FB at No. 24 JMU, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+

[311neers]

I am realizing where a lot of the heat on Loggains is coming. People are quickly turning on him not wanting to give him a full chance for one reason. He is not cowing down to donors by giving them special treatment and opening practices up to everyone. People need to get over their egos and wait to see how next year goes before starting to turn. I am realizing we have some donors and circle of excellence members who are acting like teenagers and really need to grow up. If we have people simply giving to have influence and not because they want to support our athletes and the school that gave them so much then maybe those particular folks need to just stop giving.

I don't like our results right now but I also know what Loggains was taking over and think we need to give him a fair chance.

This is a ridiculous take. People, whether in the circle of excellence or not are justifiably mad at the terrible product DLO is putting on the field. And his smug indifference isn’t helping. He’s the head guy. He came in slinging snake oil. And while no one was expecting 9-3 this season, we were expecting improvements. That’s what we hired him for, despite no head coaching experience . But instead we’ve seen the worst App team most of us have ever seen. We have regressed mightily and while many were understanding there would be bumps Along the way, no one was ok with him driving this team completely off the cliff, which he has. Can he turn it around? Hopefully. But right now he looks completely out of his depth and make no mistake, App fans are not goin to be ok with watching this program circle the drain while we give a first time coach multiple years to learn how to be a head coach.

This is seriously not the worst team we have ever had. I have seen worse. I admit I am disappointed if we don't make a bowl game but I knew that it would take 2-3 years so I am not going to jump on the bandwagon of those wanting him run out of town. Many other coaches have looked out of their depth and just saw and they turn it around. My whole point is that we need to see how 2026 looks.

For the record, there were other coaches I wanted over Loggains but I also believe we need to show a little patience. Also, Gillin is not going to just fire him in a couple weeks either. There is the financial aspect to consider. Unless you we have the money to pay the buyout we are just wasting our breathe sitting behind a keyboard asking for a coaching change.

1. When were we worse?
2. What is one area of the game that we are good at?
3. What is one area of the game that we have improved over the last few weeks?

Word is that many of the students are not hanging around for this weekend's game. They are actually selling student guest tickets for the first time this year?

Would love to see the answer to those three questions.

Special teams has been excellent. All around.
Defensive tackles.

That’s about it.

[Saint3333]

Pressure can create amazing results or crush you. DL understands the pressure to perform this offseason. He's our mountaineer for 2026 and I'm pulling for him.

Beat Marshall and give us a chance to believe!

[Stonewall]

In 1977 we were the prohibitive favorite to win the conference and head to the Tangerine Bowl. We finished 2-9. That was one cold winter. My vote for a worse team. D Lo has another season. No Bowl in 2026 and he will be gone short of perhaps winning the last five in a row.

[fjblair]

Coach gets at least one more year, and I think he deserves at least one more season. I didn't expect much this season and my expectations were exceeded. But I'm not willing to burn it down because "something needs to be done". Also our level of talent on the field has been falling for a while now, and I wonder if we'll ever get back to the level we grew accustomed to, but we need to see what this coach can do with recruiting and development.

[t4pizza]

Horrible season for sure. Way too many key injuries, transfers and outright dismissals from the team. Someone please show more than one example of a peer school who has a first year coach and has a mixed bag roster full of portal players. Please do not include Southern Miss as they are full of former Marshall guys who followed a good coach.

How many App players on the current 2 deep were actually signed out of high school? How many came to Boone via the Portal and of those how many actually played significant snaps at their respective previous school? Also how many players who were on the opening week 2 deep are injured or have been kicked off the team?

The complete ineptness last week was absolutely shocking no matter what our situation is and quite frankly that picture of the coach with his son and the presumed GM was a terrible look. The constant knee jerk reaction here is to fire which gets completely worn out. We obviously don’t have the money to just pay buyouts and this new world of “college athletics” is what it is.

Go back through the thread, I gave 5 examples in the past few years in the Sun Belt only. It can and has been done, you just need the right hire and we clearly whiffed at that.

[Bootsy]

Pressure can create amazing results or crush you. DL understands the pressure to perform this offseason. He's our mountaineer for 2026 and I'm pulling for him.

Beat Marshall and give us a chance to believe!

Great take, Saint; all of us want App to show some signs of life and end the season on a high note.

Apart from the low quality performance over most of the season, is it safe to say that we'd also like to see some signs of life from our HC? Is that too much to ask?

And please don't give me the "he isn't an emotional guy" line. I would ask you to go back and watch interviews, press conferences, etc. when he got hired and before the season started. Contrast them with what we see postgame/mid-week from DL now. Spot any differences?

BTW, can we agree to dispense with the "NFL HC's don't show much emotion" narrative? Not sure how it got started, but it's total BS (examples: Tomlin, Campbell, Chucky, Harbaugh, JJ, Mora, Green, Ditka, Coughlin, Ryan (Rex & Buddy), Carroll, and many others).

<"Something to Believe In" by Poison is heard playing in the background>

[bcoach]

I am going to try and leave it here and move on. In looking at how we got here it is not Shawn or Loggains who hired two coaches in a row with no HC experience.

[AppWyo]

When it comes right down to it, JMU and Appalachian have played the most games against each other. 20, compared to Georgia Southern 10. In the Sun Belt, App has the most history with JMU. That is why people lose their minds when this game is played. We are the closest thing JMU has to a rivalry in the Sun Belt.

[Saint3333]

There's some errors in that post, but I believe the point is App is JMU's biggest rival.

App has played GS 40 times, JMU - 20 times. JMU has played GS 12 times.

https://www.winsipedia.com/appalachian- ... a-southern

[AppWyo]

When it comes right down to it, JMU and Appalachian have played the most games against each other. 20, compared to Georgia Southern 10. In the Sun Belt, App has the most history with JMU. That is why people lose their minds when this game is played. We are the closest thing JMU has to a rivalry in the Sun Belt.

Let me splain it to you. Appalachian has played the most games with teams in the Sun Belt against Georgia Southern then Marshall then James Madison. What was said above is JMU has played more games against Appalachian of all the teams in the Sun Belt. That would make Appalachian their biggest rival in the Sun Belt. Appalachian on the other hand would place them third if not fourth considering our current history with Coastal.

[bcoach]

There's some errors in that post, but I believe the point is App is JMU's biggest rival.

App has played GS 40 times, JMU - 20 times. JMU has played GS 12 times.

https://www.winsipedia.com/appalachian- ... a-southern

You beat me to it. Now the other question. Is JMU our biggest rival. Not to me, but how about the rest of you.

[AppWyo]

There's some errors in that post, but I believe the point is App is JMU's biggest rival.

App has played GS 40 times, JMU - 20 times. JMU has played GS 12 times.

https://www.winsipedia.com/appalachian- ... a-southern

You beat me to it. Now the other question. Is JMU our biggest rival. Not to me, but how about the rest of you.

Georgia Southern is our biggest rival both historically and currently. Followed by Marshall, historically, and JMU currently. Although Coastal just plain gets on my nerves something fierce. Georgia State and ODU are in the same division as Appalachian currently.

[WASU 93]

Pressure can create amazing results or crush you. DL understands the pressure to perform this offseason. He's our mountaineer for 2026 and I'm pulling for him.

Beat Marshall and give us a chance to believe!

From a football perspective, I want nothing more than for our team to beat Marshall and then beat Arky State in a win and you’re in showdown next week. That would be a big boost for our program.

I thought we’d beat Coastal. I thought we would come out with some new wrinkles against GaSo. I’d love to see us play free and loose tomorrow and make it a big day celebrating the 2005 squad (which played with injuries and had their backs to the wall more than once)

[JTApps1]

I am realizing where a lot of the heat on Loggains is coming. People are quickly turning on him not wanting to give him a full chance for one reason. He is not cowing down to donors by giving them special treatment and opening practices up to everyone. People need to get over their egos and wait to see how next year goes before starting to turn. I am realizing we have some donors and circle of excellence members who are acting like teenagers and really need to grow up. If we have people simply giving to have influence and not because they want to support our athletes and the school that gave them so much then maybe those particular folks need to just stop giving.

I don't like our results right now but I also know what Loggains was taking over and think we need to give him a fair chance.

This is a ridiculous take. People, whether in the circle of excellence or not are justifiably mad at the terrible product DLO is putting on the field. And his smug indifference isn’t helping. He’s the head guy. He came in slinging snake oil. And while no one was expecting 9-3 this season, we were expecting improvements. That’s what we hired him for, despite no head coaching experience . But instead we’ve seen the worst App team most of us have ever seen. We have regressed mightily and while many were understanding there would be bumps Along the way, no one was ok with him driving this team completely off the cliff, which he has. Can he turn it around? Hopefully. But right now he looks completely out of his depth and make no mistake, App fans are not goin to be ok with watching this program circle the drain while we give a first time coach multiple years to learn how to be a head coach.

This is seriously not the worst team we have ever had. I have seen worse. I admit I am disappointed if we don't make a bowl game but I knew that it would take 2-3 years so I am not going to jump on the bandwagon of those wanting him run out of town. Many other coaches have looked out of their depth and just saw and they turn it around. My whole point is that we need to see how 2026 looks.

For the record, there were other coaches I wanted over Loggains but I also believe we need to show a little patience. Also, Gillin is not going to just fire him in a couple weeks either. There is the financial aspect to consider. Unless you we have the money to pay the buyout we are just wasting our breathe sitting behind a keyboard asking for a coaching change.

If we don’t return to .500 in three years I.e. a bowl game, our attendance drop will be staggering. I also think App has worked too hard to establish itself to give some dude multiple years to figure out if he can do this. And the “why don’t you pony up the buy out” is such a dumb response. We are all behind a keyboard talking about how bad the team is playing and what can be done to correct it. Drink was a smug dude but he won a bunch of games. Maybe DLO needs to humble himself a bit and admit his “the big boys are here now” mantra might not be working

I would say 6 wins and a bowl in 2026 is the bare minimum for him to be here come 2027. We have Maine and UNCC at home in OOC play so winning those plus .500 in the league should be a must. Beating ECU and NCSU seem like a stretch at this moment. Although, we'll have a shot at State if Dave is somehow back again.

[AppStFan1]

This is a ridiculous take. People, whether in the circle of excellence or not are justifiably mad at the terrible product DLO is putting on the field. And his smug indifference isn’t helping. He’s the head guy. He came in slinging snake oil. And while no one was expecting 9-3 this season, we were expecting improvements. That’s what we hired him for, despite no head coaching experience . But instead we’ve seen the worst App team most of us have ever seen. We have regressed mightily and while many were understanding there would be bumps Along the way, no one was ok with him driving this team completely off the cliff, which he has. Can he turn it around? Hopefully. But right now he looks completely out of his depth and make no mistake, App fans are not goin to be ok with watching this program circle the drain while we give a first time coach multiple years to learn how to be a head coach.

This is seriously not the worst team we have ever had. I have seen worse. I admit I am disappointed if we don't make a bowl game but I knew that it would take 2-3 years so I am not going to jump on the bandwagon of those wanting him run out of town. Many other coaches have looked out of their depth and just saw and they turn it around. My whole point is that we need to see how 2026 looks.

For the record, there were other coaches I wanted over Loggains but I also believe we need to show a little patience. Also, Gillin is not going to just fire him in a couple weeks either. There is the financial aspect to consider. Unless you we have the money to pay the buyout we are just wasting our breathe sitting behind a keyboard asking for a coaching change.

If the COE ain’t happy, they need to pony up the buyout or get over it.

Exactly. People can vent frustrations but calling for someone’s job and not being able to pony up the money is a waste of time. Either give the money or relax and let it play out.

You literally called for his job in an earlier post. Not this year, but if things didn’t turn around. Whether it’s this year, next year or five years from now, it doesn’t matter. The same sentiment applies. Chastising others for something that you have done yourself is poor form.

I did not chastise for same thing. I am talking about people who want him gone now. If we are 3-9 next year then it is fair to have that convo but I still want Gillin to be measured in how he handles this. You don't want to have the rep of turning on your coaches too fast because word will get out and will hurt us with other coaches. The buyout also has to be considered.

I know we have folks who want Loggains gone because they miss access to the building 24/7 and practice access but that does not matter. I just want Loggains to have the tools he needs to succeed. I have never said he will pan out but that we simply need to give him a chance. One thing I know he is doing correct is trying to sign bigger high school classes. I think we have a lot of fans who don't realize how of shape our previous recruiting folks left us. Supposedly we have returners who have not really bought in so I am sure we will see some roster turnover again.

[AppSt94]

This is seriously not the worst team we have ever had. I have seen worse. I admit I am disappointed if we don't make a bowl game but I knew that it would take 2-3 years so I am not going to jump on the bandwagon of those wanting him run out of town. Many other coaches have looked out of their depth and just saw and they turn it around. My whole point is that we need to see how 2026 looks.

For the record, there were other coaches I wanted over Loggains but I also believe we need to show a little patience. Also, Gillin is not going to just fire him in a couple weeks either. There is the financial aspect to consider. Unless you we have the money to pay the buyout we are just wasting our breathe sitting behind a keyboard asking for a coaching change.

If the COE ain’t happy, they need to pony up the buyout or get over it.

Exactly. People can vent frustrations but calling for someone’s job and not being able to pony up the money is a waste of time. Either give the money or relax and let it play out.

You literally called for his job in an earlier post. Not this year, but if things didn’t turn around. Whether it’s this year, next year or five years from now, it doesn’t matter. The same sentiment applies. Chastising others for something that you have done yourself is poor form.

I did not chastise for same thing. I am talking about people who want him gone now. If we are 3-9 next year then it is fair to have that convo but I still want Gillin to be measured in how he handles this. You don't want to have the rep of turning on your coaches too fast because word will get out and will hurt us with other coaches. The buyout also has to be considered.

I know we have folks who want Loggains gone because they miss access to the building 24/7 and practice access but that does not matter. I just want Loggains to have the tools he needs to succeed. I have never said he will pan out but that we simply need to give him a chance. One thing I know he is doing correct is trying to sign bigger high school classes. I think we have a lot of fans who don't realize how of shape our previous recruiting folks left us. Supposedly we have returners who have not really bought in so I am sure we will see some roster turnover again.

Folks in the CoE don’t need Loggain’s permission or approval for access. What tools does Loggains not have to be successful? I told you this before when you were gushing over this hire like a school girl. Well actually you were gushing over the firing because you wanted new blood. This change was a change. That’s all it is at this point. The same problems exist today that existed last year. The difference is the people are different. He is getting a chance so I don’t know why you are beating that drum. He looks lost as a head coach and his lack of engagement with the fanbase gives the feeling of someone that doesn’t want to be here. We will see what he does in the offseason.

[Cro-Magnon App]

He may look lost and he may be lost but you can’t fire a coach after one year.
Most hated rival: Georgia Southern, a pitiful place.
And also, as always, s€r€# Furman.

[Pikapp79]

If the COE ain’t happy, they need to pony up the buyout or get over it.

Exactly. People can vent frustrations but calling for someone’s job and not being able to pony up the money is a waste of time. Either give the money or relax and let it play out.

You literally called for his job in an earlier post. Not this year, but if things didn’t turn around. Whether it’s this year, next year or five years from now, it doesn’t matter. The same sentiment applies. Chastising others for something that you have done yourself is poor form.

I did not chastise for same thing. I am talking about people who want him gone now. If we are 3-9 next year then it is fair to have that convo but I still want Gillin to be measured in how he handles this. You don't want to have the rep of turning on your coaches too fast because word will get out and will hurt us with other coaches. The buyout also has to be considered.

I know we have folks who want Loggains gone because they miss access to the building 24/7 and practice access but that does not matter. I just want Loggains to have the tools he needs to succeed. I have never said he will pan out but that we simply need to give him a chance. One thing I know he is doing correct is trying to sign bigger high school classes. I think we have a lot of fans who don't realize how of shape our previous recruiting folks left us. Supposedly we have returners who have not really bought in so I am sure we will see some roster turnover again.

Folks in the CoE don’t need Loggain’s permission or approval for access. What tools does Loggains not have to be successful? I told you this before when you were gushing over this hire like a school girl. Well actually you were gushing over the firing because you wanted new blood. This change was a change. That’s all it is at this point. The same problems exist today that existed last year. The difference is the people are different. He is getting a chance so I don’t know why you are beating that drum. He looks lost as a head coach and his lack of engagement with the fanbase gives the feeling of someone that doesn’t want to be here. We will see what he does in the offseason.

We are in the current position due to waiting too long to make a change. Not saying Loggians is the answer but he is behind the 8 ball based on legacy decision to hang on.

[AppStFan1]

If the COE ain’t happy, they need to pony up the buyout or get over it.

Exactly. People can vent frustrations but calling for someone’s job and not being able to pony up the money is a waste of time. Either give the money or relax and let it play out.

You literally called for his job in an earlier post. Not this year, but if things didn’t turn around. Whether it’s this year, next year or five years from now, it doesn’t matter. The same sentiment applies. Chastising others for something that you have done yourself is poor form.

I did not chastise for same thing. I am talking about people who want him gone now. If we are 3-9 next year then it is fair to have that convo but I still want Gillin to be measured in how he handles this. You don't want to have the rep of turning on your coaches too fast because word will get out and will hurt us with other coaches. The buyout also has to be considered.

I know we have folks who want Loggains gone because they miss access to the building 24/7 and practice access but that does not matter. I just want Loggains to have the tools he needs to succeed. I have never said he will pan out but that we simply need to give him a chance. One thing I know he is doing correct is trying to sign bigger high school classes. I think we have a lot of fans who don't realize how of shape our previous recruiting folks left us. Supposedly we have returners who have not really bought in so I am sure we will see some roster turnover again.

Folks in the CoE don’t need Loggain’s permission or approval for access. What tools does Loggains not have to be successful? I told you this before when you were gushing over this hire like a school girl. Well actually you were gushing over the firing because you wanted new blood. This change was a change. That’s all it is at this point. The same problems exist today that existed last year. The difference is the people are different. He is getting a chance so I don’t know why you are beating that drum. He looks lost as a head coach and his lack of engagement with the fanbase gives the feeling of someone that doesn’t want to be here. We will see what he does in the offseason.

I have heard that some folks are upset that they are not getting the access they want. There are folks who use to be able to go to every practice who are being limited heavily and don't like it. I never said he does not have tools. I just said I want him to be given the tools to give him a fair chance. Time is among one of the tools you need to make changes.

I have found him engaging when I was around him. If you want to talk to him he is very nice. What exactly is he doing that makes you say he is lacking fan engagement?

[AppSt94]

Exactly. People can vent frustrations but calling for someone’s job and not being able to pony up the money is a waste of time. Either give the money or relax and let it play out.

You literally called for his job in an earlier post. Not this year, but if things didn’t turn around. Whether it’s this year, next year or five years from now, it doesn’t matter. The same sentiment applies. Chastising others for something that you have done yourself is poor form.

I did not chastise for same thing. I am talking about people who want him gone now. If we are 3-9 next year then it is fair to have that convo but I still want Gillin to be measured in how he handles this. You don't want to have the rep of turning on your coaches too fast because word will get out and will hurt us with other coaches. The buyout also has to be considered.

I know we have folks who want Loggains gone because they miss access to the building 24/7 and practice access but that does not matter. I just want Loggains to have the tools he needs to succeed. I have never said he will pan out but that we simply need to give him a chance. One thing I know he is doing correct is trying to sign bigger high school classes. I think we have a lot of fans who don't realize how of shape our previous recruiting folks left us. Supposedly we have returners who have not really bought in so I am sure we will see some roster turnover again.

Folks in the CoE don’t need Loggain’s permission or approval for access. What tools does Loggains not have to be successful? I told you this before when you were gushing over this hire like a school girl. Well actually you were gushing over the firing because you wanted new blood. This change was a change. That’s all it is at this point. The same problems exist today that existed last year. The difference is the people are different. He is getting a chance so I don’t know why you are beating that drum. He looks lost as a head coach and his lack of engagement with the fanbase gives the feeling of someone that doesn’t want to be here. We will see what he does in the offseason.

I have heard that some folks are upset that they are not getting the access they want. There are folks who use to be able to go to every practice who are being limited heavily and don't like it. I never said he does not have tools. I just said I want him to be given the tools to give him a fair chance. Time is among one of the tools you need to make changes.

I have found him engaging when I was around him. If you want to talk to him he is very nice. What exactly is he doing that makes you say he is lacking fan engagement?

Some folks is not everyone or the majority. If someone is upset with him because they don’t get the same access then that’s a them problem. But that isn’t the reason that the folks that I’m around aren’t happy.

He is a very personable fellow but that doesn’t mean that he is genuine. Folks have told me that he doesn’t try and engage with the crowd that shows up to Mountaineer Talk. My firsthand example is last year at the Yosef Club tour stop in Hickory. He showed up, spoke and then went and sat in the corner with his entourage instead of getting to know the fanbase. He showed up at the golf tournament last summer and didn’t make much of an effort to talk to those that paid good money to support his program. Just my observation. And I’ve spoken with him several times and yes he engages, He just doesn’t seem interested in making connections.