https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/artic...ampionship

Oh well. Maybe we can as least get to the game.

Hard to argue with anything written in that article. However, what no national writer would have a handle on is just how deep and driven this team is. NDSU is the logical preseason favorite but I feel really good about our chances!

Fair article if you ask me. Highlights NDSU strengths and a big unknown for us. No need to give Soft State any recognition but I'll chalk that up as he wanted to present more than one other contender.

Other stories by the same writer.
Riley Stapleton has quickly emerged as James Madison's go-to receiver ahead of FCS Championship
FCS Championship: Everything you need to know about the James Madison Dukes
How Bryan Schor overcame early disappointment to become national champion at James Madison
6 potential FCS over FBS upsets to watch out for in 2017

From '16 season, correctly identifying the future NC as the scariest team heading into playoffs.
http://Horror matchups: Scariest teams h...S playoffs

If he’s even bothering to list soft Houston state, throw the article in the trash. They were probably the least competitive team ndsu faced the entire postseason. They have no defense.

Thank goodness the title game isn't until 2019 or else we'd be screwed.

Not sure about Elon and Kennesaw State as other title contenders. I like what they are building in their programs, but not sure they have made the leap to "consistent playoff team" let alone "title contender". I would say SDSU and UND might be better dark horse candidates this year.

AssyrianDuke

Would agree with you completely on Elon and Kennesaw. Elon won way too many games last years by the seat of their pants it seems. Kennesaw is a rising team no doubt but I think they need some additional time but who knows. SDSU and Weber State would be higher rated teams I would think.

Go Dukes!!

Brian

(07-10-2018 10:36 AM)ParentofJMUMRDs Wrote:  AssyrianDuke

Would agree with you completely on Elon and Kennesaw. Elon won way too many games last years but the seat of their pants it seems. Kennesaw is a rising team no doubt but I think they need some additional time but who knows. SDSU and Weber State would be higher rated teams I would think.

Go Dukes!!

Brian

Agree with Weber State. They lost Cantwell, but they certainly aren't short of skill players.
Between Weber State and Kennesaw State, I'd rather face Kennesaw.

more fuel for Coach Houston's fire. good.

(07-10-2018 11:42 AM)JMad03 Wrote:  

(07-10-2018 10:36 AM)ParentofJMUMRDs Wrote:  AssyrianDuke

Would agree with you completely on Elon and Kennesaw. Elon won way too many games last years but the seat of their pants it seems. Kennesaw is a rising team no doubt but I think they need some additional time but who knows. SDSU and Weber State would be higher rated teams I would think.

Go Dukes!!

Brian

Agree with Weber State. They lost Cantwell, but they certainly aren't short of skill players.
Between Weber State and Kennesaw State, I'd rather face Kennesaw.

I wouldn't. KSU had only 2 starting seniors last year in their 3rd year of football, finishing 12-2, and should be significantly better than last years quarterfinal team. They remind me of another team from GA that won the I-AA NC running the triple option in their 4th year of existence. Well find out soon enough on KSU, as they:
-open @ GST.
-Face Samford (likely pre season pick to win Socon). KSU lost to them opener last year, beat in playoffs.
-End vs JSU (beat last year playoffs)

Plus JMU hasn't faced that damn triple option since 2009? with VMI or a good team that ran it since 2008? versus Wofford in the round of 16? Likely to lose some defensive players to injuries with all the cut blocking. I know MH used to coach it, but it wouldn't be easy to get a defense that's never faced it prepared on a week's or less notice. After a bye week wouldn't be as concerned.

As I recall Weber listed about 8 starting seniors vs JMU, besides the QB Cantwell, lost their best player (4th round draft pick corner).. Of course they'll have 21-22 year old freshman coming off their missions, so who knows. I think they'll be playoffs, but won't be as good as being the 3rd best team in the country that they were last year.

Somewhat related note, article today:
15 Must-See Matchups in 2018 FCS College Football
https://athlonsports.com/node/116499