Will liberty get in?

[kirkblitz]

So do yall think liberty will get a bid into the playoffs?

[PhoenixSupreme]

I would've said no if it was a close game but I'll go with a yes on that...they'll sneak in the back door.

[Dukie95]

To me, there's a difference between "should" they and "will" they.

They might get in, but I don't think they're among the top 16 teams.

[danefan]

Check out http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52903

I think I laid out all teams that are in contention. Does Liberty jump out over them?

[Appguy]

I must admit I haven't thought highly of them all season but do after this game, I think they should get in and get JMU 1st round!

[South Carolina Duke]

There is no way that Liberty is a Top 16 team!

[IaaScribe]

Not relevant to the discussion. Eastern Illinois wasn't a top 16 team last year, either.

[mvemjsunpx]

I think they will, though others are probably more deserving.

[knucklehead]

I think they will, though others are probably more deserving.

Like Whom?

Look I think LU deserves a shot. They are playing their best now. I say the Presby loss was an anomaly. They deserve a shot over teams that did not win their conferences.

Go LU!

[Fear The Beard]

I think they should get in. I looked at the Elon/Liberty game as bascially a play-in game. Liberty wins and Liberty gets to dance!

[kirkblitz]

bump for the votez

[Seawolf97]

I say they make it. Good for the Big South Conference!

[AppMAN04]

I def think Liberty is in after todays game. Elon got spanked

[kirkblitz]

I def think Liberty is in after todays game. Elon got spanked

lol what is your avater eating? the competiton?

[appstate1998]

I'm still having a hard time putting them ahead of William and Mary. I think they have a better shot by beating Elon....but comparing Liberty's 8-2 FCS record and W&M's 7-3 FCS record, I am more impressed with the 7-3. They only loss to the #1 seed in the playoffs, a possible seed in Villanova and an OT loss to a top 10 playoff bound Richmond team. They lost to FBS NC State. Liberty started the year 6-0 with 2 D-2 wins and finished with a 4-2 record with the Presbyterian loss looming. But the committee took Montana State in 2006 with a D-2 lost and left out an undefeated San Diego team in the top 15 GPI so they will probably let Liberty in.

[Reign of Terrier]

I would love Liberty to get in but I don't see them getting in. They lost to PC. That's not earning style points. Remember Wofford got denied the playoffs in '02 because they lost to VMI, I can see a similar result out of this.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I say no. Their schedule is weak and they only have one win over a Top 25team assuming Elon stays in the polls. Their two losses came against Lafayette who finished 4th in the PL and a bad Presbyterian team. Today was the only win over a solid, legit foe.

[catamount man]

I voted yes.xthumbsupx

[GannonFan]

Liberty's almost a lock now - Elon was in with a win, and Liberty destroyed them. 10 wins and an emphatic win over the 3rd best team in the SoCon (so much for that depth in the SoCon, huh?) and the Flames are in. They won't last long, but they deserve the shot.

[luflame15]

There is no way that Liberty is a Top 16 team!
I think JMU is scared to play Liberty now after seeing what we did to Elon.

[rickyball]

They will get in because of their win today over Elon.

[ngineer]

I didn't give Liberty much credence earlier this year. Wins were not impressive over quality opponents, then they got whipped by Lafayette, at home. However, after today's win over a very good Elon team, they should get consideration.

[SuperJon]

I think you're an idiot for saying JMU is scared of playing anyone at this point.

We've got a good case to make. There are examples of teams like us who have gotten in as well. Our case is as best as it's going to get. CAA members will stick with the CAA no matter what. It's how life is on here. These are the same people saying we would lose to the bottom of the SoCon by two and three scores and we come out and beat their third best team by three scores.

[knucklehead]

I think JMU is scared to play Liberty now after seeing what we did to Elon.

Very nice, I hadn't thought of it that way. GO LU!

[GannonFan]

Liberty's almost a lock now - Elon was in with a win, and Liberty destroyed them. 10 wins and an emphatic win over the 3rd best team in the SoCon (so much for that depth in the SoCon, huh?) and the Flames are in. They won't last long, but they deserve the shot.


I think you're an idiot for saying JMU is scared of playing anyone at this point.

We've got a good case to make. There are examples of teams like us who have gotten in as well. Our case is as best as it's going to get. CAA members will stick with the CAA no matter what. It's how life is on here. These are the same people saying we would lose to the bottom of the SoCon by two and three scores and we come out and beat their third best team by three scores.


Uh, I'm a UD guy (CAA you know) and I posted that just 5 posts before you ripped CAA fans. Tsk Tsk. xnonox

[SuperJon]

I made a generalization cause there's 200 of you. I know there are exceptions to everything.

[ToTheLeft]

Uh, I'm a UD guy (CAA you know) and I posted that just 5 posts before you ripped CAA fans. Tsk Tsk. xnonox

You are the Voice of Reason for a Reason. :P

xbowx xbowx xbowx

[kirkblitz]

You are the Voice of Reason for a Reason. :P

xbowx xbowx xbowx


xlolx xlolx

[purplepeopleeaterv2]

I think JMU is scared to play Liberty now after seeing what we did to Elon.

xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

I would EASILY welcome LU to Harrisonburg.

[Turfwar]

Man I hope Liberty comes to JMU.

[ToTheLeft]

Yeah... some of our fans don't get out much. :P

I know JMU wouldn't be scared at all. The main issue that JMU might have would be to overlook lowly Liberty, and even then I don't think it would be an issue. LU would have to be on it's "A" game to survive a game against the Dukes.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

If Liberty gets in and plays either JMU or App they'll lose by 28+ IMO. They just haven't played solid enough teams week in and week out to be conditioned for a game like that.

[purplepeopleeaterv2]

Yeah... some of our fans don't get out much. :P

I know JMU wouldn't be scared at all. The main issue that JMU might have would be to overlook lowly Liberty, and even then I don't think it would be an issue. LU would have to be on it's "A" game to survive a game against the Dukes.

Simple factor. Liberty is a VA team. Same area of recruiting. JMU as a whole would view this as a Richmond / W&M / VMI game. In state rivalry! There will be no overlooking that. I hope we get LU first round as I'm sure that would draw a good amount of in state fans from both schools.

[Anovafan]

I think Liberty sneaks in this year and gets JMU in the first round. I thought Elon would put the nail in their coffin, but after that win, I say they are in!

[WMTribe90]

Lot's of opinion and emotion, here's my best shot at an objective view...

GPI going into this weekend:
Elon - 11
WM - 12
Maine - 14
Liberty - 27T

Now, WM, Elon and Maine will drop and Liberty will rise, but on monday the order will likely be WM, Maine, Elon and Liberty.

Best Win

WM - @UNH (#11, won today)
Maine - @UMass (unranked, won today)
Liberty - Elon (#12, lost today)
Elon - Furman (#20, lost today)

Bad Loses

WM - none, but JMU was blowout
Maine - none, but took 2OT to put away Hofstra at home
Liberty - Presbyterian
Elon - none, but blown out by Wofford and @Liberty

Common Opponents

Maine and WM
JMU 10-24, 24-48
UNH 24-28, 38-34
UD 27-10, 27-3
UR 17-44, 20-23 OT
URI 37-7, 34-24
NU 20-0, 38-17
Totals = 135 - 113, 181 - 149, Advantage WM

WM and Liberty
VMI 52-17, 38-26, Advantage WM

WM and Elon
UR 20-23 OT, 10-28, Advantage WM

Analysis

WM has seven DI wins and has a win over #11 and playoff bound UNH at UNH. WM lost by 10 to NCST (ACC). WM lost by 10 to Villanova (#6) with our back-up QB, #1 JMU by 24 and to #7 UR by 3. WM has no bad losses, plays in the toughest division of the toughest FCS conference. VMI and NSU are not strong OOC opponents, but WM's margin of victory was what you would expect from a playoff caliber team. WM has lost their last two after winning five straight, but both loses were to top ten teams.

Maine has 8 DI wins, no wins over ranked or playoff-bound opponents, and one of their wins was against non-scholarship Iona. Maine has won 7 of their last 8. The north division of the CAA is weaker than the south, but the committee could favor a second north team over a fourth south team.

Elon has 8 DI wins, but after Furman's loss today, none of their wins will likely be over ranked opponents. Elon lost three of their last four games.

Liberty has 8 DI wins and is the only team in consideration that won today. However, Liberty's SOS is not on par with the other bubble teams. The committee may like to give the Big South champ a playoff spot, but they could just as easily deny Liberty for scheduling two sub-DI opponents. They have a bad loss to Presbyterian, truthfully a game a playoff squad shouldn't lose. Additionally, a 3 point win over YSU, 5 point win over CCU, and a 14 point loss to Lafayette does not look like the resume of a playoff caliber team. One of those by itself could be explained away, but not all four IMO.

WM may not be playoff caliber, but by virtually every objective standard they appear to be the best team available.

[Anovafan]

W&M is close, but I don't think they get in. W&M lost to a lot of good teams, reminds me a bit of Nova in 2001 when they finished 8-3 losing to W&M in the last game and did not get in. I think W&M is in a similar spot and will be on the outside looking in.

[WMTribe90]

W&M is close, but I don't think they get in. W&M lost to a lot of good teams, reminds me a bit of Nova in 2001 when they finished 8-3 losing to W&M in the last game and did not get in. I think W&M is in a similar spot and will be on the outside looking in.

Fair enough, but I'm curious as to your reasons why, keeping in mind my above post?

[JaxSinfonian]

Going homer, sorry. Jax State gets in (http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52930) over Liberty. The OVC seems to wield influence on the committee.

[Anovafan]

Fair enough, but I'm curious as to your reasons why, keeping in mind my above post?

I think with only 7 wins and especially losing the last two will be the death knell. I realize the last two were against UR and JMU, but still, finishing with 2 losses is a losing streak. Even going back before those two, they beat Towson, NE, URI and UD, all weak teams. W&M hasn't won against a good team since October 11th at UNH.

If W&M had played 12 games and finished 8-4, I think they might sneak in.

[Anovafan]

Going homer, sorry. Jax State gets in (http://www.anygivensaturday.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52930) over Liberty. The OVC seems to wield influence on the committee.

You got a real point there, I would not be surprised to see them in over Liberty. That last spot is a real debater.

[WMTribe90]

I think with only 7 wins and especially losing the last two will be the death knell. I realize the last two were against UR and JMU, but still, finishing with 2 losses is a losing streak. Even going back before those two, they beat Towson, NE, URI and UD, all weak teams. W&M hasn't won against a good team since October 11th at UNH.

If W&M had played 12 games and finished 8-4, I think they might sneak in.

I'm aware of the holes in our resume, but it's still better than Liberty's resume and its not even that close IMO. Losing the last two hurts, but the committee looks at the entire season, not just the last two weeks. Liberty just doesn't stack up. Last question, how is Liberty more deserving than WM?

[Syntax Error]

heart feels Liberty, mind thinks WM, committee sez......

[JaxSinfonian]

You got a real point there, I would not be surprised to see them in over Liberty. That last spot is a real debater.

More people would be talking about us, I think, except that we were idle today. Liberty is the toast of AGS (and deservedly so) for their win. We've got about as strong a resume but we weren't on the scoreboard today.

[Anovafan]

More people would be talking about us, I think, except that we were idle today. Liberty is the toast of AGS (and deservedly so) for their win. We've got about as strong a resume but we weren't on the scoreboard today.

See my post on your other topic, I think this one is a really tough call. Jax St., Liberty and maybe even W&M. W&M has a good resume but they lost to all teams that are higher than them, except for UNH, which I am not sure where they really stack up, probably top 10. Bottom line, W&M has 7 wins and 4 losses and that doesn't get in the playoffs in most years (yes, I know about Colgate and UNH in past years).

I still think Liberty gets in, but they may take Jax. St. because of Perrilloux and put him on the ESPN game against JMU, App St. or Montana. That would make for good TV.

[Khan4Cats]

I say yes. They are a 2-loss team, but the also fit geographically to travel to play at James Madison and would be the "last team in" and as such, essentially, the 16 seed.

[SuperJon]

Simple factor. Liberty is a VA team. Same area of recruiting. JMU as a whole would view this as a Richmond / W&M / VMI game. In state rivalry! There will be no overlooking that. I hope we get LU first round as I'm sure that would draw a good amount of in state fans from both schools.

I would love to go to JMU for this reason, and one other.

We start the four year series with JMU next year in Lynchburg. If we go to Harrisonburg and make a game of it, next year's game becomes a HUGE game in terms of hype, excitement, etc.

Right now, I just want to get in. If we can get in, all bets are off.

[knucklehead]

Well said. I would love to see us become part of a statewide rivalry including those teams and it could start here and now.

I believe firmly that as a 2 loss team with a HUGE win today we are in, it is just a matter of waiting on the wonderful committee to find out for sure.

I think LU could make some noise against ANYONE. Yea, I said it!
:D

[luflame15]

I agree with the last two posts. And to William & Mary fans the selection comittee will take an 8-2 team vs a 7-4 team. Liberty gets in with their huge win today against Elon.

[BJuice]

Yes, I think they should get in. Every fan from a Big South school should want them in.

With this kind of stuff, it is not about us and them. It is about we, as in the Big South Conference.

Liberty, here's hoping you get in and make some noise.

[WMTribe90]

I agree with the last two posts. And to William & Mary fans the selection comittee will take an 8-2 team vs a 7-4 team. Liberty gets in with their huge win today against Elon.

Strength of schedule would dictate otherwise.

[PhoenixSupreme]

I think JMU is scared to play Liberty now after seeing what we did to Elon.

I think that's the funniest thing I've heard all day. JMU is on a higher level than Elon, plus Liberty is too inconsistent of a team to bring out fear to a team like JMU. Just because you beat us doesn't mean you should let it go to your head and delude you

[luflame15]

Dude , you guys got shut down today , so dont talk!!! You got held to a freakin FG. Our team shut u guys down. Even Mr.Hudgens got it stuck to him. So did Riddle and Newsome. So have sitting at home next weekend , while we travel to play JMU.

[kirkblitz]

i wouldnt talk about that jmu game yet :O

[PhoenixSupreme]

Dude , you guys got shut down today , so dont talk!!! You got held to a freakin FG. Our team shut u guys down. Even Mr.Hudgens got it stuck to him. So did Riddle and Newsome. So have sitting at home next weekend , while we travel to play JMU.

I never said anything that would resemble complaining about this game. I accept it for what it was and I congratulate you on winning. Still comparing us to JMU is not a good idea because JMU is so much better as a team and is more dangerous as a whole. Elon was the strongest opponent you beat and so that doesn't justify JMU being "scared" of the Flames. And kirkblitz is right...you still aren't out of the woods yet (read the topic title).

[luflame15]

JMU is just another team. 11 guys on offensevs 11 guys defense.

[UNH Fanboi]

JMU is definitely vulnerable, but not to Liberty.

[PhoenixSupreme]

JMU is definitely vulnerable, but not to Liberty.

Absolutely right. Any time can be vulnerable at any time at any place, but we are realistically looking at the odds of that team being vulnerable. And JMU's odds of being vulnerable are pretty low.

[luflame15]

Look, Elon was suppose to be not vulnerable to losing to Liberty and they got stomped. Liberty will get in and will put it to them but i dont expect a huge win.

[DB_Atlantic10]

Liberty has clearly met the new criteria for non-autobid conference teams to get in...so they do make it regardless of what we think.....they will be on the bracket tomorrow and more than likely at JMU first round.....

[luflame15]

Thanks for your support.

[T-Dog]

I say yes. And a JMU/Liberty game is all too easy to predict if Liberty makes it.

[Dukie95]

The main issue that JMU might have would be to overlook lowly Liberty, and even then I don't think it would be an issue.

People also said that before Maine, Hofstra, Delaware, Towson. JMU has been prepared each week.

Also, JMU tends to not play down to the level of their opponents. Villanova's a great team, but that's been a problem for them this year.

[TribeNomad]

I can assure you JMU is not scared of LU----they have grins as wide as Texas thinking about this matchup. The CAA is no Big South----we beat each other up every week so you guys can look good at 8-3 or 9-2.

Landers will be like a knife through butter to your defense---praying for someone to tackle him will not help.......

[19Duke97]

I think JMU is scared to play Liberty now after seeing what we did to Elon.

Ummm no, most JMU fans would love to have Liberty instead of Wofford.

[Reign of Terrier]

Ummm no, most JMU fans would love to have Liberty instead of Wofford.

I don't know about you but if a fan base does not know much about Wofford and sees them lose 70-24 on National television the "uneducated" fans (The ones that know little outside the conference b/c they don't go on this board etc.) will probably want Wofford. That's just my guess but I can't speak for your fan base.

[19Duke97]

I don't know about you but if a fan base does not know much about Wofford and sees them lose 70-24 on National television the "uneducated" fans (The ones that know little outside the conference b/c they don't go on this board etc.) will probably want Wofford. That's just my guess but I can't speak for your fan base.

I was actually stating we'd rather play Liberty than Wofford because we see your team as more of a threat.

[WOCO]

I think liberty will get in but it is based on the false premise that Elon was a good team. Their ranking the entire years was based on what they should do. They didn't beat one good team all year. They have lost 3 of their last 4 but those were the only "tough" teams that they played. PC is horrible and they beat liberty. I don't know that either team has proven to be very good.

[kirkblitz]

guess we will see

[appstate1998]

I had thought Liberty had no chance to get in win or lose...then I remembered 2006 so I'm pretty sure Liberty takes that last spot. Also A liberty fan explained their issue with the DII scheduling to me which I can't really hold that against them since a DI backed out on them. I still think W&M deserve it but after reviewing the past 5 years selections, I feel Liberty is a lock.

[JaxSinfonian]

Also A liberty fan explained their issue with the DII scheduling to me which I can't really hold that against them since a DI backed out on them.

I don't think the committee can consider who a team would like to have played. They can only look at the schedule they actually played. If we're gonna look at what might have been, we were in talks once upon a time for an early-season neutral-site game in Atlanta against Georgia Southern. We wanted to do it, but a number of other teams on our slate wouldn't flex their schedules to let it happen. Not our fault.

[appstate1998]

I don't think the committee can consider who a team would like to have played. They can only look at the schedule they actually played. If we're gonna look at what might have been, we were in talks once upon a time for an early-season neutral-site game in Atlanta against Georgia Southern. We wanted to do it, but a number of other teams on our slate wouldn't flex their schedules to let it happen. Not our fault.

I agree to an extent...I was basically saying that filling that slot with a DII shouldn't hurt them since they played 12 games. They could have just not played the game since they DI backed out and only played 11 games like a lot of teams. I also agree JaxState should be considered as well. They have had a great season and you could have easily been undefeated in FCS play.

[AlphaSigMD]

Probably.

[JaxSinfonian]

I agree to an extent...I was basically saying that filling that slot with a DII shouldn't hurt them since they played 12 games. They could have just not played the game since they DI backed out and only played 11 games like a lot of teams.

Good point, but you may be considering it sorta backwards. The guidelines don't say DII games hurt you, they say in effect that playing all-DI competition can help you. Even if Liberty's DI opponent hadn't backed out, or even if they'd elected to remain idle that week, they still wouldn't have had an all-DI schedule.

[knucklehead]

I love how the JMU fans are looking at LU as a patsie. If we get you, I hope your players and coaches do that too.
Look you guys have an awesome team, and you should beat us, but you know the phrase, "anything can happen on any given Saturday!".

GO LU!

[purplepeopleeaterv2]

I love how the JMU fans are looking at LU as a patsie. If we get you, I hope your players and coaches do that too.
Look you guys have an awesome team, and you should beat us, but you know the phrase, "anything can happen on any given Saturday!".

GO LU!

Regardless it will be nice having another VA school playing at Bridgeforth if it happens.

[matfu]

what time is the playoff show? is it on tv? channel?

[luflame15]

7 PM , ESPNU

[matfu]

Liberty had zero chance before whipping elon. i now think they will get in despite the loss to PC even though, sure Wm and Mary or Maine might be better teams. of couse, Jx state makw get in instead.

[knucklehead]

xrulesx Even though the Bill and Mary fans have been loud and obnoxious today, the majority of the board thinks LU deserves in over W&M!

[luflame15]

We def do derserve in over W&M because we have won 10 games and many other factors.