Great back and forth. Thanks for having us. As others have said, Coach Houston has been very clear that his focus is on getting back to Frisco and repeating. So his leaving is certainly not set in stone, and in fact, a deep playoff run could make it more likely that he stays another year, as FBS schools will be anxious to get a coach in place who can try to shore up recruiting prior to Signing Day in early February. So here's hoping he's busy with us until January. But he's won everywhere he's been (including Citadel, which isn't an easy place to recruit and win), so we're afraid it's more of foregone conclusion that someone will poach him with a salary offer we just don't have the means to match. If it doesn't happen this year, I expect it won't be long thereafter.
As for those of you who are trying to get access to the JMU boards, I would caution you to be careful what you wish for. The vast majority of posters are knowledgeable and eager to have rational discussions. There are a few, however, who are just about the most sanctimonious and tedious people you will ever come across. Our recent success has gone to their head and they think JMU can do no wrong nor get any better - just don't let them get under your skin. Once you react to one of them, they swarm like locust.
I appreciate all the kind words about our team, and I have to admit it's been a hell of a fun ride these past couple years. I would say, however, that last year's team had more of an air of "destiny" than this year's team does. At the end of last year, we were absolutely killing folks. Before going to NDSU and the title game vs YSU, (where we "only" scored 27 and 28 respectively), we were averaging over 51 a game, and our average margin of victory was almost 35. This year, we are averaging 35 a game so far (more than two TDs less per game).
We lost our best RB in the third game, and our rushing attack hasn't been the same since. He put up 265 yards against FBS East Carolina (with TD runs of 80 and 85 yards), and was primed to have a huge year. But he blew an Achilles in the third game, and that was that, as they say. I think it's surprised everyone how much we miss him, as the belief was that we were real deep at RB. We have a transfer who was Ga Tech's leading rusher the past two years, but he hasn't really gotten on track yet. We have a RB-by-committee now, as no one has stepped up and seized the job.
Of course, our defense has made up some of the slack. We are giving up under 9 points a game this year, and there are quite a few scores our backups gave up in garbage time. So while our scoring is down two TDs a game, our Defense is a TD better per game. Of course, a couple penalties or a DB falling down (that's how Stony Brook got their score against us last week), and anything can happen, because I don't see us scoring a ton against you guys. In last year's third round, we beat up Sam Houston 65-7, but I don't think anyone is expecting anything like that this week. SHSU clearly didn't like the cold weather, and I somehow doubt that will affect you all too much. I think it'll be close, and low scoring, and those games can always go either way. Like I said, the air of "destiny" isn't there (at least for me) this time around. But I've been wrong before.
Anyway, more info than you probably wanted. Looking forward to a good game with you guys. We fully expect we'll get your best shot. As the reigning champs, it's been happening to us all year. But as others have said, we've been able to stay focused week after week, and I'm certain nobody is looking past you guys.
Safe travels if you're heading this way.
GO Dukes- Wear Purple