JMU Football Preview #4

#3 James Madison Dukes (3-0) @ #5 Delaware Blue Hens (4-0)

What to watch for: If this isn’t the CAA biggest match-up of the early season, I’m not sure what is. The Delaware Blue Hens, who have really came out of no where, spanked #5 Richmond last week on the road, 34-13, and are looking to make it 2-0 in the Commonwealth. The Dukes, on the other hand, are coming off a sloppy loss, to then ranked #22 Liberty Flames, 10-3. If the Dukes want to keep up their home success and start the CAA on the right foot, the better bring their offense this weekend. Delaware is led by the transfer quarterback from Penn State, Pat Devlin, and look to bring more shock to the CAA at the beginning of October.

Key Matchup: JMU Linebackers vs. Andrew Pierce, RB Delaware

This is going to be a matchup within a matchup. While Pierce, who had no offers to play football in college anywhere, is leading the CAA in rushing through four games, 149.5 YPG. Now yeah you can think it’s only been four games, but the Blue Hens have beaten two teams in the top-10 (Richmond, South Dakota St.). The running back can solidify his case for CAA Rookie of the Year, and who knows, maybe CAA Player of the Year.

Players to Watch: Pat Devlin, QB Delaware

As far as any highly talented recruit out of high school, Devlin has seen it all. He was the all time record holder of the Pennsylvania high school career passing yards and was recruited by Joe Pa at Penn State. Devlin transferred after 2 years and this past year led the conference in passing (242.2 yards per game). Devlin has been battled by an injury to his wrist at the beginning of the season, but has been fighting it off, and making opponents pay for it. Last week against Richmond connected on 14 of 31 and had 240 yards. While he didn’t throw for a touchdown, expect Devlin to get out of that funk and challenge the Dukes defense that has only let up 13 points per game in the past 2 games.

Difference Maker: Andrew Pierce, RB, Delaware

While Pierce went off last week, scoring three touchdowns and 114 yards, Pierce has got to the player JMU contains to prevail to win this game. This defense did an excellent job shutting down Mike Brown last week (203 passing, 26 rushing), so expect the Dukes to lay the wood on Pierce and welcome him into the CAA. Pierce has ran for over 150 yards in half his games the season and has had a touchdown in every game since he became a Blue Hen. Expect Pierce to get in the endzone against, but I’ll make a slightly bold prediction and say Pierce won’t rush over 100 yards.

Prediction: Delaware 21 James Madison 17. I think the noon start time hurts the Dukes, and it’s unfortunate because the game is at noon because of television standards. Matthews asked the students and fans to get to the game early, so noise level could help the Dukes in the first quarter and after. I expect Delaware to move down the field late and steal a win and make it 2-0 in the “Old Dominion” state.

-MO