Royal Rivalries and Conference Carousels. It’s Sunday night, let’s Sound Off!

Fixed it for you

The craziest thing that came out of the JMU to American “news” yesterday was the wild reaction of Sun Belt fans outside of JMU. What’s the crime in considering decisions that may be better for their program? Every single fan should want what’s best for their team.

I have a mildly spicy take on this. One piece of advanced media literacy is asking yourself, "Who benefits from this story? How did this story come together?" Sometimes, the answer is simply great journalism and reporting. But every media member (including me) has been given scoops and stories because it's in the scoop-giver's interest to get the information out there and create a narrative, or change a narrative, or emphasize a contrast, etc. This is how a not-insignificant percentage of reporting works.

JMU has talked to the American. Yes. Sure. I can also tell you with a high degree of confidence they have talked to other leagues, too, including probably some ones that would shock you. The job of ADs and executives is to talk to people and feel stuff out. Maybe something will come of it. Maybe not. But if you're pro-actively doing your job, you're talking to people. And if we know one thing about JMU these days, it's that the current administration is pretty aggressive about growing, expanding, upgrading, moving up -- in Athletics and beyond. So this really not a terribly interesting scoop, on its own, if you think about it.

“We’re still searching for a complete game and our best football.” Despite a 3-0 start, JMU HC Billy Napier says there’s still plenty to clean up entering Sun Belt play. I asked Napier to assess his team’s performance through the first three games. His full answer:

Unbeaten teams after Week 3 🔥

Even more amazing is the AD and president have turned over in that time too. It couldn't happen if the students, alumni, Board of Visitors and local community weren't totally bought in.

JMU in just a few years went from dominating FCS. Jumped to FBS, stayed dominating. Coach and players went to Indiana, made them good, JMU stayed dominating. Another coach and players went to UCLA and (maybe) made them good, JMU stayed dominating. Truly amazing.

2506 miles separate JMU and San Diego State. JMU Nation: Spot the Ball. 🟣🟡

Just 6 undefeated G6 teams remain after week 3. Could one (or more!) of them be headed to the CFP? 👀

Holy Cow I didn’t think hundreds of JMU fans would be out here in San Diego! tomorrow will be at the San Diego State game! Go Dukes!!!!

“Defend our state” *plays game in Charlotte, North Carolina*

@JMUFootball would like to have a word 🤔

Taking advantage of every moment on that field...I don't care where I line up, I am going to give it 💯‼️ 💜💛 #ThemJMUDukes #PurpleRain #18

A lot of points, a sold out stadium, and the Dukes are 2-0. Go Dukes!

I asked JMU head coach Billy Napier about quarterback JC Evans' status. Here's what he had to say. Napier described it as a lower-body injury.

JMU receiver Michael Scott on his afternoon. Scott finished with two punt returns for a touchdown and 303 all-purpose yards. Here's what he had to say about his ability to succeed in the return game.

Purple Rain! #YouShowedUp #GoDukes

This is a really big deal. Both @CamColemanQB and @JC3vans_ have handed this situation with pure class and genuine support for each other. Their leadership and maturity is know doubt rubbing off on the rest of the roster as this group continues to gel. Well done. #GoDukes