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

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 JMU

The 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.

-MO