James Madison’s lack of playoff eligibility — the Sun Belt Conference championship game and bowl season are off limits for the Dukes this year — has become a pressing issue more quickly than expected.
But as one of the top-ranked teams in a non-stand-alone conference, it’s bound to be a hot topic as long as JMU keeps winning.
To most fans, NCAA rules that create a transition period for schools moving up a division seem counterintuitive, and JMU coach Curt Cignetti called them “outdated” Monday during the Sun Belt teleconference. Shouldn’t a team that’s progressing be at a bit of a disadvantage compared to the competition? If he’s good enough to make the playoffs in his first two years, why not reward the team in question?
At first glance, this may seem like another case of the NCAA creating policy because it’s in love with the size of its own rulebook. But there’s actually some reasonable thinking behind it, at least in theory, if not in practice.
The powers that be want schools that make the decision to progress to be prepared and mobilized for the long term. Moving from FCS to FBS or from Division II to Division I is a huge and expensive decision that should not be made on a whim or for superficial reasons. The NCAA wants programs that make the move to be like JMU.
The Dukes are in the first year of what is normally a two-year transition from FCS to FBS. Usually, during this first year, teams that advance play a mixed schedule, split about equally between FCS and FBS opponents, and are not eligible for the playoffs at either level (the move (from Division II to DIvision I requires a four-year transition that keeps programs out of reach). the NCAA basketball tournament, where the potential for big wins lies for most schools).
But JMU is a unique case. The Dukes were introduced to the Sun Belt Conference at lightning speed and play 11 games this season, 10 against FBS opponents, with a full SBC schedule. James Madison was also remarkably close to reaching the FBS limit of 85 scholarships (compared to 63 in FCS) in its first season, thanks in part to easing restrictions during COVID-19.
The Dukes plan to finalize a request this winter for a waiver that accelerates the transition period and essentially counts it as Year 2.
The fact that JMU got off to such a fast start proves once again that the Dukes were right to make this decision, a decision they had the opportunity to make around 2013, but refused to spend the time on building budget and facilities to further prepare for initial success.
It would be unfortunate if JMU continued to rack up wins and couldn’t celebrate with a trip to a bowl game. It will be a topic of national conversation if the Dukes remain atop the Sun Belt East standings, but the second-ranked team advances to the conference title game.
Currently, among teams from non-autonomous conferences seeking an automatic invitation to a New Year’s Six bowl game, only Cincinnati ranks ahead of JMU in the AP and coaches’ polls. A fully eligible Dukes team could be in the mix to spend its holiday season at the Cotton Bowl.
But JMU knew that was the deal and was thinking long term, both when it turned down the Sun Belt nearly a decade ago and when it accepted the invitation last fall. This is exactly the kind of accountability the NCAA intended to encourage with the transition rules.
Still, if the Dukes’ quick departure starts to look like a potential Cinderella run that, under different circumstances, could have meant a spoiling of the party, don’t be surprised if James Madison and the Sun Belt decide to call in a sort of exception. It’s not a decision that will be made unless the Dukes get to at least 7-0, but it’s already on the minds of the people who matter.
It is difficult to say whether such a measure will ever be granted, and again, this policy is actually well-intentioned.
But at this point, the best argument against this rule is that it doesn’t work. JMU made the right choice, but other schools are taking much riskier and short-sighted steps.
Conference USA, in desperation mode after losing its most attractive schools to the Sun Belt and American Athletic Conference, extended invitations to FCS programs Sam Houston and Jacksonville State.
Both schools agreed and are preparing to join C-USA next season. Both the Bearkats and Gamecocks jumped at the opportunity when it presented itself, but neither resembles a successful FBS program in terms of fan support and facilities. JMU players had to use an outdoor tent as a locker room when they visited Sam Houston a few seasons ago. Each has a budget that’s just a fraction of the nearly $60 million a year the Dukes were spending on athletics before even making this decision.
Even Sam Houston coach KC Keeler expressed doubt that the program was ready when the initial offer from C-USA came in, but maybe if it doesn’t work out, Sam Houston and Jacksonville State could go back. Yet this is exactly the kind of twists and turns that the transition rule is supposed to prevent.
But the bright lights of the big stage are too tempting and it seems the C-USA duo may not be alone.
Jackson State coach Deion Sanders recently hinted that he would like to see his program evolve. The Tigers’ success since hiring the Pro Football Hall of Famer, signing five-star recruits and winning numerous games is impressive.
But Jackson State, in its current form, would be by far the poorest FBS program financially. And what happens when Sanders inevitably moves on to a high-profile agenda?
It’s not just about football. According to recent reports, Moyne College in upstate New York is considering a move from Division II to DI. The Dolphins competed in Division I in some sports, but not others, before the NCAA banned the practice for all but a few grandfathered programs.
There’s no doubt that seeing a small Northeast school like St. Peter’s make the NCAA tournament, gaining all the money and exposure that comes with it, was appealing to Le Moyne. But Le Moyne’s academic profile and athletic budget are more reminiscent of Hartford, which is moving from DI to D-III, than Bryant, who has made a reasonably successful transition to Division I.
Given all of this, could the NCAA give JMU a break if the wins continue? It’s anyone’s guess. But the dominant trend in most recent NCAA decisions has been pro-athlete, and a broad view of the issue can only help the Dukes’ case.
