Future of UD Football Poll

[Udforever1]

First time doing a poll so hopefully this creates properly. Interested to see the responses. I get the option of going independent is a long shot, but had to include it.

For me, I chose option 4 of other. I truly believe that JMU is the absolute blueprint for moving up to FBS. Their last few years they spent dominating the CAA and consistently going deep in the FCS playoffs. This allowed them to get in some top recruiting classes and head into FBS with momentum. Not having a conference transition year like Sam Houston, Kennesaw, etc where you’re basically punting on the season helped too.

So my other would be to spend the next 2-3 years in FCS, make some deep playoff runs (still don’t see it happening this year though we’re headed in the right direction), announce the facility project, and head to the MAC with momentum with Umass and maybe UConn joining.

[UD '01 grad]

Chose No. 3.

Going in blind shouldn't be under consideration. Ending up in no man's land like some of our former Yankee Conference mates or going back and forth like Idaho would be, IMO, worse than just staying put.

[TexasHen]

There's no reason to languish in the CAA/FCS any longer. I voted for independent ok, but would greatly prefer a conference affiliation.

[Bluewyn Gold]

Prediction: Option 1 is probably not going to be popular.

[HENJOHN]

Good Poll UDF, thanks for doing and getting the wheels turning.

[Udforever1]

Prediction: Option 1 is probably not going to be popular.

Didn’t think it would be, but had to keep it as an option.

[Info Hound]

Yes, forget the independent route.

When asked at the BHTC meeting if JMU could have moved football, but keep their other sports in the CAA, Joey D. said it would be up to a vote of the full membership.

Independent status be a complete mess.

[dchen]

First time doing a poll so hopefully this creates properly. Interested to see the responses. I get the option of going independent is a long shot, but had to include it.

For me, I chose option 4 of other. I truly believe that JMU is the absolute blueprint for moving up to FBS. Their last few years they spent dominating the CAA and consistently going deep in the FCS playoffs. This allowed them to get in some top recruiting classes and head into FBS with momentum. Not having a conference transition year like Sam Houston, Kennesaw, etc where you’re basically punting on the season helped too.

So my other would be to spend the next 2-3 years in FCS, make some deep playoff runs (still don’t see it happening this year though we’re headed in the right direction), announce the facility project, and head to the MAC with momentum with Umass and maybe UConn joining.

[dchen]

First time doing a poll so hopefully this creates properly. Interested to see the responses. I get the option of going independent is a long shot, but had to include it.

For me, I chose option 4 of other. I truly believe that JMU is the absolute blueprint for moving up to FBS. Their last few years they spent dominating the CAA and consistently going deep in the FCS playoffs. This allowed them to get in some top recruiting classes and head into FBS with momentum. Not having a conference transition year like Sam Houston, Kennesaw, etc where you’re basically punting on the season helped too.

So my other would be to spend the next 2-3 years in FCS, make some deep playoff runs (still don’t see it happening this year though we’re headed in the right direction), announce the facility project, and head to the MAC with momentum with Umass and maybe UConn joining.

I'm warming to the MAC idea - some good schools and travel is not crazy. Regarding UConn, I thought that the MAC doesn't want FB only - that's why UMass had to leave its earlier affiliation with the MAC as they didn't want to leave the A10,

[Udforever1]

First time doing a poll so hopefully this creates properly. Interested to see the responses. I get the option of going independent is a long shot, but had to include it.

For me, I chose option 4 of other. I truly believe that JMU is the absolute blueprint for moving up to FBS. Their last few years they spent dominating the CAA and consistently going deep in the FCS playoffs. This allowed them to get in some top recruiting classes and head into FBS with momentum. Not having a conference transition year like Sam Houston, Kennesaw, etc where you’re basically punting on the season helped too.

So my other would be to spend the next 2-3 years in FCS, make some deep playoff runs (still don’t see it happening this year though we’re headed in the right direction), announce the facility project, and head to the MAC with momentum with Umass and maybe UConn joining.

I'm warming to the MAC idea - some good schools and travel is not crazy. Regarding UConn, I thought that the MAC doesn't want FB only - that's why UMass had to leave its earlier affiliation with the MAC as they didn't want to leave the A10,

I was just throwing it out there. I highly doubt the UConn thing happens. I mean in an ideal world I’d love an all eastern conference of say UD, Temple, Charlotte, Navy, Army, Buffalo, Uconn, Umass, & say ECU, but there’s a better chance at me winning the powerball.

[72 Hen]

We are not ready at this time. However, I believe we are exploring the move to FBS. When we are competing for a National Champions in the FCS on a regular basis we will have some choice as to where we will end up. Schools that have made the move were in the FCS championship hunt before they moved. Look no furthere that JMU.

1- I would hate to move up as an indipendent, not playing for a conference title, and just hoping for some minor bowl game. I want to play for something more meaningful.

2- Start the move up by improving our OOC schedule. Stop playing top 20 FBS schools. Start playing schools that have recently moved up themselves. Schools like JMU, ODU, Coastal Carolina, etc... We need to recruit against these type of schools. It might be possible to arrange a 2 for 1 deal.

3- Become a dominate CAA team on a regular basis. I would hope we are at least headed in that direction.

4- Do not go to a conference that plays on Thursday night. Football is a Saturday game.

5- Continue improving the Stadium blueprint. Starting of the next phase lets everyone know that it is our plan to make a move.

Just my two cents.

[Hens79]

Move to FBS ASAP. Any conference will do for now. And if the options are exhausted, be an independent and keep trying to make a conference work. Don’t let the perfect situation be the enemy of doing something with that something being leaving the CAA and FCS behind.

The CAA is horrific now. Saying it is a shadow of its early 2000s self is being generous. This years schedule is an abomination. No one could have imagined anything like this even 10 years ago. But no one could imagine the decade of failure either.

Anyway, formally announce the infrastructure and stadium upgrade and make the FBS move soon. Let’s get on with the inevitable. The goal should be to be in FBS no later than the 2025 season with next year being preferable.

[HENJOHN]

We are not ready at this time. However, I believe we are exploring the move to FBS. When we are competing for a National Champions in the FCS on a regular basis we will have some choice as to where we will end up. Schools that have made the move were in the FCS championship hunt before they moved. Look no furthere that JMU.

1- I would hate to move up as an indipendent, not playing for a conference title, and just hoping for some minor bowl game. I want to play for something more meaningful.

2- Start the move up by improving our OOC schedule. Stop playing top 20 FBS schools. Start playing schools that have recently moved up themselves. Schools like JMU, ODU, Coastal Carolina, etc... We need to recruit against these type of schools. It might be possible to arrange a 2 for 1 deal.

3- Become a dominate CAA team on a regular basis. I would hope we are at least headed in that direction.

4- Do not go to a conference that plays on Thursday night. Football is a Saturday game.

5- Continue improving the Stadium blueprint. Starting of the next phase lets everyone know that it is our plan to make a move.

Just my two cents.

Great points Ron. Excellent Post.

[bluehenbillk]

First time doing a poll so hopefully this creates properly. Interested to see the responses. I get the option of going independent is a long shot, but had to include it.

For me, I chose option 4 of other. I truly believe that JMU is the absolute blueprint for moving up to FBS. Their last few years they spent dominating the CAA and consistently going deep in the FCS playoffs. This allowed them to get in some top recruiting classes and head into FBS with momentum. Not having a conference transition year like Sam Houston, Kennesaw, etc where you’re basically punting on the season helped too.

So my other would be to spend the next 2-3 years in FCS, make some deep playoff runs (still don’t see it happening this year though we’re headed in the right direction), announce the facility project, and head to the MAC with momentum with Umass and maybe UConn joining.

Just so you guys are clear with FBS transition - JMU was already D-1 in every other sport so there is no changes there. However, moving from FCS to FBS requires a 2 year transition period. JMU was not eligible last year or this year for either the SunBelt title (they won the East last year & would've played for the title if allowed) and isn't allowed in a bowl game (unless there are a shortage of 6-6 & better teams which is rare).

Next year, fall of 24, is their first season of "all-in FBS play".

[mpwerrell]

Move to FBS ASAP. Any conference will do for now. And if the options are exhausted, be an independent and keep trying to make a conference work. Don’t let the perfect situation be the enemy of doing something with that something being leaving the CAA and FCS behind.

The CAA is horrific now. Saying it is a shadow of its early 2000s self is being generous. This years schedule is an abomination. No one could have imagined anything like this even 10 years ago. But no one could imagine the decade of failure either.

Anyway, formally announce the infrastructure and stadium upgrade and make the FBS move soon. Let’s get on with the inevitable. The goal should be to be in FBS no later than the 2025 season with next year being preferable.

+1