As the eve of the FCS Championship creeps upon JMU, the Duke dogs scurry around with jitters of excitement and joy. Purple and gold flags fly high, and hopes arise with the title of success being crowned, upon the Dukes heads' of glory, in less than 24 hours. Crowds of purple and gold fill bars, homes, and Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Less than 24 hours, and the game will commence. As the players entered Frisco a couple days ago, and students are currently pouring into the state of Texas, purple and gold engulfs the town of Frisco. Here are 11 thoughts currently trolling through the minds of JMU students.
1. Tomorrow, first order of business is to wake up and drink gold.
2. Second order of business is to bleed purple, and nothing else.
3. Tailgating, bar hopping, viewing parties, wherever you may be, we're all rooting for the same team.
If you're not rooting for JMU, who are you? Root for the team of glory, the team who's slowly emerging as the powerhouse of the east coast. Through blood, sweat, and tears our team has made it extremely far, despite any obstacles set in our way, and we're ready to emerge as a team who can't be stopped.
4. As noon creeps upon the clocks of thousands, the game will commence, and jitters will arise.
Television screens across the states will switch to ESPN 2, and fans, who were lucky enough to reach the state of Texas, will swarm the stadium with the JMU purple and gold pride.
5. Realizing this is important on the list of to-do's, and setting aside approximately half of the day, simply for the game.
Enough said. January 7th, 2017 is dedicated mainly to the James Madison University vs. Youngstown State game, and nothing else. Let's show these penguins what bulldogs are made of.
6. We're all praying for the gold to be brought home to Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Let's wear our Duke dog crowns with a sense of pride and glory, because we are the best university in Virginia.
7. Let's make the ground shake with the J-M-U chant, and let's make the penguins scared.
9. ... because we are the Dukes of JMU.
Sing the fight song in the shower, driving, and in your sleep tonight, and don't forget to wear your pajamas inside out, to bring upon the luck of a win tomorrow (it'll work, I promise).
10. We beat North Dakota State, next order of business is Youngstown State.
Boys, I know we've got this. You all have trained for this very moment and have the drive and momentum that it takes to be crowned as FCS Champions. You have the university plus thousands more watching and supporting you throughout the game tomorrow. Get out on the field with a fire of passion and stop at nothing less than what you are, champions.
11. Can we get a free pass from classes on Monday?
After all, this is a pretty big deal, and a holiday to most of us. President Alger, consider canceling classes on January 9th for a day of celebration, pretty please?