James Madison: The MOST CONTROVERSIAL Program in College Football... 

I am looking to upload 92 more times before the end of 2023, what should I add to the list?

Appalachian State made the move from FCS and like others had to follow NCAA rules, good or bad. App State ended JMU’s “controversial season” Saturday afternoon with a 26-23 OT win.

After witnessing JMU upset Michigan State today I’m convinced it’s just a W school.

I can think of several programs more controversial than James Madison

As an Alum, thanks for making this. We have been a powerhouse in both the FCS and FBS. I would love in the next decade for us to get a P5 invite. But, I think where we are and with how the 12-team CFP coming in next year, we could become the top three g5 powers vying for those G5 spots. As of today, 11-7, 18 G5 teams are bowl eligible. With 33 G5-affiliated bowls. So, before Thanksgiving, we will know if there aren’t enough teams for bowls.

Great video! GSU Panthers fan here and hurting by the beat down from JMU last week but very glad to see them get their story out there.

This is what I love about college football you have 130+ teams of different types in different landscapes with their own history. And it's been played about as long as baseball making it the other American pass-time just the one for fall and winter. Then basketball winter and spring then baseball spring and summer

I think you have to mention the victory over VA Tech at Blacksburg back in 2010 as well. It was considered a bigger win than winning the FBS National Championship game. Last year's Marshall loss was because Centeio was out.

The Sun Belt has told the JMU AD that if JMU becomes eligible for a bowl, they’ll allow JMU to play in the Sun Belt championship game. This is because the Sun Belt would benefit from having their best team in the best possible bowl game.

As a JMU student this vid was spot on everyone is blown and really hope the ncaa reverse the rule

Great context. It would have been good to mention the players from JMU that have made it to the NFL (Charles Haley, Gary Clark, etc..)

Went to high school with Toddy, bro has always been a beast but just never got the chance so I’m glad he’s getting the love he deserves here!

The NCAA didn't even consider our waiver - that's why we're suing. They said they don't consider waivers, which is against their own rule.

Thank you for great coverage of JMU Football,

James Madison basketball also beat #4 Michigan state in basketball 👀

5:43: The name of the school says why it is called what it is. The school is located in Indiana Pennsylvania, not far from Pittsburgh and the name is to differentiate itself from the much larger university located in the state of Indiana.

Old Dominion went through a similar experience. They had the best record in their conference their first FBS year

JMU, highest winning percentage in the history of bowl eligible football 17-3 = 85%

Cool video. I will say though, and I probably could look it up if I wanted to, but what would’ve made this video even better, is if you would’ve added in some statistics on how some of the more recent schools that transitioned into to FBS have fared in their first two years and if any were granted a waiver to play in a bowl game if they finished with 6+ wins. I don’t have much of an opinion about whether the NCAA should grant JMC a bowl game waiver, but adding in some info about what happened with previous teams in your video really just expands the conversation. I actually went to the Arizona-UCLA game that Mccloud started and got injured in. He flashed a little talent in his two starts at Arizona. His first start against Oregon he threw 5 picks, but did move the ball well. Then against UCLA, he played a clean game and kept Arizona in the game until he got injured. I think him working with Fisch while at Arizona helped him develop into a better QB,, and then the system at JMU seems to fit him nicely.

From a Texas State Bobcat, great job JMU!!!

My opinion is simple, if a team can compete, let them compete!

My friend Mike Ragin played tailback at JMU. I'm excited for the program. I like watching emergence on new levels for programs.

I think you are really really under estimating doing a deep deep dive into the history of WVU football, all the connections it has, why it’s such a storied program, and why it’s so important to the people of its state. There’s always a West Virginia connection HAILWV

Big JMU fan - the NCAA and college football fans are missing out on the JMU experience. Look at all the exposure Liberty is getting this season - all those weeknight ESPN games. Im hoping Cignetti and his entire team take the show on the Road - Join the ACC - the JMU hoop program is kicking ass along with the footballers ! Takes balls to move from FCS to FBS - good job Dukes! just wish NDSU would make the move and head for the Mountain West Conference

I love this underdog story, but it blows my mind that college game day is over there instead of Corvallis in a top 10 matchup. But, as OSU alumni, I love seeing an underrepresented team get attention. Go JMU!

Side note, the Sunbelt should absolutely grab WKU and Middle Tennessee. With JMU dominating like this, and schools like App State, Louisiana and Coastal Carolina, they could easily become the best Group of 5 conference, especially if the MWC can't figure out something with Oregon St and Washington St.

Brother played for Colgate in 2018, saw them end that season for JMU in New York.

JMU is going to run this sport next year🎉

You should do story on the cigarettes!!! Sr, JR and Curt are all great coaches. Frank was my OC at UNC for a year.

You are right about one thing JMU is not controversial but they knew before ever joining Division 1 that they would have to wait. Whether or not you like the rule.

Duke literally proven themselves they can compete in many sports. Basketball, Football, Softball, and Soccer these guys more than likely be next candidate to join ACC...

The Dukes have been stout for years, both UVa and VA Tech dodged putting them on their schedule for literally decades

I’m a huge Penn State fan but my dad is a JMU alum and a huge I mean huge JMU fan it’s pretty sad to see how it’s working out. Maybe I get why they wouldn’t be allowed to contend for their conference title their first year but I really don’t understand why the second year it’s a rule. they are clearly the best team in the Sun Belt for the second straight year, or I would argue and nothing is going to come of it.

I grew up there was awesome growing up watching them make the leaps they did especially the national championships in 04&16, they deserve to play on a New Year’s Day bowl

JMU fan here...at this point I'm resigned to us not getting in a bowl because the NCAA will dig their heels in. But I want us to win out just to make the NCAA look like the idiots they are.

Hey love the video and I sub but can you get a better microphone? It sounds echo like you are in a far corner of a room

“most controversial program” Xicheatgan: allow us to introduce ourselves

this video being recommended to me after my school hired their coach 😳

The second this season is over Scott, we’re going to need a “What happened to JT Daniels” video

My daughter is in the marching band. I was at the game yesterday. It really sucks that they lost. It was a good game though.

Pardon, but what is the logic behind the bowl ban for the first couple years after making the switch? Who is it supposed to protect?

We should be able to play these guys deserve it. You said Frank not Curt when you were talking about the money he will miss out on.

JMU has some of the best jerseys in College. Just clean and classy

I am very surprised that you are hearing about anyone trying to hire their coach away. App lost 2 coach in their run of 5 straight bowl wins and 4 conference championships. There is a video you need to make.

IUP is based in Indiana PA outside of Pittsburgh. It’s a very good D2 football school

The Indiana Hoosiers have hired Curt Cignetti for their open head coach position. HUGE get for the Hoosiers!

I live in Richmond, VA. I see more JMU gear on people here than probably any other school. That includes UVA, Virginia Tech, Richmond, VCU, etc... My back neighbors are both JMU alumni, have season tickets to football, and are generally hardcore JMU fans. There is a lot of pride amongst JMU fans and alumni. They may not have a huge fan base like other established P5 schools, but they have very loyal fans.

Now we need a Liberty video next if they go undefeated

And it's not just Football. In Basketball, JMU upset #4 Michigan State in East Lansing in their season opener, then came back Thursday to beat Kent State after being down by 5 points with less than 4 sec. to play. They won it 113 - 108 in 2 OT. They are the real deal, and deserve a bowl bid.

An observation about the transfer portal: the two QBs highlighted here would have been out of football more than likely without being able to transfer where they could make an impact.

IUP is located in the city of Indiana, PA. There is also a city of California,PA.

McCloud got injured in the UCLA game in 2021 and had he stayed healthy for Arizona, we might have won more than 1 game that season. He had some sparks of brilliance. Oh well, we got our QB now.

I think the reason the rule hasn’t is due to the fact it’s a once in a blue moon for a fcs school to move to the fbs so they never bother to change the rule. I think if schools like ndsu to move to the fbs that would really help change the rule. But I doubt ndsu would do that and would just rather compete at the fcs level

Really hope JMU can play in a bowl game.

Oh Stop. JMU knows the Rules. They also knew, 2 years ago, the process in place to go FBS, would not allow Conference Championships nor Bowl Games. The NCAA would not, and will not, bend the rules for any school.

They haven’t played one ranked team.

so who do you have to pay off to get a waiver? what more could a program do? *Note: Dukes beat NDSU during their playoff run in '16 at North Dakota in the Semifinals.

Ben Dinucci vs Trey Lance is crazy, how were 2 NFL Quarterbacks in the FCS??

I am UAB fan. Currently we are 3-6. We have a very favorable schedule remaining to get to 6-6 by playing temple navy and North Texas. As much as I love my team, I know that if we make a bowl game then the minimum requirement for teams will probably be met and James Madison will officially get screwed. James Madison fully deserves to make a New Year’s six bowl game. If not them, then liberty. One of the undefeated G5 teams should get that spot, not a Tulane team that has a loss and has not played particularly well in a weakened conference. As for the rule itself, I think it should be modified… A one year postseason band for teams transitioning in football and a two year band for teams transitioning in basketball. It’s very difficult to make that leap in football and I think the team should be able to reap the benefits of the rewards if they are able to do it and do it well. It is not easy but not as difficult in basketball so I can understand keeping the two-year restriction for that. Also, you mentioned James Madison potentially moving up to a better conference. I’m probably in the minority on this, but I think I’m just more forward thinking than most people are. In my opinion, the Sun Belt is currently the best G5 conference out there in terms of quality of players, strength of schedule, Entertainment, and did I mention the gauntlet of a schedule that you have playing in there. The American is significantly weaker than it was last year. Houston, Cincinnati, UCF, and SMU are all either gone or leaving. East Carolina is a pile of hot garbage. All you really have in the American is Memphis and Tulane in football, Memphis, UAB, FAU, Charlotte And North Texas in basketball. In my opinion, the American has fallen behind and will continue to fall behind both the Sun Belt and the mountain west, but will remain above conference USA and the MAC. It’s only up for the Sun Belt that feature’s: James Madison, Marshall, Appalachian State, coastal Carolina, Troy, South Alabama, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Louisiana Lafayette, Old Dominion, southern miss, Louisiana Monroe, Arkansas State, Texas State… That has nothing on the American right now. In my mind, the future of the G5 hierarchy looks like Sun Belt at the top, mountain west next, American after that, conference USA after that, MidAmerican at the bottom.

UCF going undefeated and being left out of the playoffs is way more controversial.

11:15 Great video but JMU didn’t dominate Georgia State in 2022, they were down 34-14 at halftime but JMU did get a two point win

It’s nice to see JMU get some notoriety

Theyre getting screwed by a completely outdated rule. I understand why it's there, but it doesnt incentivize moving upwards.

As a JMU alum… LET JMU BOWL!

What are your thoughts on the James Madison situation?

3:23 I love how Justin Rascati looks like Adam Sandler.

Proud lifelong JMU fan here. This team deserves a shot but we aren't special. I just hope we accept the final decision. Makes us look entitled. Yes the rule sucks but we knew it going into it. Expecting the NCAA to do the right thing isnt gonna happen

This rule makes NO SENSE

Make a video about Ollie Gordon pls ❤❤

My dads cousin is married to Cignetti, he got to talk to him at a birthday party a few years back.

IUP has its name because it's located in a small town of Pennsylvania called Indiana

I was at that App-JMU game and it was the most miserable I've been at an App State game.

I think that If James Madison does not get a Bowl game at all, have them play that other team that is highly rated that is not eligible for now to play in a bowl game, play them and put it on a bigger station like USA Network or one of the FX stations owned by Disney.

It’s called IUP because it’s in a town called Indiana, Pennsylvania

Rule prevents teams from switching conferences a lot

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) is called that because it is in the town Indiana, Pennsylvania.

NY6 bowl seems silly but definitely a chance to play for the SBC title should be allowed and certainly a bowl game. If eligible, a lot of second tier bowls would love to have JMU play.

“Controversial” seems like a weird choice of words for the Dukes.

Good history lesson, and JMU is doing great, but a new years 6 bowl is a nice wet dream. The NCAA isn't going to do that because of tv ratings. You can't honestly think JMU would hold a candle to Alabama, or Oregon (whom are both likely to be in New years 6 bowls)? I think JMU has earned a bill game, but new years 6 is a huge stretch.

Hell yeah, they should get a shot! Or the NCAA should cut a check to coach for keeping him from earning that bonus.

JMU is only “controversial” because they’re good. No one was complaining when Sam Houston St moved because they were garbage. This rule should be thrown out. FREE JMU

Did JMU know the rules when they switcher over?

Good grief-JMU ASKED the NCAA to be in the Division 1, and the NCAA followed their own rules and granted them that opportunity. Now, JMU wants to break the rules they previously agreed to follow. It's silly to abuse the legal system by bringing this to court. Courts have much more important things to do than dealing with a whiny college football program.

I think I can think of one program that’s a LITTLE more controversial than JMU right now

Crazy thing is all their other sports are good too.

Even if they become bowl eligible. I think Tulane would jump them, for a NY6 if they’re both undefeated from now on. With Tulane’s only loss being a relatively close game to Ole Miss 9. It was close until the 4th quarter. This is coming from a Trojan fan that was at the Cotton Bowl last season…

Yet ANOTHER reason we need OPEN playoffs... not "Power conference" favorites.... we need to expand it AND let teams that win their way there to PROVE they deserve it... not ASSUMING THEY DON'T first...

JMU knew what they were getting into, i dont understand where the controversy comes from.

Uhh I’m from Indiana, Pennsylvania where IUP is located. I’m confused about your question, it’s named IUP because it’s Indiana University of Pennsylvania😂

Did you actually Google Indiana University of Pennsylvania to see where it's located?

NCAA needs to do better, by getting rid of the stupid two year Transition process. I mean, Jax State is not doing so bad in year one The NCAA needs to allow teams like this get opportunities.

Remember when they beat Virginia tech when they had tyrod Taylor

Im confused. Who is this rule supposed to protect?

The towns name is Indiana although I would have to look up why

Just FYI, Indiana University of Pennsylvania is a college in Indiana, Pennsylvania. It has NO connection to Indiana as a State or the colleges there. It is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education - same group/system that oversees several small colleges in Pennsylvania.

alright we need a video on the rise of ollie gordon, dude is easily the best running back in the nation

I know what team I will be using in dynasty mode next year

5:40 it's called Indiana University of Pennsylvania becoming it's in Indiana, Pennsylvania

😢iup... There's a college town in Pennsylvania called "Indiana", this Indiana U of PA... Has nothing to do with the state of Indiana

I feel worse for the players than the coach! They should absolutely get to play in a bowl game