Games of interest 10/21

I think they have a good chance of going undefeated or at least winning 9-10 games. I’ve resigned myself to the fact they will get a “wild card” bowl spot ahead of us if only one is available.

Now, if they lose 4-5 games down the stretch and we beat the Carolina Cocks, that could change, but I’m being realistic. I have nothing against James Madison. My brother’s wife got her Masters there, I have visited his home, and I like his wife’s donuts.

I just hope we get one more win and only 80 schools hit six wins.

I would love to see Liberty and JMU matched up in a bowl.

Even if we're sitting at home, that'd be great TV. Especially if the Flames win. And especially especially if the Flames win in a blowout. I'd probably have a stupid grin on my face for at least the next week.

For at least another year everytime someone mentioned JMU

It's really no surprise...

For several years, JMU was always listed alongside NDSU and SDSU as one of the "power 3" in FCS.

Sammy was sometimes mentioned, but despite their natty, I don't know that I'd have them in that elite group. They got monkeystomped last time they played JMU in the playoffs. Elite teams don't get monkeystomped.

Sammy and JSU (at our FCS best) were always a notch or two below those elite teams.

And once you get outside the Top 5-8 teams, there's a HUUUUUUUGE dropoff to the next level. You can be ranked #20 in the country in FCS and get your butt handed to you by the most mediocre of G5 teams.

But those elite 3? They could compete for championships in most G5 conferences. Not saying they'd *win* them... but they'd be competitive. And that's where JMU is.

And JSU is right where I hoped we'd be, if we were back to the quality of our mid-2010 teams. (I want us past that point, of course. CFP or bust.)

As for Sammy... they're good kids and they try hard. If they try harder and find an offense, they might be a mid-pack team. Without the offense, though... the future is grim.

And let's not even talk about Kenny.

I'm not sure any FCS teams will be able to sustain "elite" status in today's era of the Portal and NIL, especially given how precious linear network exposure has become.

NDSU used to stay above the fray by funding their program at a solid G5 level.

But now their better players realize they're doing all that to never be seen on national TV. Sad but true: nowadays, a player at Northern Illinois or Western Michigan will be seen on national TV far more times than one at NDSU or SDSU. It wasn't that way even 5 years ago.

The luster is off of FCS. It's the new D-II.

I mean, I'm not proud here... G5 is just the new I-AA. But at least Jax State is in the right one this go round.

Watching the FIU-Sammy game... FIU's freshman QB is a dynamic playmaker. Our D will be tested.

And, Sammy just goes to 0-7 in double OT.