Guest Post: JMU Football Has Found Its Way

Reader jmuparent came closest to predicting the winner and score week 1 and earned the right to guest post. Here’s his take on the season thus far. 

The year was 1957.  At the family dinner table, a 150-pound ninth-grader announced to his Mom that he was planning to try out for his High School’s Football Team.  After choking on her slice of homemade meatloaf, his Mom replied: “ I will not, and your Father will not, sign a permission slip for you to play football … that sport is much too dangerous! “

In an instant, my athletic future was relegated to soccer (in the Fall), recreational basketball (in the Winter), and baseball  (in the Spring).  Nevertheless, my interest in all things Football never wavered.  In my college days, I would walk a few blocks from my dorm room to watch Johnny Unitas lead the Colts to victory.

Since our daughter matriculated in 2013, this is our 4th season of JMU Football.  Although we live some 6-hours away from Harrisonburg, we have managed to attend an average of 3 home games per season… and we watch as many of the others as possible.  We also enjoy reading the Blogs and following the various ranking websites.

With all the changes in the coaching staff, the controversy about FCS vs. FBS, the COA matter, and the discussion about our outstanding facilities, the fact remains that JMU Football is exciting and a joy to watch.  Luckily, this year’s program appears to have ‘found its way’.  

Coach Houston does not appear to be obsessed with his own future. He seems at ease with, and genuinely concerned about, the press and his players.  He is working hard to implant the idea of ‘giving it your all’ on every down and in every situation.  While the final score of the MSU game was lopsided and huge, it clearly represents a reflection of this philosophy.  Today’s game against CCSU also, in spite of all the second-half penalties, solidified his vision.

The ‘real season’ has yet to begin and, barring any key injuries, should be a good one.  The roster is full of solid, quality players.  If they continue to work together, they can achieve great things.  I, for one, can not wait for the ‘real season’ to begin …
GO DUUUKKKKEEEEESSSSSSS !!