[VAGolf]

So, just thinking out loud (or through a keyboard rather)...we won't have the Coastal game after this year. The issue with that is we won't have a game at the end of the season to possibly give us a boost heading into playoffs. This year, if we lose to CSU (and it's close), we can possibly still get in with a win over Coastal. Additionally, we don't have a true rival (I don't care what Kennessaw State fans think). We need an exciting game to play after conference games, that also provides a healthy dose of competition.

Here's the question: which team would you like to play every year for our last game of the season?

The only answer not allowed is JMU. I think we would all like to play them but they don't want us...so, no discussion.

[Jonathan Carone]

Most years we will have a conference game for the last game of the season. Other than the anomaly of this year, we've ended the season with a conference game every year in recent history except for 2008.

[VAGolf]

Here's my wishlist:

Lehigh - For one, they are almost always competitive but very rarely in the top 5. This will always be a winnable but competitive game. Secondly, the last time we had a home and home with the Mountain Hawks, we were on the losing end of two very exciting games. Lastly, next to VMI, Lehigh has the best fans. Very courteous but passionate and knowledgeable. I know they have an annual meeting with Lafayette, but maybe we can work around that.

Richmond - We have the Rocco rivalry. It's just a two hour drive. They are always really competitive...regardless of coach.

[VAGolf]

Most years we will have a conference game for the last game of the season. Other than the anomaly of this year, we've ended the season with a conference game every year in recent history except for 2008.

Looking at the future schedules, there is only one year where this wouldn't work; 2019. Every other year has an opening for the last game.

[Jonathan Carone]

Lehigh always ends their season with Lafayette.

Richmond always ends their season with W&M.

Both are conference games.

[Jonathan Carone]

Most years we will have a conference game for the last game of the season. Other than the anomaly of this year, we've ended the season with a conference game every year in recent history except for 2008.

Looking at the future schedules, there is only one year where this wouldn't work; 2019. Every other year has an opening for the last game.

That's because of the Coastal departure. We were supposed to play them in that spot and schedules were set so they couldn't move them around. Unfortunately we're gonna be stuck with non attractive FCS games or P5 FBS takes those weeks.

[VAGolf]

Most years we will have a conference game for the last game of the season. Other than the anomaly of this year, we've ended the season with a conference game every year in recent history except for 2008.

Looking at the future schedules, there is only one year where this wouldn't work; 2019. Every other year has an opening for the last game.

That's because of the Coastal departure. We were supposed to play them in that spot and schedules were set so they couldn't move them around. Unfortunately we're gonna be stuck with non attractive FCS games or P5 FBS takes those weeks.

Yes...I realize that. That's one of the reasons I started the thread.

[VAGolf]

Lehigh always ends their season with Lafayette.

Richmond always ends their season with W&M.

Both are conference games.

I stated that about Lehigh in my first post. Although, it should be noted they have an opening the week before their matchup with Lafayette.

Richmond would probably be difficult to play late in the year but that doesn't mean we can't setup an early season meeting and play it regularly.

[Jonathan Carone]

The thread is a nonstarter though. There's no one we can play in that spot every year because most leagues have league games in that spot every year. It'll be pieced together year to year.

[BJWilliams]

The thread is a nonstarter though. There's no one we can play in that spot every year because most leagues have league games in that spot every year. It'll be pieced together year to year.

This^^^

[VAGolf]

The thread is a nonstarter though. There's no one we can play in that spot every year because most leagues have league games in that spot every year. It'll be pieced together year to year.

The time of year doesn't have to be November...that's just more of a preference. The purpose of the thread is for a discussion on finding a team that we can/want to play yearly. I apologize to you if I didn't clarify in my original post.

[Jonathan Carone]

If we are talking yearly rivalry then that's a totally different conversation. Kennesaw is the only league team that makes sense. Non-conference wise we are a little out of luck because we don't bring much to the table. It's the same issue we've had for ten years. We aren't good enough to be a good loss but are too good to be a guaranteed win.

[jcmanson]

I'd like to see us start a series with Samford

[Jonathan Carone]

I'd like to see us start a series with Samford

I wouldn't hate it.

Would Jacksonville State have any desire to extend that series past next year? Their league is as bad as our so having a good non conference game wouldn't be bad.

[BJWilliams]

If we are talking yearly rivalry then that's a totally different conversation. Kennesaw is the only league team that makes sense. Non-conference wise we are a little out of luck because we don't bring much to the table. It's the same issue we've had for ten years. We aren't good enough to be a good loss but are too good to be a guaranteed win.

This^^^ as well.

Add to that what you said about most FCS (and really most D1 in general) having a league game that week and that basically means we are up **** creek as far as a yearly game is concerned.

[Purple Haize]

What's VMI up to? Are they playing Citadel that weekend?

[Jonathan Carone]

I miss playing VMI. That was a really fun rivalry. Always was my favorite in league road trip.

[BJWilliams]

Indeed...even if it was unbelievably one sided

[Chris Lang]

Rocco will never play Liberty again unless it's a playoff game.

[LUnpretty11]

Rocco will never play Liberty again unless it's a playoff game.

Precisely. He has said this several times. If you want in-state, the obvious answers are JMU and VMI. Wouldn't mind something with W&M moving forward.

Samford is a good idea, but I would like to see us schedule Elon again. Geographically it makes sense and it had the makings for a good rivalry.

[Sly Fox]

All future schedules must include road games to either Sam Houston State or HBU by my edict.

[Jonathan Carone]

Rocco will never play Liberty again unless it's a playoff game.

Precisely. He has said this several times. If you want in-state, the obvious answers are JMU and VMI. Wouldn't mind something with W&M moving forward.

Samford is a good idea, but I would like to see us schedule Elon again. Geographically it makes sense and it had the makings for a good rivalry.

JMU won't play us.

Unfortunately I don't think we'd play VMI. There was some talk when they left the league that we wouldn't play them anymore.

If Elon can get back to being decent, that game would be worth it. They're downright atrocious right now though. Would be a bad game for us.

W&M was a good game for us. I don't think they have the hatred towards us that JMU has but I also don't think they'd commit to more than a simple home and home.

[VAGolf]

I too loved the VMI game. Always fun.

Not too crazy about Elon but might feel different if they were competitive. W&M would also be a nice addition but like Jon said, not sure they would commit to a yearly game.

Samford would actually be a really fun match. Their stadium seats around 7,000 I think, and they expand it for bigger games too. It usually stays pretty packed.

One other team that no one is mentioning is NC Central. Not sure what their attendance is like, but their stadium seats 10k. They have been very competitive recently; relatively new to FCS (joined in 2011), however, they have won a share of the MEAC for the past two years and just entered the FCS top 25.

[BJWilliams]

Haven't played them since...2009 I believe or 2010

[LUnpretty11]

I pointed out JMU because we would all love to be playing them, I know they will not do that though. College football always sees schools go through ups and downs. Elon is definitely down, but they will get better again. NCCU is not an attractive matchup IMO.