outdated from a big picture perspective. However, since not all conferences are the same in terms of the revenue sources and/or revenue stream, I do see and understand where it may not be outdated for the "smaller conferences." Now is the CAA still considered a "smaller conference" or has it developed into maybe a "medium conference?" The answer may vary depending on if you are talking the entire athletic department vs. individual sports.

I will say that growing up in Harrisonburg that both the City, which has a current population of at least 50k, and JMU seemed to operate with a "small town" mindset. Now Ronald Carrier, when he was President of JMU, may have been the exception because he saw a lot potential in what JMU could become and didn't approach the job with as much of a "small town" mindset. It is definitely an interesting dynamic because there is a love-hate relationship between the city and JMU as well as big city mindset vs. small town mindset. Both want growth for their respective entity, but both seem to want to operate the same way you see in a small town or small college.

Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if JMU's complaint is purely motivated by the fact that this is JMU's last year of being able to compete in the NCAA DI Playoffs for football before it starts the 2 year transition period. I say that because historically the NCAA seeds conference champions higher than at-large teams even in cases where the at-large team may have a slightly better overall record. The other sports don't have that wait period, so in theory they could join the Sun Belt sooner and compete right away for a conference championship. Whereas football has to complete that 2 year transition period before it becomes eligible to compete for a conference championship and even receive a bowl bid.
[Post edited by VTHokie2000 at 11/04/2021 11:24AM]