Image courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications

By Bennett Conlin

JMU football plays West Virginia on Saturday, and fans are understandably excited about the game. If you’re like me, however, you’ve been confused by the dizzying array of ways to watch JMU-WVU. “What the heck is Roku TV?!” is likely a common question/complaint among JMU circles this week.

Instead of performing dozens of Google searches only to remain confused, we decided to create a guide for how to watch Saturday’s game. If you have additional questions, shoot us an email at JMUsportsnews@gmail.com.

The basics

Game time: 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 31

Location: Morgantown, West Virginia

We’re guessing most of you know those facts, but it’s always a good idea to get the basics out of the way. Now let’s get into the nitty gritty.

Go to the game

What does this method entail?

There are no dumb questions, so we’ll allow this one. Going to the game means that you hop in a car or a plane or maybe a razor scooter to check out the game in person.

How do I make this happen?

While tickets for the game are technically sold out, some fans are selling tickets through StubHub. If you want to go to Morgantown to watch the game, look for tickets through this link.

Is this method reliable?

Again, there are no dumb questions. There’s only one way to ensure you definitely see the game, and that’s by attending in person. So unless you get stuck behind a weirdo wearing a giant hat, this is reliable.

Watch on TV through AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

What does this method entail?

This is your classic method of watching the game on TV.

How do I make this happen?

First, you need AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh. The region that receive that channel is fairly small, and many JMU fans won’t get the channel.

If you don’t fall in the AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh area, we encourage you to try one of the different viewing methods. If you do receive the channel, you’re in luck. If you receive the channel and aren’t going to the game, we recommend watching through this TV broadcast.

Is this method reliable?

If you get the channel, yes.

Watch the WVUSports.com live stream

What does this method entail?

Going to WVUSports.com and selecting the live stream option for Saturday’s game. This is a free video feed through West Virginia’s website. Per my understanding, the live feed provides the AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh broadcast.

From what we’ve read, it sounds like the live stream will be blacked out for those inside the AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh viewing area. There are ways to “alter your location” to get the feed, though, so nobody should worry about the stream being blacked out. Here’s how to use a VPN to get around a blackout. This article adds even more detail about getting around blackouts.

How do I make this happen?

The feed should go live near kickoff on Saturday. I’d recommend checking the WVUSports.com page around 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday to get everything situated.

You can also use the WVU Gameday app if you’d rather stream the game on your phone.

Is it reliable?

Some of this depends on your WiFi connection, but this stream should be a standard online web feed. There may be issues with connectivity and image quality, much like any other internet sports feed.

On the bright side, the stream is free, and it shouldn’t be any worse than a standard internet live stream. If you can watch in person or on TV, you’ll be in better shape, but this is still a good option.

Watch the game on Roku or Apple TV

What does this method entail?

Both of these are smart TVs, and to use this method you need a Roku or Apple TV. If you don’t have one of these, you could always buy one to watch the football game, but we’d suggest you just use the live stream rather than making a purchase just for this one game. If you do already have one of these smart TVs, they’re a perfect way to watch the game.

How do I make this happen?

For those with these devices, search “MountaineerTV” on the device and you will find the live video of this game.

Is this method reliable?

It should be. If you have one of these devices, it’s a good option for watching the game.

Go to a JMU watch party

What does this method entail?

Getting out to one of the various official JMU watch parties across the eastern U.S. Florida, Maryland and North Carolina all have one watch party, while Virginia has seven.

The full list of locations can be found here.

How do I make this happen?

Register for the event, as the hosts like to know how many people are attending. There might be a minor fee to help pay for the event. Once registered, show up on time to your respective viewing location and enjoy the game.

Is this method reliable?

Yes, the hosts do a fantastic job of ensuring the feed for the game works. By attending a watch party you don’t have to worry about how to view the game, as the party host will handle that. There’s still a chance the feed buffers or isn’t perfect if it’s coming through an online stream, but at least you won’t be worrying about how to fix it.

Watch parties are also a fun way to enjoy the game with other Dukes.

Editor’s note: Do you still have questions? Add a comment below or email us at JMUsportsnews@gmail.com.