What to watch for: James Madison goes up to Philadelphia on Saturday, a place where miracles have happened in the past. If you recall two years ago Rodney Landers (boy do we miss him) threw a Hail Mary to Bosco Williams at the end of the game to steal a 23-19 win from the Wildcats. Since then, a lot has changed. JMU has neither player on their team anymore (graduation), and the Wildcats hoisted a national title last season. And they haven’t forgot about that day the Dukes stunned them 2 years ago on their home turf. They creamed Madison in Harrisonburg last season, 27-0. The Wildcats are hoping they will have last season’s CAA Offensive Player of the Year Matt Szczur back from an ankle injury, but coach Andy Talley said will be a game-time decision. Expect Szczur to start. They are coming off an impressive 48-18 victory over Maine where senior quarterback Chris Whitney threw for a career high 322 yard and 3 touchdowns.
The Dukes really need this win to get back on track and save the season. If not, things could get ugly.
Key Matchup: Villanova “Wildcat” Formation vs. JMU D-Line
Whether it’s Mike Szczur running the wildcat or his backup, Angelo Babbaro, the Wildcats will run the ball a lot. Babbaro has accumulated 619 yards through the wildcat, and before Szczur was hurt he had 453. This team has two great running backs and I expect them to give it to them early and often. JMU’s defense is ranked No. 3 in the CAA in rush defense, only allowing 118 yards per game, and 6th nationally in total defense, only giving up 266 per game. Meanwhile, Villanova is No. 3 in the CAA in rushing offense, with 192 yards per game. Clearly something is going to have to give, and we’ll take a look back on Monday and compare these stats and see if that’s how the game was determined.
Difference Maker: Drew Dudzik, QB JMU
Matthews said all week that the offensive is struggling, but it’s not Dudzik to blame. “Our protection was horrible Saturday,” Matthews said. “He was under fire so much Saturday, it was hard to play quarterback. If I thought we needed to make a change at quarterback, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it. I think he needs to play better, but he needs some other guys around him to help.” Dudzik and the offense have scored more than two touchdowns in the past four games, but I really believe this is a game where Dudzik can turn it around. Villanova is vulnerable in the passing game, and I think Matthews has something schemed up through the air to confuse this tough Wildcat defense.
Players to Watch: Scott Noble, RB JMUNoble posted his first 100-yard rushing game this season last week in their loss to New Hampshire, but I expect Noble to make some key plays on Saturday. I’m not saying he is going to fill the stat sheet, because Villanova’s run defense is vicious, but I think Noble will do a better job in blocking this week and hopefully break some swing plays or screens.
Prediction: The Dukes need this win. Entering their second game in this five game tough stretch, JMU cannot afford to start 0-2. I think the team realizes how much this game means to their season, and like two years ago in Philadelphia, the Dukes will rise! Special teams will ultimately decided the outcome, and I’m predicting we have a field goal attempt less than one minute left in the game. I’ll say Philly goes 0-2 Saturday in sporting events just for kicks, with the Phillies sending the Giants to the World Series.
James Madison 20 Villanova 19, Giants 7 Philadelphia 4.
-MO
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