I'm still a little ticked at the selection committee. But I now realize I'm mostly ticked because the bracket made it clear how much we let slip through our fingers Saturday -- (1) a bye week; (2) probably an easier second round opponent; (3) definitely an easier quarterfinal opponent; (4) home games in the 2nd round and quarterfinals. If JMU got the 5 seed as a co-champ, I think the predictions that we were a top four seed if we won on Saturday were correct. I'm confident our team will bounce back. But that loss on Saturday made the path to a deep run a LOT more difficult.

Our 2nd round opponent would have been Richmond, with they regionalization they've gone to we were almost definitely going to meet up in the 2nd round.

Here's an interesting possibility, and I'll preface it by saying there are a lot of ifs, but not out of the realm of possibility. If we win this Saturday and then continue the revenge tour at Richmond, we are on to the quarter finals. The winner of Western Illinois and Dayton will face Illinois State; I'm fairly confident Western Illinois will win for an MVFC 2nd round match up. If Western Illinois can pull off the upset (and it's possible, won't be easy, but possible) we would face them in the quarterfinals. Neither of us would be seeded, and based on the face that Dayton is hosting their opening 1st round game, WIU either did not bid because they didn't think they'd get in, OR they bid lower than Dayton. Either way, I think there's a very good chance we wind up hosting that game. Again, a lot of ifs to get to that point, but certainly an interesting possibility.

(11-23-2015 12:10 PM)hktribefan Wrote:  Our 2nd round opponent would have been Richmond, with they regionalization they've gone to we were almost definitely going to meet up in the 2nd round.

I think had we won on Saturday, that JMU and Richmond likely would have gotten each other in the 2nd round.

And regardless, we still lost a much-needed bye (remember that in this year's schedule we got our bye in week 2) and hosting at least that 2nd round game.

(11-23-2015 01:14 PM)wrnbldg Wrote:  

(11-23-2015 12:10 PM)hktribefan Wrote:  Our 2nd round opponent would have been Richmond, with they regionalization they've gone to we were almost definitely going to meet up in the 2nd round.

I think had we won on Saturday, that JMU and Richmond likely would have gotten each other in the 2nd round.

And regardless, we still lost a much-needed bye (remember that in this year's schedule we got our bye in week 2) and hosting at least that 2nd round game.

I didn't realize until checking the box score, but JMU only scored 2 offensive TDs Saturday and were outgained by 150 yards. And VU had over 300 yds rushing. VU was down 24-21 and in the JMU red zone with 3 mins left and fumbled and JMU returned it for a TD. I think Richmond and W&M are both better than JMU as our head-to-head with them shows. JMU losing Vad Lee was a huge loss - I don't see them going very far in the playoffs.

Richmond will have a much tougher time with us in the playoffs than they would with JMU. I like our chances with our coaches having an opportunity to come up with a gameplan now that we have played UR. I also think sometimes a team gets "stagnant" during that off week, and the team who advances has an advantage by getting some rhythm going. I think that is what happened to us in 2010 - Ga Southern had momentum after having played and won their first round game and I think it showed in their play against us.

(11-23-2015 09:41 AM)TribePride91 Wrote:  

(11-22-2015 10:41 PM)SoCal Frank Wrote:  

(11-22-2015 01:55 PM)hktribefan Wrote:  

(11-22-2015 01:01 PM)zablenoise Wrote:  

(11-22-2015 12:42 PM)wanm65 Wrote:  The NCAA FCS play off guys suck big time. They put all 4 CAA team together. Why not spread them out?

From what I'm seeing they did. It looks like UR and W&M are on the opposite site from JMU and UNH

They have each CAA team feeding into another one. Although we're on opposite sides of the bracket, only two CAA teams will come out of the second round. Not a shocker though, with regionalization that's what happens. Happened to the Southland teams and Big South, and always to the Valley. It's a way to cut on travel costs early on.

You got it! If we get thru UR we get a team from the Valley. From past comments I think board members tend towards discounting these guys. That is a huge mistake. They can bring it.

The MVFC is the best conference in FCS and includes 3 of the top 10 teams in the country and a dangerous Northern Iowa team. Plus, there is the 4 time defending national champions(NDSU). Certainly no one from our board would take any of those teams lightly. Our past history with them is limited. I recall our win against Southern Illinois in 2009(but that was with our best defense ever). Also, we lost a heartbreaker to Northern Iowa in the 1990's in the playoffs. Otherwise, I don't think we have played them. No reason to worry about it since we have to get through this weekend and Richmond before even thinking about the MVFC. The MVFC is essentially every bit as good as the CAA was in 2008-2010.

I don't like playoff rematches. However, if it allows us to defeat Richmond this season, I will take it. I just wish we were on the other side of the bracket. Our side has the vast majority of the best teams. I could see the winner of JMU/NH making the finals. Only Jacksonville St. and maybe the Citadel scares me on that side.

I have been watching games since the 80's, and IMO the 2009 team was the best I ever saw. Physically dominating team, and with a break we are playing for the NC, and with that team, the NC was very reachable.

Now the MVC is on top, with very, very physical teams. Other teams feature FBS players (see JMU, and Ill. State) and the road is even tougher. Teams like W&M need to limit mistakes, and execute to perfection.

It has been since 2010 that WM has been in the playoffs. This by itself is an accomplishment. There are many teams that are turning in their equipment right now. Last year WM was doing the same. This is a second season. The benefits go far beyond the obvious that will build on the success of this year.

Extra practice for the red shirt freshmen, extra practice for next years newcomers. This is just a byproduct of making it to the playoffs. This team has accomplished a lot this year. More than anyone had anticipated. The three losses could have been wins just a s easily as losses. That doesn't matter now. We focus on Dusquesne right now, that's it. I am proud of all of the coaches and players for getting us into the playoffs. Anything can happen over the next few weeks. The Tribe can pull off the ultimate goal, by beating one team at a time!

Go Tribe!!

I know we still have to beat Duquesne, but has anyone looked into tickets at Richmond?

(11-24-2015 07:45 AM)nogretheogre Wrote:  I know we still have to beat Duquesne, but has anyone looked into tickets at Richmond?

I don't know if it is accurate, but I heard we will get less tickets than we did for the regular season because the NCAA requires less than the CAA does.

Richmond is already selling tickets on their website.

If you want to go, you should probably buy a ticket now. Their stadium is small enough that even if we manage to screw things up this Saturday you can still resell to someone.

(11-24-2015 09:11 AM)wml33t Wrote:  

(11-24-2015 07:45 AM)nogretheogre Wrote:  I know we still have to beat Duquesne, but has anyone looked into tickets at Richmond?

I don't know if it is accurate, but I heard we will get less tickets than we did for the regular season because the NCAA requires less than the CAA does.

Richmond is already selling tickets on their website.

Where is the visitors section usually?

216, 217, 116, 117.

Their system is a bit of a pain. I'd suggest we be ok with filling up 215.

Richmond Game time is officially 12:00 Noon (early TV game).

(11-24-2015 12:14 PM)billymac Wrote:  Richmond Game time is officially 12:00 Noon (early TV game).

Stupid UVA. Why did they have to move the basketball game to 2PM? I'm so conflicted! I guess the really good seats at JPJ wins out.

Oh... I thought the bracket had it set at 1:00. I guess it really IS going to be a do over of last weekend.

(11-24-2015 12:32 PM)3xTribe Wrote:  

(11-24-2015 12:14 PM)billymac Wrote:  Richmond Game time is officially 12:00 Noon (early TV game).

Stupid UVA. Why did they have to move the basketball game to 2PM? I'm so conflicted! I guess the really good seats at JPJ wins out.

Indeed. A drive from Richmond for the original 7:00 would have been perfect. I'm not conflicted at all. You have to go to the playoff game. I have a hotel to cancel and the basketball team will lose a list of fan support live for the game. Really stinks.

Game notes up, still no Reeves or Velasquez. Harvey not listed either. Many will say these aren't useful, and while things change throughout the week, if someone is not listed on there it means there's still something going on and they likely/potentially won't play.

Harvey played vs Richmond, so clearly there was no effort to update the depth chart based on reality. Reeves and Velasquez seemed to be walking around fine in street clothes on Saturday, so perhaps one or both of them will be ready to go vs Duquesne.

I'd honestly rather sit them if they need the rest and have them healthy for UR

(11-24-2015 03:25 PM)WM Beancounter Wrote:  Harvey played vs Richmond, so clearly there was no effort to update the depth chart based on reality. Reeves and Velasquez seemed to be walking around fine in street clothes on Saturday, so perhaps one or both of them will be ready to go vs Duquesne.

I hope Jared being a senior gets a chance to experience the playoffs. Hopefully he's ahead of schedule.

Reeves is a tough one to figure out. He's been out since the JMU game. It must have been bad, if he's a no go, that's a four week rehab. It's a shame being a senior.

Harvey could have aggravated his and could be a gametime decision.

Solid back ups we should be fine.