{"id":6208,"date":"2013-11-11T12:20:59","date_gmt":"2013-11-11T17:20:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=6208"},"modified":"2013-11-11T12:20:59","modified_gmt":"2013-11-11T17:20:59","slug":"the-end-of-an-era","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=6208","title":{"rendered":"The End of An Era?"},"content":{"rendered":"

JMU fell 33-17 at New Hampshire in another sluggish, uninspired performance marred by hideous gameplanning, clock management, and immature behavior towards officials that has become more than a trend on the road this year. \u00a0All you need to know about how bad this one was is that DaeQuan Scott had more yards passing than rushing. \u00a0The Dukes are now 6-0 at home and 0-4 on the road and almost eliminated from playoff contention. \u00a0To be clear, there will very likely be 8-4 teams that qualify for the field (and maybe even a 7-4 or 7-5 team), but the Dukes are likely too far back in the CAA to justify their inclusion even assuming they can win out. We will of course keep rootin’ the next two weeks and should a miracle occur, we’ll be happy to witness it, and I’m sure by the end of this week we’ll be back to telling you how to scoreboard watch in the Dukes favor the next two weeks, but today we’re not going to talk about the ill-fated trip to New Hampshire or the rest of this season.<\/p>\n

Instead, we’re going to take a step back, look at the big picture, and hopefully encourage some measured thinking and reactions from the little corner of JMU Nation we reach as the season winds down and big changes loom on the horizon for the football program. \u00a0Here’s the story: Mickey Matthews has been at JMU well over a decade, through a few contract extensions, and next year is the last year of his deal. \u00a0JMU is likely switching conferences next spring and would be transitioning to FBS over the next two seasons. \u00a0Those seasons, especially the first (in 2014) are likely to be rough. The schedule may be a bit haphazard (i.e. whoever we can find to play) next season if ODU this year is any indication and with a strong possibility of no postseason on the line (no FBS bowl-eligibility during transition and no FCS playoff-eligibility due to increased scholarships) it’s going to take some hardcore players and fans to produce a memorable year next year. \u00a0It can be done and the potential excitement and expectation over the move will certainly help enthusiasm among the masses, but it’s still going to be an odd period.<\/p>\n

Even if we strip away all the personal reasons expressed by some here at JMUSB and the tactical, on-field issues cited by more rationale fans, it’s still seems it’s time for a change. \u00a0To be honest, Mickey has never expressed much enthusiasm for a move to FBS, but we were kind of hoping he’d pull one more good season off this year and be the one to weather the transitional storm (We were also hoping he’d pull it off because as fans we would have loved one more playoff run). \u00a0One thing’s for sure: Given the insane expectations of certain quarters of the JMU fanbase, we would be concerned for a new coach to have to suffer through what are likely to be a few lean years no matter what (see Brady, Matt in the aftermath of the Dean Keener\/Sherm Dillard era). \u00a0That said, we’d think the administration and smart supporters would grasp the transitional difficulties and be patient assuming we see improvements in things like a) a modern offense (yes, you can read into this our lack of support for Mike O’Cain if you want to), b) no embarrassing on-field antics, and c) at least the appearance of offseason discipline amongst players.<\/p>\n

One other fact we should point out is JMU’s utter distaste historically for buying out coaches before the end of their deals and their idiotic willingness to engage in the bad business of letting coaches work in lame-duck status. \u00a0There are some respected voices in the JMU community who think MM is here next year no matter what based on the unwillingness to pay a buy-out. \u00a0We have ZERO knowledge where the Alger administration would come down on buying out MM, but we do know that this cost will be dwarfed by the other costs of moving up and it seems to just make sense that if you’re not sold on MM long-term, are very disappointed in him short-term, and are embarking on one of the most important steps in the history of JMU Athletics, it might be a good time for some new blood.<\/p>\n

We could dive into the details of this decision forever, but that’s the basic framework through which we’d encourage you to view the MM situation as you discuss it at your tailgate against Stony Brook, at Towson, or at hoops games over the next few weeks. \u00a0In essence it comes down to this: It’s time for a change, but don’t discount or disparage what the Mickey era has brought us as you advocate for that change.<\/strong> \u00a0Lastly, and most importantly, despite our position that barring a miracle run (e.g. win out, make playoffs, win two games)\u00a0it’s time for a change, and despite the fact even MM would credit much of the following to great players and good fortune PLEASE please please take a step back and consider the following before you use that pitchfork:<\/p>\n

Those of us who graduated before 2004 could never have dreamed of the way we spent a glorious Homecoming afternoon last weekend. \u00a0And the fact we get to do it again this weekend is even more incredible. \u00a0That was less than 10 years ago. \u00a0If you graduated after 2004, we’re not saying you’re wrong that it’s time for a change, we’re just saying you need to listen to those who remember (or really, don’t remember) what JMU football was before.<\/p>\n

7% is a horrendous percentage for alumni giving, but I seriously wonder if myself and many others would even be a part of that number without what the re-engagement with JMU that the Mickey era has brought us. \u00a0And a lot of us definitely wouldn’t remember the words to the fight song.<\/p>\n

We all care enough to write blogs, post on message boards, read blogs, comment on them, go to viewing parties, and threaten to injure offensive coordinators. \u00a0Seriously, just stop and think about that. \u00a0Does it even matter nearly as much to your friends that went to another non-BCS school? Or even a lot of BCS schools for that matter (we’re looking at you UVA).<\/p>\n

Streamers, Start Wearing Purple, Chattanooga, App. St., Scotty, Rodney, Moats, Jordan, Watford, Caussin, Rascati, Stephon, LeZotte.<\/p>\n

And of course:<\/p>\n

\"JMU_Stadium\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n