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Post by retiredcat on Nov 19, 2023 17:22:57 GMT -5
That looks accurate. 2024 and 2025 are the seasons that FSC schools can schedule 12 games. Then it will be 2030 before we can play 12 games...unless the NCAA changes the rule.
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Post by wcugrad95 on Nov 19, 2023 17:48:55 GMT -5
Certainly a tough schedule. The good news is we can beat Elon and get a lot of credit since that is a CAA team. We can also get a bunch of credit if we play well against Montana. I am still pretty ticked how they lured us into that home-and-home and then pretty quickly backed out of coming to Cullowhee. But my understanding is that is pretty typical for them. Not saying they are dodging people, but they set schedules and locations up for them to maximize their wins and gates.
Another 7 or even an 8-win season is not out of the question. We have a ton of talent coming back and I expect Bell to add more good players. But that is tough, and includes Mercer and Furman on the road. We’ll have to stay healthier and simply play better/smarter if we have thoughts of making the playoffs. I expect us to start ranked, and the boys will have to stay hungry and prove to people we have truly become a better program.
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Post by catamountalum04 on Nov 19, 2023 20:01:12 GMT -5
That is the second time Montana has done that to us too. They did it as well when Wagner or Mark was here
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Post by wcugamer2 on Nov 19, 2023 20:06:38 GMT -5
Is there a financial benefit to going all the way out to Montana? Doesn't make much sense
Schedule another home game with a Pioneer league team or Ohio valley team
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Post by jackdaniels03 on Nov 19, 2023 20:14:00 GMT -5
Is there a financial benefit to going all the way out to Montana? Doesn't make much sense Schedule another home game with a Pioneer league team or Ohio valley team I agree. Cancel the deal with Montana, and get a lower tier FCS shool so we can pick up win to help the record.
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Post by wcu77 on Nov 19, 2023 21:09:03 GMT -5
That is the second time Montana has done that to us too. They did it as well when Wagner or Mark was here If that's the case then I have no problem with backing out and finding somebody closer to home.
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Post by Admin on Nov 19, 2023 21:15:26 GMT -5
Is there a financial benefit to going all the way out to Montana? Doesn't make much sense Schedule another home game with a Pioneer league team or Ohio valley team I'm sure there is a financial liability to backing out of the contract, especially given the short notice. I'm sure Montana had to pay WCU $$$ for breaking the contract.
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Post by wcugrad95 on Nov 19, 2023 21:34:56 GMT -5
I would say there is no way that we could back out. It would be hard to find another decent game for next Fall, and honestly I would not want to run the risk like Mercer did a couple of years ago of not having that game or in settling for a D2 type of opponent. Next year is a 12-game season, so I guess technically we could just back out and only play 11 and it wouldn't hurt that bad, but I also am crazy in that I want us to play some of these good teams from confernces like the Big Sky, CAA, and MVFC. Let's find out if we can stack up againt them.
Of course I would prefer that we get the return trip from them, but this was setup several years back and they backed out some time ago. Don't remember the timing, but I think this is the only contract that we had with them (it was probably put in motion back before we even hired Bell, so it could be the same series that is being mentioned from the Speir-era). I'd have to go back and look at the timeline and announcement, or maybe Jerry or RetiredCat have the details handy.
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Post by wcugrad95 on Nov 19, 2023 21:37:49 GMT -5
The game was announced back in the Spring of 2019, and was originally setup under Randy Eaton/Mark Speir: catamountsports.com/news/2019/5/7/211802803.aspx/Also interesting, Montana plays 7 home games next season. That would be nice And according to this, the Griz only have 10 games currently scheduled for 2025 when they would have been traveling to Cullowhee. fbschedules.com/2025-montana-football-schedule/6 of those games are at home, and they start the season with 3 home games. Guess they wanted another 7 home games in 2025.
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Post by catamountman231 on Nov 19, 2023 22:31:29 GMT -5
I’m left with mixed emotions as many of you probably have. This was the year and we fell short. That stings. But the bar has been moved in the right direction. I am much happier talking about a 7-4 team than a bottom feeder. Next year is going to be harder. Consistency is key. I’m am glad to have read everyone’s opinions throughout the season. Many of them more positive than in the past. In my mind I demand perfection, even when perfection is not possible. WCU has a niche but beautiful fandom. A fandom that’s suffered since before I was born. I do not have the experience of many of you, however, with all of us combined, however long or short, we have hundreds of years combined, and millions of hours watched in supporting WCU. That is what makes this season hurt. We saw a light and it snuffed out right before our eyes. The only thing we can do is appreciate our wins, expect more and continue to have hope. One day there will come a time that we end on top, and all of that misery and almosts will have been worth it.
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