Is JMU Finally Going to Make an FBS Move?
[polldaddy poll=9490592]Unless you’ve been taking a break from sports altogether, you’re well aware that the Big 12 is looking at expanding. Of course as soon as even a hint of expansion hits the airwaves, bloggers and message boarders go crazy with baseless speculation. We are not immune from this. Neither are writers from mainstream publications apparently. While we have read any real reports of JMU being courted by any FBS conferences, it’s certainly feasible that this round of conference realignment trickles down to our lovely alma mater. If the AAC has a few teams poached, it will probably set off a domino effect that could impact CUSA, the Sun Belt, or even the MAC. Which means an opportunity might arise for JMU to finally make the jump to FBS. It’s all guessing at this point, but we’re curious what you think. Put on your thinking caps and let us know where you think JMU will end up after the coming conference shakeup.
AAC is my Christmas list item, but CAA is my expectation. It’s like getting the bike with the banana seat when you wanted the dirt bike when I was a kid. Or, to be more modern, like getting JVC headphones when you asked for a Bose Noise-Cancelling model.
I 100% agree with 92Grad. AAC would be a HUGE win, but given our past history of “monitoring the situation” I don’t expect any movement (sadly).
We simply can’t end up in the CAA after this. The Admin has been saying all along that the invites haven’t been there. Speculation has been if a MAC or CUSA offer had been there after the Carr Report they’d have taken either. It was never going to be the Sun Belt. If this opportunity comes and goes with JMU still in the CAA, then close the book on it forever. It’s truly #CAA4Lyfe. Watch attendance at BFS continue to dwindle, Coach Houston leaves for an FBS opportunity, JMU isn’t the jewel of an FCS option it once was, and the once proud sea of purple fades into a sea of lavender mediocracy.
The President of our beloved University can’t even put a cowboy hat on correctly; do we really expect him to make this happen?
I think the AAC certainly would be the ideal/realistic fit as it relates to JMU striving to become a nationally recognized institution both in athletics and academically. Each of these schools has a strong recognition factor. Conference USA would provide increased athletic competition but places us among schools with less overall recognition. I will be upset about playing a bunch of directional mid-east schools in the MAC and weeknight “MACtion” that nobody cares about. The Sunbelt is also not desirable from an academic and national recognition standpoint.
Ugh … this again.
Let me know when Bourne is gone and we can actually make a decision.
It would make sense for the Big 12 to go after Houston, SMU, or Tulsa from the AAC, leaving primarily east coast teams, including Navy, East Carolina, and UConn, all of whom have histories with JMU in either the CAA or Yankee Conference. I believe Mr. Bourne has been waiting for something like this to happen, the PERFECT FBS scenario for JMU. Let’s PRAY this happens and we get the invite!
CBY92,
Unfortunately you gotta think if Houston, SMU or Tulsa(or Memphis or Cincy being more likely than SMU or Tulsa in my opinion) leave for Big 12, AAC will look to CUSA teams before us such as Southern Miss, Marshall or even MTSU.
I think C-USA would be a fine league for us with ODU, Marshall and Charlotte being fun games for JMU fans and maybe they add App State and Georgia Southern to replace other teams that leave if we’re lucky. I can get behind that conference.
Sidenote, if the exact scenario that plays out for Sunbelt is to lose one of the Louisiana schools, Texas State, and Arkansas State and they add Coastal(already happening), us, Eastern Kentucky and keep Georgia Southern and App St, the Sunbelt looks a little more appealing to me.
1. Coastal Carolina
2. JMU
3. App State
4. Eastern Kentucky
5. Georgia Southern
6. Georgia State
7. Other Louisiana
8.South Alabama
9. Troy
10. NMSU(eww)
Going off what Sean said, the AAC is likely going to snag a school or two from the CUSA which could open a spot for JMU. I think this is the most likely scenario and most ideal (assuming the AAC doesn’t take ODU, Marshall, or Charlotte).
The Sun Belt and MAC, while possibly more stable, are not great geographically for JMU and its alumni base. Having VA, WV, and NC schools to play would be more attractive. Plus being in the C-USA could set JMU up for an AAC spot down the line if Power 5 conferences move to 16 teams and the AAC is again looking for replacements.
I went with “Hahahahahahaha CAA of course”, because my preferred choice “lolz you guize” wasn’t available.
I would really like to see us go to AAC but probably C-USA is more likely. Then while we are monitoring someone will leave us in the dust and we stay CAA. Which means we are no longer relevant nd fan base dwindles.
Just returned from a college visits with my daughter to App State in Boone. She’s interested in Athletic Training so we got a really nice tour of their facilities. They really played up their Division I status and FBS football. They even have Miami visiting this year for football and while their stadium is really nice, it’s no bigger or better than Bridgeforth. JMU is long overdue for a new conference and jump to FBS.
What’s that old saying … about ‘ Beating a Dead Horse ‘ ?
Anyone else tired of these rumors, speculations, and accusations of blame?
When pigs fly ( or Trump becomes President ) … then change will take place!
JMU administrators just need to stop appearing confused and indecisive. Make a final statement like “we are happy in the CAA and believe it is best for all of our other sports and we are content with the FCS experience.” Or “JMU will pursue a league with FBS football as the right situation comes along.”
Bourne once again stating they are “monitoring the situation” when he’s been made fun of for that comment many times just makes him look foolish and out of touch with the fan base.
well… jmuparent… Trump became President.