I think the way the rule works is that you can plan 27 games + up to 4 from an exempt tournament or 29 games with no exempt tournament. JMU opted for the later this year. 11 OOC (1 D3) and 18 Conference games. In years past those exempt tournaments have been a mixed bag- last year Oakland for example. If you can't get in a good one I can see not playing in one.

I give Rowe a C- on scheduling thus far- it hasn't been where it needs to be. On the plus side anytime you can get UVA on the schedule that's a very good thing. UVA is the defending champion and will be ranked again so that's big improvement from last year. I agree that JMU should play 2 Power teams per OOC. I like that Rowe has prioritized some of the regional games (ODU, Mason, ECU, Charlotte etc.). Since Richmond has obviously gone another direction would love to see JMU start a series with either Va Tech or VCU next season. If you have that plus UVA ODU and Mason that's a pretty solid OOC schedule.