JMU Beats Liberty
I work as sports editor for The Breeze and we try to make game recaps of each football game. Here is the most recent one about the game against Liberty. (The link is actually there you just have to scroll over it to see it.) Go to the YouTube channel for videos about other games, including when we beat that school called....oh gosh what was it, oh that's right. VIRGINIA TECH.
-CH
Monday, September 27, 2010
Mondays with Mickey
Every Monday at Ham's Restaurant, JMU head football coach Mickey Matthews holds a press conference talking about the previous game and the game coming up. It is pretty much the same guys as always media wise, except this time the fans can come and ask questions while dining on Ham's delicacies. (ha). I think my favorite part of the whole experience is sitting next to these two elderly couples, obvious JMU faithfuls, who have their own opinions about Matthews. I like listening to the old ladies mumble when they disagree with Matthews while slurping their soup that they get every single week. Anyway, here are some of my favorite quotes from Mickey's conference today. I think I will make this a regular post every Monday. Some of the stuff that comes out of this guy's mouth is hilarious.
"The fans need to get to the game quicker. I was really disappointed to see about half the stadium empty. We need home field advantage. Maybe some of our crowd was hanging out with the offense this week because they both didn't show up Saturday." - Regarding the lack of fans getting into their seats on time.
"How we played offense was....deplorable. I think that's the word I would use." - Regarding the complete absence of offense against Liberty.
"At halftime I told them we were extending the halftime from 20 to 30 minutes so they could have an extra 10 minutes to go sign autographs. Then maybe they would be ready to play football" - Again, referring to the mysterious lack of offense.
"He got hit 18 times Saturday. The kid took a lot of punishment. He wasn't running for his life, but I'm sure he slept good that night." - Regarding JMU's defense and their ruthlessness against Liberty QB Mike Brown.
"He should've been nominated for player of the week." - Regarding defensive end D.J. Bryant.
"Scott was a shot in the arm for us offensively."- Regarding Scott Noble and how he was seemingly the only offensive player to make an impact.
"We couldn't make a first down against a stiff wind in the first half. But in the second half I thought we played our best defensive game of the year. We had eight sacks and hit the kid everywhere you can hit them." - Regarding last year's win over Delaware.
"They are nationally ranked in every category. They think they have a national championship team this year. It's the best Delaware team I've seen in years." - Regarding this weekend's tough match-up.
"Quads, hip flexers, knees, I am talking about kickers here, not linebackers." - Regarding his frustration with the injured kickers and how he is perplexed with why they are all hurt at the same time.
So as you can see, Mickey is quite opinionated. I always enjoy his off the cuff comments. And regarding my last post, lets just say the JMU defense must have read it specifically to make me look stupid. Kudos to Liberty though, they definitely humbled us by keeping it such a tight game. Look back later in the week for my thoughts on Delaware, since I seem to be so accurate these days.
-CH
"The fans need to get to the game quicker. I was really disappointed to see about half the stadium empty. We need home field advantage. Maybe some of our crowd was hanging out with the offense this week because they both didn't show up Saturday." - Regarding the lack of fans getting into their seats on time.
"How we played offense was....deplorable. I think that's the word I would use." - Regarding the complete absence of offense against Liberty.
"At halftime I told them we were extending the halftime from 20 to 30 minutes so they could have an extra 10 minutes to go sign autographs. Then maybe they would be ready to play football" - Again, referring to the mysterious lack of offense.
"He got hit 18 times Saturday. The kid took a lot of punishment. He wasn't running for his life, but I'm sure he slept good that night." - Regarding JMU's defense and their ruthlessness against Liberty QB Mike Brown.
"He should've been nominated for player of the week." - Regarding defensive end D.J. Bryant.
"Scott was a shot in the arm for us offensively."- Regarding Scott Noble and how he was seemingly the only offensive player to make an impact.
"We couldn't make a first down against a stiff wind in the first half. But in the second half I thought we played our best defensive game of the year. We had eight sacks and hit the kid everywhere you can hit them." - Regarding last year's win over Delaware.
"They are nationally ranked in every category. They think they have a national championship team this year. It's the best Delaware team I've seen in years." - Regarding this weekend's tough match-up.
"Quads, hip flexers, knees, I am talking about kickers here, not linebackers." - Regarding his frustration with the injured kickers and how he is perplexed with why they are all hurt at the same time.
So as you can see, Mickey is quite opinionated. I always enjoy his off the cuff comments. And regarding my last post, lets just say the JMU defense must have read it specifically to make me look stupid. Kudos to Liberty though, they definitely humbled us by keeping it such a tight game. Look back later in the week for my thoughts on Delaware, since I seem to be so accurate these days.
-CH
Game Recap
#3 James Madison Dukes 10 #22 Liberty Flames 3
It was over when…Taveion Cuffee picked off Liberty’s Mike Brown pass at the Flames 47 under 2 minutes left, on a 3rd and 15. That was Cuffee’s second great defensive play of the game, as he blocked a field goal from 47 yards out in the 3rd quarter.
What I liked: The JMU Defense. The Dukes didn’t look good on their first defensive drive (as I called in the preview) and gave up 95 yards. After that drive, the Dukes held Liberty to 169 yards on offense. JMU limited the Flames on the ground to only 61 yards on 32 rushes, less than 2 yards per carry. They also limited all-everything Mike Brown to 26 rushing yards and picked him off once. What I didn’t like: JMU Offense. While Mickey did get the win and goes into conference play undefeated, he’s got to be scratching his head about the lack of offense on his team. The only had 283 total yards, with 78 coming thru the air. They have only averaged 13 points in its last 2 games, and that number needs to improve. If JMU wants to contend in the CAA they will have to do more in the air. Teams will start putting 7 and 8 guys in the box to stop the run, and make an inexperienced Dudzik air it out.
Game ball goes to…Griff Yancey, WR JMU. Tough decision to find a player of the game here. No one stood above the rest but when there is only one touchdown in the game, I’m giving it to the guy that scored it. His 25 yards touchdown reception from Dudzik gave the Dukes a 7-3 right before halftime, and they were able to keep that lead. Yancey led the team with two catches for 56.
Key Stat: This is the first time ever JMU has started 3-0 in Mickey Matthew’s tenure. Pretty remarkable isn’t it? For a team that has always been an I-AA powerhouse, 3-0 doesn’t seem to be all that tough. But when you schedule ACC teams as your opening game, 3-0 does seem like a stretch. Maybe this will be the year we talk about an undefeated season? Ha, lets get by some of the CAA juggernauts before we start hinting at that.
Up Next: The Dukes play their most important game of the season thus far, CAA home opener #7 Delaware. Delaware just crushed #5 Richmond 34-13 on the road and will try and continue their success in the “Old Dominion” state. It’s parents weekend in Harrisonburg so expect a sold-out loud crowd behind the Dukes. Kickoff is 12:05.
-MO
-MO
Friday, September 24, 2010
Rodney Landers, Tyrod Taylor, Mike Brown?
Who is Mike Brown? JMU football followers are about to get their answer this Saturday when the redshirt junior leads his team to Harrisonburg in what Liberty is calling the “FCS match-up of the year”.
The wide receiver turned quarterback was named Big South Player of the Year last season, making history as the first sophomore to ever receive the award. Brown is essentially Liberty’s best quarterback, running back and wide receiver. He has already thrown eight touchdown passes for almost 900 yards and led the team in rushing for two out of their three games thus far.
But these stats shouldn't be anything to give the Dukes’ defensive line a scare, as Brown’s abilities are reminiscent of Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor. JMU rookie linebacker Stephon Robertson, one of the heroes in the Va. Tech win, should be Brown’s biggest test as Robertson recorded 13 tackles against the Hokies, garnering CAA Rookie of the Week honors.
Before a surprising loss to Robert Morris, the Flames, and Brown specifically were on fire (pun INTENDED). Brown had a career day against St. Francis, as he became the 10th quarterback in program history to throw for 300 yards in a game. He completed 17-of-22 passing attempts for 338 yards and four touchdown passes. His 338 passing yards marked the 15th-best single-game performance in program history. Also, Brown currently ranks No. 4 in the country in total offensive yards per game (353).
When the quarterback is involved with 75.8% of the total offense (statistic from game against Robert Morris) he might be a threat. My only fear for the JMU defense is they will be too preoccupied with containing Brown and leave open slots for receivers. I never hold too much faith in the first half though. I could definitely see JMU's D getting overexcited and forcing Drew Dudzik and the offense to carry the load.
Last year, the Dukes came back with two fourth quarter touchdowns to cement the 24-10 victory. I could see this happening again. JMU has a tendency to wear down offenses, forcing them to make mistakes. Va. Tech’s Taylor looked tired in the fourth quarter after leading in rushing for most of the game. Brown is similar in a sense as he takes on most of the plays himself. I wouldn’t be surprised if Brown gets sacked in the fourth quarter. Okay, so JMU’s defense isn’t superior at sacking, but come on, who doesn’t love seeing a quarterback getting close lined. Like we have seen in the past through Landers, Taylor and now Brown, one man can’t do it all.
In the press conference on Monday, JMU coach Mickey Matthews was quoted as saying, “Liberty is going to come out with their hair on fire, and it’s going to be a barn burner.” I’m not sure if he was intending to make a pun, but here’s hoping Mike Brown comes out flaming. Alright, I am done. It’s just too easy.
Final thought: Brown leads team to early score, JMU down by 7 at the half. Dukes’ score in fourth quarter, win by 14.
-CH
JMU Football Preview Game #3
#3 James Madison Dukes (2-0) vs. #22 Liberty Flames (2-1)
What to watch for: The Dukes have had a week off after their phenomenal upset win over then ranked #13 Virginia Tech Hokies. Seeing how JMU will respond to the media buzz that has been centered around this win will be a big focus come kick-off. Expect JMU to be a little rusty in the first quarter after a bye week, but to pick it up late in the frst quarter and carry it into the second.
If Liberty wants to stand any chance in this game, they will rely heavily on redshirt junior quarterback Mike Brown, preseason Big South Player of the Year. Brown and the Flames are coming off an embarrassing lost to Robert Morris, in which they gave up a touchdown in the last seconds to lose, 30-23.
Both teams are ranked in the top 25 I-AA polls, JMU #3 in the country and Liberty #22. Expect a lot of point in this game, and for JMU to try and limit Mike Brown as much as possible.
Key Matchup: Liberty QB Mike Brown vs. JMU Defense
Key Matchup: Liberty QB Mike Brown vs. JMU Defense
Last season, the all-purpose back was the first sophomore in league history to pick up the Offensive Player of the Year award, finishing second in the league with total touchdowns (11), second on the team in rushing yards (442), and led the team in receiving yards (698). This season he has made the transition to quarterback and has thrown for 881 yards and 8 touchdowns. Oh yeah, he has 131 rushing yards and a touchdown as well.
The JMU defense is coming off one of their best defensive games in school history, as it limited Virginia Tech to 16 points and only 124 yards through the air. The defense will face the same style quarterback as it did two weeks ago in Blacksburg, so expect the Dukes to come out with the same game plan it had on Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor for Liberty’s Mike Brown.
Difference Maker: Drew Dudzik, QB JMUThe senior quarterback is what keeps this team going. Without him two weeks ago, JMU would have not come close to pulling the upset off. He had a hand in all three of JMU touchdowns (two rushing, one passing) at Blacksburg and will be a big part of the offense.
Players to Watch: Kerby Long, WR JMU
The star wide-out for the Dukes leads the team in all-purpose yards with 265 and is the leading receiver on the team (114) with 3 touchdowns. Look for Dudzik to get Long the ball early and often and the Dukes want to pile up points early.
Prediction: While I think this could be a trap game for JMU, they do play at home for the first time since their historic win and should get a lot of momentum from the crowd. Expect a close game at halftime, but for JMU to pull away in the second half.
James Madison 34 Liberty 20.
James Madison 34 Liberty 20.
-MO
Opening Thoughts
Hello, welcome to our blog discussing all things JMU football. We will also be mentioning other teams in the Colonial Athletic Conference and how their play effects JMU. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions!
-Colleen & Matt
-Colleen & Matt
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