Realistically, what's the probability JMU is granted an exception for their eligibility?

Would I be mad at them making a bowl game? No.

Do I think it's right to rank them with 2 weeks left in the regular season in the CFP rankings, possibly ahead of Tulane and Liberty (Should they crack it this week)? No.

Do I think the Sun Belt would be pulling a Big Ten, by making an exception this late in the season, and would be complete b.s.? Absolutely

I know other threads have been started about this, but realistically from a % standpoint, what chance do you think anything changes this late?

/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09 wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 13, 2023 2:52 pm

Realistically, what's the probability JMU is granted an exception for their eligibility?

Would I be mad at them making a bowl game? No.

Do I think it's right to rank them with 2 weeks left in the regular season in the CFP rankings, possibly ahead of Tulane and Liberty (Should they crack it this week)? No.

Do I think the Sun Belt would be pulling a Big Ten, by making an exception this late in the season, and would be complete b.s.? Absolutely

I know other threads have been started about this, but realistically from a % standpoint, what chance do you think anything changes this late?

The rumor is the NCAA is going to deny them. I think they should due to the rest of us having to deal with it and JMU agreeing to it but I have always thought the rule was dumb.

GS and App both got denied and believe there was a bowl team with a losing record that year. So yes, deny them.

Not only were App and Georgia Southern denied in 2014, but UTSA (2012) and Old Dominion (2014) also achieved 6+ wins in their second FBS transition years and were denied post-season play. Granting JMU a waiver is neither consistent with precedent, nor would it be fair to App and Coastal this year — the two teams most likely to win the Sun Belt East. You can't change rules mid-season just because a program is having a successful year.

More to the point: I hear no one demanding a waiver on behalf of Jacksonville State, who, if they win out, will be #2 in Conference USA. Zero consistency among the JMU keyboard warriors demanding special treatment.

In 2014, there were 81 bowl-eligible teams for 76 spots.

This year, there are currently 63 bowl eligible teams right now for 82 spots. There are 22 teams a win away, but it's unlikely 19 of them win one of two games, and some of them play each other.

o% chance they are in the CFP.
50% they get a bowl to fill a slot due to not enough eligible teams.

A big old fat 'L' this weekend will settle this down a bit.

It's a dumb rule and should go away (after the season). Are they really good and deserving? Absolutely. But it's a rule. If they were 8-2 with 2 conference losses would there be the same uproar? Doubt it. As mentioned above- hand them the big L Saturday and shut them the hell up.

T-Dog wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 13, 2023 3:54 pm

In 2014, there were 81 bowl-eligible teams for 76 spots.

This year, there are currently 63 bowl eligible teams right now for 82 spots. There are 22 teams a win away, but it's unlikely 19 of them win one of two games, and some of them play each other.

Where does JMU fall in the order though? Aren't there already things established for 5 win teams to get in when not enough are eligible? Does JMU jump them?

JMU would be ahead of teams with 5 bowl-counting wins, yes.

One of the main reasons this rule was put in place, was because of Marshall’s rise to the top quickly.

Teams were allowed transfers without 1 year ineligibility, because of the extra scholarships from 1-AA-1-A

Now, with the transfer portal that has been eliminated. It’s just silly now.

They can't make an exception without opening that door to all others going forward and those in past that missed out. Only exception should be if there aren't enough bowl eligible teams. Not sure where that stands right now but it looks like just in the Sunbelt there are a record bowl eligible teams already. Not even sure a 6-6 Sunbelt will go bowling if there are too many eligible. That alone would keep JMU out.

Follow the rules once the athletic year has begun , change them or don't after the year , effective the next one.

In a scenario where Coastal beats us out for the CCG but JMU has a better record than them, I hope the exception is granted.

Stonewall wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 13, 2023 9:08 pm

Follow the rules once the athletic year has begun , change them or don't after the year , effective the next one.

I feel the same way. I do think they should change the rule after the 2023-24 athletic year but don't change it in the middle now. I don't think the rule should be changed now just because JMU is winning.

Did we appeal the ruling as much as JMU has?

Or "whinning" .I don't recall us conducting a campaign.

If there are not enough bowl eligable teams it is not a case to let JMU play. It is a case there are just too many bowls.

FYI, a ruling on JMU and Jacksonville State's bowl eligibility waivers is expected today, Wednesday, Nov. 15.

Reports coming in that the waiver request was denied.

“Rejected” per Pete Thamel