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According to MM:

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/09/leagues ... coach-says" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Actually, I posted this just so I could quote this:

Seems the only thing that caught Matthews off guard came Sunday morning.

"Craziest thing that happened after the game was my preacher at my church wore a purple JMU hat," Matthews said. "We have a lot of Tech fans that go to my church, but they were kind enough to give me an ovation anyway."

Have fun with that one, folks...

I heard that MM said the Virginia Tech win was bigger than the 2004 National Championship. (Note: I heard this on ESPN, so take it for what it is worth).

Would JMU fans agree?



EDIT: And I agree that the best CAA teams are bowl worthy. The best SoCon, MVC and Big Sky are as well.

AshevilleApp wrote:I heard that MM said the Virginia Tech win was bigger than the 2004 National Championship. (Note: I heard this on ESPN, so take it for what it is worth).

Would JMU fans agree?



EDIT: And I agree that the best CAA teams are bowl worthy. The best SoCon, MVC and Big Sky are as well.

He did say that. He said the VT win was the biggest in his professional career. And in regards to the edit, I think he would agree. He stated in another article that people in the know were not nearly as shocked as the media when App. St. knocked off Michigan (I posted the article on here it was titled "On Any Given Saturday").

Now, as to the bigger win, at first I said no. No way this trumps a NC. But I've had a couple of days to reflect on it. For JMU this was bigger than just beating a ranked FBS team, it was beating "big brother" at their place. In that same article mentioned above the night before the game Matthews asked the players how many of them went on recruiting visits to Tech and none of them raised their hand. And he said ""I promise you they're going to want a lot of you after tomorrow." Matthews also pointed out earlier in the week that we were bringing 60 guys (actually 53) that Tech didn't want. So, for me, after reflection, the in-state aspect pushes it over the National Championship win. And the exposure is nice too.

Having said that, I understand the goal of our level is to win NCs, not beat FBS, so it's a difficult decision. This win will be a pretty hollow win if we lose every game the rest of the year.

mcveyrl wrote:Now, as to the bigger win, at first I said no. No way this trumps a NC. But I've had a couple of days to reflect on it. For JMU this was bigger than just beating a ranked FBS team, it was beating "big brother" at their place.

This.

It's a big deal because it's in state. Everyone in Virginia stood up and noticed "little" JMU beat the #1 team in the state. That is HUGE.
Also why I am excited about playing Maryland next year. If Towson can stay close to the Terps(who should be in complete tear down mode in '11) or even do what JMU did, the program will forever be changed.

mcveyrl wrote:

AshevilleApp wrote:I heard that MM said the Virginia Tech win was bigger than the 2004 National Championship. (Note: I heard this on ESPN, so take it for what it is worth).

Would JMU fans agree?



EDIT: And I agree that the best CAA teams are bowl worthy. The best SoCon, MVC and Big Sky are as well.

He did say that. He said the VT win was the biggest in his professional career. And in regards to the edit, I think he would agree. He stated in another article that people in the know were not nearly as shocked as the media when App. St. knocked off Michigan (I posted the article on here it was titled "On Any Given Saturday").

Now, as to the bigger win, at first I said no. No way this trumps a NC. But I've had a couple of days to reflect on it. For JMU this was bigger than just beating a ranked FBS team, it was beating "big brother" at their place. In that same article mentioned above the night before the game Matthews asked the players how many of them went on recruiting visits to Tech and none of them raised their hand. And he said ""I promise you they're going to want a lot of you after tomorrow." Matthews also pointed out earlier in the week that we were bringing 60 guys (actually 53) that Tech didn't want. So, for me, after reflection, the in-state aspect pushes it over the National Championship win. And the exposure is nice too.

Having said that, I understand the goal of our level is to win NCs, not beat FBS, so it's a difficult decision. This win will be a pretty hollow win if we lose every game the rest of the year.

Good response, and I hadn't considered the in-State aspect. I think that all three of our National Championships trumped the Michigan win. But I'm not sure how I would react if App were to beat Carolina. We had pretty good success against Wake Forest back when we played every year. But to beat the most highly regarded state supported school would be something entirely different.

mcveyrl wrote:"Craziest thing that happened after the game was my preacher at my church wore a purple JMU hat," Matthews said.

Matthews also wears a purple JMU visor, but only for half the game. The fieldturf wears it the other two quarters.


BTW, anybody catch the jacket throw? That's a new one, even for Mickey.

AshevilleApp wrote:

mcveyrl wrote:

He did say that. He said the VT win was the biggest in his professional career. And in regards to the edit, I think he would agree. He stated in another article that people in the know were not nearly as shocked as the media when App. St. knocked off Michigan (I posted the article on here it was titled "On Any Given Saturday").

Now, as to the bigger win, at first I said no. No way this trumps a NC. But I've had a couple of days to reflect on it. For JMU this was bigger than just beating a ranked FBS team, it was beating "big brother" at their place. In that same article mentioned above the night before the game Matthews asked the players how many of them went on recruiting visits to Tech and none of them raised their hand. And he said ""I promise you they're going to want a lot of you after tomorrow." Matthews also pointed out earlier in the week that we were bringing 60 guys (actually 53) that Tech didn't want. So, for me, after reflection, the in-state aspect pushes it over the National Championship win. And the exposure is nice too.

Having said that, I understand the goal of our level is to win NCs, not beat FBS, so it's a difficult decision. This win will be a pretty hollow win if we lose every game the rest of the year.

Good response, and I hadn't considered the in-State aspect. I think that all three of our National Championships trumped the Michigan win. But I'm not sure how I would react if App were to beat Carolina. We had pretty good success against Wake Forest back when we played every year. But to beat the most highly regarded state supported school would be something entirely different.

I think the in-state aspect is what elevates it.

Beating VaTech or UVA is a much bigger deal locally, than beating say, Ole Miss or Kansas would have been.

89Hen wrote:

mcveyrl wrote:"Craziest thing that happened after the game was my preacher at my church wore a purple JMU hat," Matthews said.

Matthews also wears a purple JMU visor, but only for half the game. The fieldturf wears it the other two quarters.


BTW, anybody catch the jacket throw? That's a new one, even for Mickey.

Yea, that was awesome. From what I gathered he was upset about a missed holding call. I think he thought he could demonstrate it better on his polo shirt...

The announcers made it sound like it made it to the stands, but I don't think there's any way that happened.

dbackjon wrote:

AshevilleApp wrote:

Good response, and I hadn't considered the in-State aspect. I think that all three of our National Championships trumped the Michigan win. But I'm not sure how I would react if App were to beat Carolina. We had pretty good success against Wake Forest back when we played every year. But to beat the most highly regarded state supported school would be something entirely different.

I think the in-state aspect is what elevates it.

Beating VaTech or UVA is a much bigger deal locally, than beating say, Ole Miss or Kansas would have been.

Yep. It's like if NAU beat Az. State, or Montana State beat Montana.

mcveyrl wrote:

dbackjon wrote:
I think the in-state aspect is what elevates it.

Beating VaTech or UVA is a much bigger deal locally, than beating say, Ole Miss or Kansas would have been.

Yep. It's like if NAU beat Az. State, or Montana State beat Montana.

As far as importance of wins, I think the Michigan win did more for App States visability as a university on a national scale than all three NCs combined and also helped bring a little needed attention to FCS. JMU's win helps show that the Michigan win wasn't a fluke. It's further proof that on AGS top FCS programs can compete with some of the best in FBS. The fact that it was an instate school is also a kicker. Imagine if VaTech has beaten Boise the week before....and considering what the ACC looks like this year there is still a good chance they win the ACC.

As much as I hate to do it, congrats to JMU for a huge victory!

I have no doubt that top FCS schools could compete in all but the most elite bowls in FBS.

Fellas, this is a no brainer. Even if it weren't an in-state team this was a Top-15 college team in the nation. You guys are starting to sound like some of the HBCU crowd that their Heritage Bowl is more important than the playoffs. Anytime you take down a legitimate powerhouse program ranked as such at the FBS level, it is bigger than beating ourselves (which in essence is what the playoffs are about).

We're not talking about Duke, Ole Miss, Kansas or even Ball State or Akron .... this was one of the Top 15 programs in the nation that held a current ranking as such. The exposure for JMU & App back in the day cannot be measured versus an NCAA crown.

All of the rest of the FCS nation just received a major dose of respect thanks to the Dukes. Of course the best way to show how tough all of FCS really is would be for the Flames to take down the Dukes next Saturday in the first game after the Lane Stadium experience.

Snail trail all evening Saturday was...


LEAD...... VT upset by James Madison....

Sly Fox wrote:Fellas, this is a no brainer. Even if it weren't an in-state team this was a Top-15 college team in the nation. You guys are starting to sound like some of the HBCU crowd that their Heritage Bowl is more important than the playoffs. Anytime you take down a legitimate powerhouse program ranked as such at the FBS level, it is bigger than beating ourselves (which in essence is what the playoffs are about).

We're not talking about Duke, Ole Miss, Kansas or even Ball State or Akron .... this was one of the Top 15 programs in the nation that held a current ranking as such. The exposure for JMU & App back in the day cannot be measured versus an NCAA crown.

All of the rest of the FCS nation just received a major dose of respect thanks to the Dukes. Of course the best way to show how tough all of FCS really is would be for the Flames to take down the Dukes next Saturday in the first game after the Lane Stadium experience.

Sorry but I disagree. It is all a matter of personal perception. To me the win over Delaware in 2007 was bigger than the win over Michigan. National exposure is great, but I'd wager that the majority of the country still doesn't know where Appalachian State is. In a year or so, the same might be said about JMU. This doesn't minimize either win, it's just the reality of how our sub-division is viewed.

AshevilleApp wrote:

Sly Fox wrote:Fellas, this is a no brainer. Even if it weren't an in-state team this was a Top-15 college team in the nation. You guys are starting to sound like some of the HBCU crowd that their Heritage Bowl is more important than the playoffs. Anytime you take down a legitimate powerhouse program ranked as such at the FBS level, it is bigger than beating ourselves (which in essence is what the playoffs are about).

We're not talking about Duke, Ole Miss, Kansas or even Ball State or Akron .... this was one of the Top 15 programs in the nation that held a current ranking as such. The exposure for JMU & App back in the day cannot be measured versus an NCAA crown.

All of the rest of the FCS nation just received a major dose of respect thanks to the Dukes. Of course the best way to show how tough all of FCS really is would be for the Flames to take down the Dukes next Saturday in the first game after the Lane Stadium experience.

Sorry but I disagree. It is all a matter of personal perception. To me the win over Delaware in 2007 was bigger than the win over Michigan. National exposure is great, but I'd wager that the majority of the country still doesn't know where Appalachian State is. In a year or so, the same might be said about JMU. This doesn't minimize either win, it's just the reality of how our sub-division is viewed.

Yup - to most outside the FCS world, App State is the team that beat Michigan and got thumped by LSU the next year.
Most chalk it up to the Michigan decline, not a testament to the FCS level of football.

The key to creating a team that can win another game like that is FCS National Championships. Not FBS wins.

I heard the MM interview. I think this is a tough one that only JMU fans could answer. There is something about coming home with a national championship and a trophy that is very special. Maybe the fact that the Tech win was a bit of a shock has something to do with it. NC winners know they have a decent shot of winning the title game so it is not a shock. Had Tech beaten Boise St., this would have been much bigger.

Tech could end up with 4 or 5 losses. That would take a little shine off the win. But the publicity is there and that is all that matters I guess. For the record, Michigan finished with 4 losses the year that Appy beat them but they also beat 2 or 3 ranked teams.

"bowl worthy" doesn't mean crap.

Skjellyfetti wrote:"bowl worthy" doesn't mean crap.

There he is!

mcveyrl wrote:

Skjellyfetti wrote:"bowl worthy" doesn't mean crap.

There he is!

Sorry, that wasn't intended as a knock on JMU, CAA, or Mickey Matthews. But, "bowl worthy" at the FBS level doesn't mean anything. Some truly horrible teams are bowl eligible. Quite a few go to bowls.

I don't see why we have to rank either win over the other. They are both very important and special to JMU's program, but in their own regards.

danefan wrote:

AshevilleApp wrote:
Sorry but I disagree. It is all a matter of personal perception. To me the win over Delaware in 2007 was bigger than the win over Michigan. National exposure is great, but I'd wager that the majority of the country still doesn't know where Appalachian State is. In a year or so, the same might be said about JMU. This doesn't minimize either win, it's just the reality of how our sub-division is viewed.

Yup - to most outside the FCS world, App State is the team that beat Michigan and got thumped by LSU the next year.
Most chalk it up to the Michigan decline, not a testament to the FCS level of football.

The key to creating a team that can win another game like that is FCS National Championships. Not FBS wins.

That and recruiting. And the fact that this is against the in-state big boy adds an extra element to this. Va. Tech (because of the state of UVa football) has a huge grip on this state football-wise. I think it's an incredible in-state recruiting asset to go to the top players that didn't get offered at Tech and say: "Look what we can do. We'll mold you into somebody Tech wishes they had."

[quote="Skjellyfetti"][quote="mcveyrl"][quote="Skjellyfetti"]"bowl worthy" doesn't mean crap.[/quote]


There he is![/quote]

Sorry, that wasn't intended as a knock on JMU, CAA, or Mickey Matthews. But, "bowl worthy" at the FBS level doesn't mean anything. Some truly horrible teams are bowl eligible. Quite a few go to bowls.[/quote]

So you're saying that the sixth place ACC team this year doesn't deserve to go to a bowl?

bandl wrote:I don't see why we have to rank either win over the other. They are both very important and special to JMU's program, but in their own regards.

Damn your reasonableness. This is American and things MUST be ranked.

I totally understand MM's comments. On Friday night I watched as Marshall nearly beat WV. They have never beat them. Even though they are both FBS...it would have been huge for Marshall. So I can only imagine what it must be like for the fans of JMU this week. Instate games are huge locally and this one sent shock waves across the country. There is nobody I like beating more than JMU (or any ACC team) but I am very happy for JMU on this win. Congratulations and enjoy it all week. Reality returns again on Saturday when you become the hunted.

Whoops,,,, I meant CAA....guess I better slow down.