wouldn't be surprised if we land at 4-7 with the additional loss being ODU or Ark St. if our QB play (huge question mark) is less than it has been since Vad Lee.