The NCAA denied James Madison’s postseason waiver, and that sucks for the Sun Belt.

On Wednesday night, the NCAA officially said NO to waving postseason restrictions to James Madison and Jackson State. First of all, why would you want to an enemy out of Curt Cignetti? The steely-eyed head football coach for the Dukes is probably already plotting some kind of long-game, Count of Monte Cristo revenge on everyone involved in preventing him from achieving glory. Thoughts and prayers, guys.

The Dukes are clearly a loser in this effort to remain true to some byzantine NCAA bylaw that probably made loads of sense when forward passes were illegal. Also in the loss column – the Sun Belt. Sure, you won’t see fans of Georgia Southern, Appalachian State and other FCS-turned-Sun Belt programs who had to follow the same ancient charters. As far as they are concerned, rules are rules. If they had to consecrate the bonds of obedience, then so should the Dukes.

However, neither the Eagles or the Mountaineers or the Panthers or all the other programs who endure this mad whim of the NCAA were in position to secure a New Years Six Bowl, a prize afforded to just one Group of Five Program. The Dukes are clearly the best G5 football team in the nation – with respect to Toledo and Tulane. Were the NCAA to recognize the antiquated nature of their methods, fans in Harrisonburg would be set to represent the Sun Belt on the biggest stage to ever host the conference.

Instead, some goofy team like Liberty is going to wind up getting the game, and though some fans will be all “rules-is-rules,” it is a blow to the Sun Belt, who won’t see this opportunity appear every year.

In the meantime, Coach Cignetti is most likely beneath your bed.

PHOTO IS MINE