Mondays with Mickey Matthews

Back again. JMU barely got by Towson University, winning 17-13. I can't decide if Towson is just underrated or if JMU is just really that bad. But on the bright side, the offense was connecting on third downs and making plays reminiscent of the historic Tech win. Interestingly enough, once the offense got going, the defense broke down. They simply can't put together a solid game offensively and defensively. For homecoming this weekend, we face New Hampshire. Their quarterback R.J. Toman is a preseason All-American honorable mention and has helped New Hampshire get to the top of the conference in total offense. At Ham's today, Mickey talked about the Towson game and what to expect from the Wildcats this weekend. Here are some highlights.

"After Delaware, there was nowhere to go but up."

"We're certainly not an offensive juggernaut."

"We just blocked and ran, nothing fancy about it."

"Brian Barlow is out for 3-4 weeks. The attachment between his sternum and clavicle is bruised. When he came off the field he thought he just couldn't catch his breath, but then we realized it was serious."

"The defensive line played their worst game in six or seven years."

"He has to be the best athlete we've played all year." (Towson QB Chris Hart)

"It was the largest crowd I've ever seen at Towson." (Speaking of the 2,000 in attendance)

"He [Jamal Sullivan] has some sort of internship. He is a health sciences major and is out of town. So I have no idea if he has a broken leg or if he is running around like Secretariat."

"He [Pat Williams] is supposed to graduate in three and a half years, this December I think. He is very intelligent."

"I don't think anyone is mad about firecrackers this week."

"When I watch their [New Hampshire] offense, I feel like I am watching Oregon's."

"Their defense has gotten 15 interceptions, they may lead the world."

"That's the one good thing we are doing on offense." (Speaking on ball security)

"We just decided to block the right guy this time." (Speaking of JMU's success on 3rd down conversions)

"Football is still played by tough people. When Donnell [Brown] goes out there he helps in many situations. He is incredibly physical."

"D.J. [Bryant] wasn't wearing his mouthpiece. He was out by the time he hit the turf."

"His ankle is not well. We want to apply to the NCAA for a medical sixth year." (Speaking of Nick Eammons)

"We need to block No. 33. We need to figure out a way to play defense Saturday or it's going to be a long day."

"I don't know how you can still be a week off as a kicker." (Frustration over Dixon Wright's injury)

-CH