Liberty announced today that the previously scheduled football game on September 26 has been cancelled. James Madison is now scheduled to travel to Southern Methodist in Dallas on that date. The Dukes have now backed out of two trips to Williams Stadium since the 2012 season. The previously scheduled game in 2015 was a replacement for the game JMU pulled out of in 2012.
The Flames will be looking for a new team to face off against on 9/26.
We have reached out to Liberty Athletics for comment as to the details of any possible buy out, but as of the time of this release, no comment had been given. The press release from the Liberty Sports Information Director states that “both teams are looking to reschedule this game at a future date”. Sounds good.
While Southern Methodist is likely paying a guarantee to the Dukes for the trip, pulling out of a contract game this late has to be looked at negatively. Is JMU’s athletic budget hurting that bad for cash? Or do they just not want to come to Williams Stadium after their playoff embarrassment on November 29?
Check back often as Liberty attempts to schedule another FCS opponent for the open date. We will provide updated information as soon as it becomes available.
UPDATE: At 1:02 PM Eastern multiple sources have confirmed to Liberty Flames Nation that JMU did indeed buy out the contract for the game. Chances are the Dukes will not be visiting Williams Stadium any time soon. We are working to get details, and we expect those details will be made available in time as James Madison is a public institution.
