[thepostman]

3 times? You must be way more intelligent than I.

[SuperJon]

I am. That's why I have a superiority complex.

[BJWilliams]

My point is, some people look at our level of progress differently.

[thepostman]

I am. That's why I have a superiority complex.

Oh yeah. I forgot.

[phoenix]

We wanted success, so we built what the successful teams had and claimed we were going to be successful.

Our teams expected to be successful because they were told they would be successful. Then, after having a good game or two, they'd crash down in a game they should've won because they didn't approach every game with the same mentality.

That's what Typical Liberty means.

This.

I honestly think the mentality goes back to the foundation of the school. We tried so hard to make the campus look good, look like a "real college" when we were starting out. The attitude was "If it looks good, it will be good." Sometimes, that works. In athletics, it usually doesn't. Someone once said something about "whitewashed tombs" - looking good on the outside but stinking majorly on the inside.

Maybe it's even human nature - kids always want to dress up in mommy and daddy's clothes, older people try to dress younger than they are; we want appearances to dictate reality. So we make stuff look good, build cutting edge facilities, in the hopes that function will follow form.

Or maybe I'm just an old guy rambling on because today has turned out (already) to be totally different than it was supposed to, and I'm ticked. Who knows?

#beatG-Webb

[R i]

I am. That's why I have a superiority complex.

Admission is the first step.

[olldflame]

Where do I begin? It really looks like you just made all of that up, because you certainly didn´t check your facts. GA State has been¨demolished¨ by an FCS team one time since they moved to FBS. That was Chattanooga in early 2013. Far from mediocre, that Chattanooga team was 8-4, with one of the losses to Alabama and another by 2 to GA Southern. They have been at or near the top of the SoCon for years now.

Did I say anything about Georgia State's record vs. FCS as an FBS team? Nope. They've been demolished by plenty of FCS teams.

GA State has added multiple transfers from UAB among others, and they are improved. How much will be revealed as they enter the meat of their SBC schedule. I would be interested in knowing who you consider these ¨true¨top 10 FCS teams who would beat GA State by 2 TDs. JMU? Coastal?

Jacksonville State
Coastal Carolina
North Dakota State
Illinois State
JMU
Eastern Washington
South Dakota State
UNI
Youngstown State
Sam Houston State

I´m trying to figure out how GA State losing lopsided games to their CAA conference opponents 3 years and 22 scholarships ago is relevant to this discussion on where Liberty´s program is. I got nothing. You mention that, and then make the arbitrary and unsupported statement that they have not improved significantly. While I am sure they are not particularly happy with them, their results would seem to indicate otherwise. They played only 1 FCS opponent in 14, beating Abiline Christian, and one this year, losing by 8 to Liberty. Whether you believe we have made ¨the shift¨ or not, I think one thing EVERYONE will agree on is that we are no longer a mediocre FCS program. They got their first FBS win this year against NM St., almost beat Charlotte (admittedly not a good result, although they are FBS) and although they gave up 61, they scored 28 against Oregon. The Ducks have put up 61 or more against more than 1 P5 opponent in recent years.

Your list of teams you say would beat GA St. by 15 or more includes 2 teams we defeated in crucial games at the end of last year. Do you think we have gotten worse, or JMU and CCU gotten better? The fact is, we really don´t know what would happen if JMU or CCU played the Panthers, and it doesn´t look like we will until Coastal plays them in a SBC game. They have only scheduled one FBS opponent between them in the past 2 years, and that was a money game against Maryland for the Dukes. They got destroyed.

[ATrain]

Where do I begin? It really looks like you just made all of that up, because you certainly didn´t check your facts. GA State has been¨demolished¨ by an FCS team one time since they moved to FBS. That was Chattanooga in early 2013. Far from mediocre, that Chattanooga team was 8-4, with one of the losses to Alabama and another by 2 to GA Southern. They have been at or near the top of the SoCon for years now.

Did I say anything about Georgia State's record vs. FCS as an FBS team? Nope. They've been demolished by plenty of FCS teams.

GA State has added multiple transfers from UAB among others, and they are improved. How much will be revealed as they enter the meat of their SBC schedule. I would be interested in knowing who you consider these ¨true¨top 10 FCS teams who would beat GA State by 2 TDs. JMU? Coastal?

Jacksonville State
Coastal Carolina
North Dakota State
Illinois State
JMU
Eastern Washington
South Dakota State
UNI
Youngstown State
Sam Houston State

I´m trying to figure out how GA State losing lopsided games to their CAA conference opponents 3 years and 22 scholarships ago is relevant to this discussion on where Liberty´s program is. I got nothing. You mention that, and then make the arbitrary and unsupported statement that they have not improved significantly. While I am sure they are not particularly happy with them, their results would seem to indicate otherwise. They played only 1 FCS opponent in 14, beating Abiline Christian, and one this year, losing by 8 to Liberty. Whether you believe we have made ¨the shift¨ or not, I think one thing EVERYONE will agree on is that we are no longer a mediocre FCS program. They got their first FBS win this year against NM St., almost beat Charlotte (admittedly not a good result, although they are FBS) and although they gave up 61, they scored 28 against Oregon. The Ducks have put up 61 or more against more than 1 P5 opponent in recent years.

Your list of teams you say would beat GA St. by 15 or more includes 2 teams we defeated in crucial games at the end of last year. Do you think we have gotten worse, or JMU and CCU gotten better? The fact is, we really don´t know what would happen if JMU or CCU played the Panthers, and it doesn´t look like we will until Coastal plays them in a SBC game. They have only scheduled one FBS opponent between them in the past 2 years, and that was a money game against Maryland for the Dukes. They got destroyed.

Umm, you do realize that JMU beat SMU this year, right?

[BJWilliams]

Where do I begin? It really looks like you just made all of that up, because you certainly didn´t check your facts. GA State has been¨demolished¨ by an FCS team one time since they moved to FBS. That was Chattanooga in early 2013. Far from mediocre, that Chattanooga team was 8-4, with one of the losses to Alabama and another by 2 to GA Southern. They have been at or near the top of the SoCon for years now.

Did I say anything about Georgia State's record vs. FCS as an FBS team? Nope. They've been demolished by plenty of FCS teams.

GA State has added multiple transfers from UAB among others, and they are improved. How much will be revealed as they enter the meat of their SBC schedule. I would be interested in knowing who you consider these ¨true¨top 10 FCS teams who would beat GA State by 2 TDs. JMU? Coastal?

Jacksonville State- maybe...probably a 1 possession result
Coastal Carolina- probably
North Dakota State- probably
Illinois State- maybe
JMU- maybe
Eastern Washington- if VA was the starter most likely, this year's version...not so much. Id say 1 possession
South Dakota State- Maybe
UNI- Maybe
Youngstown State- Possibly
Sam Houston State- Maybe...probably a 1 possession result

That's 6 maybes, 2 probables and a possibly (plus EWU who would be coming across the country AND would not have VA as their starter)

Georgia State has been below average, which is the nice way of putting it, but you can't objectively say that all of the teams you listed absolutely could beat them by 2+ TDs. You can speculate sure, but you can't assume personnel matchups, game plans, injuries and other extenuating circumstances, including multi-time zone travel for a few of those teams. Not to mention, say a few of these teams DO beat GaSt. You cannot make the assumption that because they beat them, if we had lost to them, we somehow are a lesser team. While I do defer to JK37 (I believe) who made the point that its not a major "eye-opener" to the committee, I would not go so far as to assume automatic defeat at the hands of even the top teams in the FCS.

[SumItUp]

I´m trying to figure out how GA State losing lopsided games to their CAA conference opponents 3 years and 22 scholarships ago is relevant to this discussion on where Liberty´s program is.

Good point

[bluejacket]

I´m trying to figure out how GA State losing lopsided games to their CAA conference opponents 3 years and 22 scholarships ago is relevant to this discussion on where Liberty´s program is. I got nothing. You mention that, and then make the arbitrary and unsupported statement that they have not improved significantly. While I am sure they are not particularly happy with them, their results would seem to indicate otherwise. They played only 1 FCS opponent in 14, beating Abiline Christian, and one this year, losing by 8 to Liberty. Whether you believe we have made ¨the shift¨ or not, I think one thing EVERYONE will agree on is that we are no longer a mediocre FCS program. They got their first FBS win this year against NM St., almost beat Charlotte (admittedly not a good result, although they are FBS) and although they gave up 61, they scored 28 against Oregon. The Ducks have put up 61 or more against more than 1 P5 opponent in recent years.

The program is only into their 6th season. Their entire program's entire existence is relevant.

They have not improved significantly. That ACU team was in it second year of transition from D-II to FCS. Beating NMSU by 2 in 2015 is not significant improvement over a 3 point loss in 2014. The same App State team that we beat last season by 7 in OT, beat them by 44. They were a bad team last season and are a bad team this season.

Eastern Washington scored 42 on Oregon. Their final was 61-42.

Your list of teams you say would beat GA St. by 15 or more includes 2 teams we defeated in crucial games at the end of last year. Do you think we have gotten worse, or JMU and CCU gotten better? The fact is, we really don´t know what would happen if JMU or CCU played the Panthers, and it doesn´t look like we will until Coastal plays them in a SBC game. They have only scheduled one FBS opponent between them in the past 2 years, and that was a money game against Maryland for the Dukes. They got destroyed.

Like others said, JMU beat SMU, who is much improved from last season.

You asked a question, so I gave you my answer. As far as JMU and CCU, I think that they have played better this season and also more consistently than we have. Injuries could change things, but that is how I see it right now.

[Purple Haize]

3 times? You must be way more intelligent than I.

It's why you are BJ Jr

[BJWilliams]

I´m trying to figure out how GA State losing lopsided games to their CAA conference opponents 3 years and 22 scholarships ago is relevant to this discussion on where Liberty´s program is. I got nothing. You mention that, and then make the arbitrary and unsupported statement that they have not improved significantly. While I am sure they are not particularly happy with them, their results would seem to indicate otherwise. They played only 1 FCS opponent in 14, beating Abiline Christian, and one this year, losing by 8 to Liberty. Whether you believe we have made ¨the shift¨ or not, I think one thing EVERYONE will agree on is that we are no longer a mediocre FCS program. They got their first FBS win this year against NM St., almost beat Charlotte (admittedly not a good result, although they are FBS) and although they gave up 61, they scored 28 against Oregon. The Ducks have put up 61 or more against more than 1 P5 opponent in recent years.

The program is only into their 6th season. Their entire program's entire existence is relevant.

They have not improved significantly. That ACU team was in it second year of transition from D-II to FCS. Beating NMSU by 2 in 2015 is not significant improvement over a 3 point loss in 2014. The same App State team that we beat last season by 7 in OT, beat them by 44. They were a bad team last season and are a bad team this season.

Eastern Washington scored 42 on Oregon. Their final was 61-42.

Your list of teams you say would beat GA St. by 15 or more includes 2 teams we defeated in crucial games at the end of last year. Do you think we have gotten worse, or JMU and CCU gotten better? The fact is, we really don´t know what would happen if JMU or CCU played the Panthers, and it doesn´t look like we will until Coastal plays them in a SBC game. They have only scheduled one FBS opponent between them in the past 2 years, and that was a money game against Maryland for the Dukes. They got destroyed.

Like others said, JMU beat SMU, who is much improved from last season.

You asked a question, so I gave you my answer. As far as JMU and CCU, I think that they have played better this season and also more consistently than we have. Injuries could change things, but that is how I see it right now.

This is making a transitive assumption. Just because Eastern Washington scored 42 against Oregon while Georgia State scored 28 does not mean that Eastern Washington would 1) beat Georgia State and 2) beat them by multiple TDs

[bluejacket]

Jacksonville State- maybe...probably a 1 possession result
Coastal Carolina- probably
North Dakota State- probably
Illinois State- maybe
JMU- maybe
Eastern Washington- if VA was the starter most likely, this year's version...not so much. Id say 1 possession
South Dakota State- Maybe
UNI- Maybe
Youngstown State- Possibly
Sam Houston State- Maybe...probably a 1 possession result

That's 6 maybes, 2 probables and a possibly (plus EWU who would be coming across the country AND would not have VA as their starter)

He asked my opinion and I gave him my answer. Which is a whole lot more than "maybe" or "possibly" or "probably".

Georgia State has been below average, which is the nice way of putting it, but you can't objectively say that all of the teams you listed absolutely could beat them by 2+ TDs.You can speculate sure, but you can't assume personnel matchups, game plans, injuries and other extenuating circumstances, including multi-time zone travel for a few of those teams

There was no assuming. This is reasonable speculation based on how I see these teams right now. Not at the beginning of the season and not projecting them at the end of the season. If Villanova had John Robertson, I might put them in that list as well. But they don't.

Not to mention, say a few of these teams DO beat GaSt. You cannot make the assumption that because they beat them, if we had lost to them, we somehow are a lesser team. While I do defer to JK37 (I believe) who made the point that its not a major "eye-opener" to the committee, I would not go so far as to assume automatic defeat at the hands of even the top teams in the FCS.

Yes, you can. When teams play common opponents in the same season, it is helpful in determining the strength of the teams and conferences. Not the only factor, but a big one. These comparisons happen all the time, including with the playoff selection committee.

In this case, it doesn't matter because these hypothetical games won't happen this season.

[bluejacket]

This is making a transitive assumption. Just because Eastern Washington scored 42 against Oregon while Georgia State scored 28 does not mean that Eastern Washington would 1) beat Georgia State and 2) beat them by multiple TDs

No it doesn't. But when someone asks me which FCS teams I think would beat GSU by two TDs, it is reasonable to look at the teams' entire body of work, including any shared opponents, to reach a reasonable conclusion.

[olldflame]

JMU´s 3 point win over SMU looks pretty good on their resume, but I suspect too much is being made of it. Are the Mustang´s improved? Couldn´t get much worse than last year, but to this point their only win is against 0-4 N Texas. Everyone else except JMU has blown them out.

[thepostman]

3 times? You must be way more intelligent than I.

It's why you are BJ Jr

He is much more intelligent than Jon so thanks!

[BJWilliams]

While I appreciate the sarcasm, Jon is much smarter than I am. He probably wouldn't make a bad sports writer himself if that was what he was into

Also, can someone find out if we have ever taken the opening kickoff back for a TD? DJ came awful close last week

[bluejacket]

JMU´s 3 point win over SMU looks pretty good on their resume, but I suspect too much is being made of it. Are the Mustang´s improved? Couldn´t get much worse than last year, but to this point their only win is against 0-4 N Texas. Everyone else except JMU has blown them out.

SMU is nowhere near the top of the American and they are still a pretty bad FBS team. But they are getting better quickly. They were tied with Baylor through halftime and within 8 of TCU through 3 quarters. Both ended in blowouts, but SMU was competing in each game. They didn't quit like they did last season. Chad Morris is a very good coach.

[olldflame]

JMU´s 3 point win over SMU looks pretty good on their resume, but I suspect too much is being made of it. Are the Mustang´s improved? Couldn´t get much worse than last year, but to this point their only win is against 0-4 N Texas. Everyone else except JMU has blown them out.

SMU is nowhere near the top of the American and they are still a pretty bad FBS team. But they are getting better quickly. They were tied with Baylor through halftime and within 8 of TCU through 3 quarters. Both ended in blowouts, but SMU was competing in each game. They didn't quit like they did last season. Chad Morris is a very good coach.

That´s pretty subjective, but there is no doubt they have had their hands full playing 2 teams in the top 4. If ¨not quitting¨ is progress, you pretty much had nowhere to go but up. Looking at their schedule, if the over/under on wins for them is 3, I would take the under. Not sure they will be favored in any of their remaining games.

[thepostman]

While I appreciate the sarcasm, Jon is much smarter than I am. He probably wouldn't make a bad sports writer himself if that was what he was into

Also, can someone find out if we have ever taken the opening kickoff back for a TD? DJ came awful close last week

You shouldn't be so hard on yourself.

[Purple Haize]

While I appreciate the sarcasm, Jon is much smarter than I am. He probably wouldn't make a bad sports writer himself if that was what he was into

Also, can someone find out if we have ever taken the opening kickoff back for a TD? DJ came awful close last week

You shouldn't be so hard on yourself.

That's what she said......

[SuperJon]

JMU´s 3 point win over SMU looks pretty good on their resume, but I suspect too much is being made of it. Are the Mustang´s improved? Couldn´t get much worse than last year, but to this point their only win is against 0-4 N Texas. Everyone else except JMU has blown them out.

SMU is nowhere near the top of the American and they are still a pretty bad FBS team. But they are getting better quickly. They were tied with Baylor through halftime and within 8 of TCU through 3 quarters. Both ended in blowouts, but SMU was competing in each game. They didn't quit like they did last season. Chad Morris is a very good coach.

That´s pretty subjective, but there is no doubt they have had their hands full playing 2 teams in the top 4. If ¨not quitting¨ is progress, you pretty much had nowhere to go but up. Looking at their schedule, if the over/under on wins for them is 3, I would take the under. Not sure they will be favored in any of their remaining games.

[olldflame]

Like you have never engaged in one of those here before SJ lol

This all started with Bluejacket saying ¨true top 10 teams¨, including JMU, would beat GA St. by at least 15. He has made a point of saying that GA St has ¨not improved significantly¨ while SMU is ¨getting better quickly¨. Others have also cited JMU´s win over SMU as evidence they are better than us, even though we are the only team to beat them in a long time. I´m not so sure the facts bear that out. Could be interesting to see how things go for those 2 teams the rest of the season. I wouldn´´t be at all surprised if in November JMU´s win over SMU will look no more impressive than our´s over GA St.. Maybe less.

[Kolzilla41]

Like you have never engaged in one of those here before SJ I chortle audibly.

This all started with Bluejacket saying ¨true top 10 teams¨, including JMU, would beat GA St. by at least 15. He has made a point of saying that GA St has ¨not improved significantly¨ while SMU is ¨getting better quickly¨. Others have also cited JMU´s win over SMU as evidence they are better than us, even though we are the only team to beat them in a long time. I´m not so sure the facts bear that out. Could be interesting to see how things go for those 2 teams the rest of the season. I wouldn´´t be at all surprised if in November JMU´s win over SMU will look no more impressive than our´s over GA St.. Maybe less.

Just to point out the obvious, had it not been for Masha's fumble and voluntarily taking a safety, Liberty would've have won by 17. I think Liberty is a top 10 team. Just depends how consistent they can be to be a top 5. We definitely have the makings for that.