Women's basketball to host the Duke University Blue Devils

Here is a good bit of information off Duke's website. If you ask me, I think the JMU ladies are going to lose. But stranger things have happened. Here's hoping it's not a blowout. 


Duke Readies for Trip to James Madison; Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 7:00 PM...
Entering the third leg of a four-game road swing, the fifth-ranked Duke women’s basketball team (6-0) will travel to Harrisonburg, Va., for a Tuesday, Nov. 30 contest at 7:00 p.m., at James Madison (3-2).  The game will be played at the JMU Convocation Center. Following Tuesday’s matchup against JMU, the Blue Devils will travel to Wisconsin to conclude the road swing on Dec. 2.  The four-game road swing marks only the second time Duke has featured road straight road games over the last 23 years.
The Blue Devils are currently ranked No. 5 in the Associated Press and No. 6 in the ESPN/USA Today Division I Coaches Polls.

Noting Duke...
Senior Jasmine Thomas has started 66 straight games ... senior Krystal Thomas played in her 100th consecutive game at Charlotte ... Duke holds a 228-84 advantage in points in the paint ... as a team, Duke has taken 11 charges with Shay Selby and Chelsea Gray leading with three each ... the Blue Devils return three starters -- Jasmine Thomas, Karima Christmas and Krystal Thomas off a squad that posted a 30-6 overall record a year ago and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight ... Duke has been ranked in the Associated Press for 209 straight weeks, which dates back to the 1999-2000 season ... the Blue Devils have been listed in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll for 257 consecutive weeks - dating back to the 1997-98 campaign.


A Look At James Madison...
James Madison enters the contest with a 3-2 overall record and is coming off a 76-69 overtime victory over Montana in the Caribbean Challenge in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico. The Dukes are coached by Kenny Brooks, who is in his ninth season with JMU. James Madison is led by All-America candidate Dawn Evans, who is averaging 26.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and leads the team with 21 assists.  Lauren Jimenez (9.0 points), Tarik Hislop (8.8 points) and Lauren Whitehurst (7.2 points) are also producing well for JMU.


Series With James Madison...
Duke and James Madison will meet for the seventh time in school history with the Blue Devils leading the overall series, 5-1.  In the series, JMU won the first game, 76-75, on Jan. 15, 1982, but Duke has won the last five in a row. Last year in Durham, the Blue Devils won 79-65


Duke Versus the CAA...
Duke holds an all-time record of 38-8 against teams from the Colonial Athletic Association -- Delaware (1-0), George Mason (3-0), Georgia State (1-1), Hofstra (2-0), James Madison (5-1), UNC Wilmington (7-2), Northeastern (2-0), Old Dominion (7-3), VCU (6-1) and William & Mary (4-0). The last loss to a CAA squad was on Dec. 7, 1996 against sixth-ranked Old Dominion, 89-77.  Duke has won 10 straight contests against the Colonial Athletic Conference, which is dating back to the 1999 East Regional Sweet 16 victory versus fifth-ranked Old Dominion.


Also, you can follow @breeze_sports for a live Twitter feed of updates and scores.


-CH

JMU Volleyball Season Over

The JMU volleyball team's improbable run came to an end Saturday night in a five set thriller to Northeastern University, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-19, 15-8 at the Colonial Athletic Association tournament in Newark, Del.

The Dukes ended one of the best seasons in their program's history at 22-8, and Northeastern season continues today in the CAA Finals against top seed, the University of Delaware.

The Dukes went down early in the first set, but were able to battle back and tie the score at 9-9. The Huskies went up 17-13 and looked in control of the set, but JMU won 11 of the next 13 points to get set point. A kill by senior Jessica Zeroual gave the Dukes an early 1-0 advantage in a tight match.

The second set saw Northeastern come out strong, taking a 5-2 advantage but like the first set, JMU clawed its way back. The Dukes tied the score at 17-17 but the Huskies went on an 8-4 run to close the set, getting four straight points on Nichole Kurz's serve.

The Dukes started to gain control of the match in the third set getting up to a 14-9 lead. Like the first two sets, the opposing team got back in it, this time with a 19-19 tie. Senior Lauren Fanelli's serve sparked a 6-0 run to close out the set and give JMU a 2-1 lead to lead the match.

JMU started out slow again in the fourth set, going down 16-10, but a 7-1 run tied the set up at 17-17. The Dukes ran out of gas in the fourth, losing 25-19, and giving the Huskies momentum it ultimately needed.

The Huskies silenced the Dukes opening the decisive fifth set up with an 8-2 lead. JMU never got any closer, losing the set 15-8 and capping off a great 2010 season.

Sophomore Danielle Erb led the Dukes with team-high 25 kills and senior Lindsay Callahan, playing her final game as a Duke, had 15 kills to go along with 16 digs.

-MO

Team looks to break 10-year title drought

The last time JMU volleyball won a Colonial Athletic Association championship was in 2000. That was former head coach Disa Garner's first season.

Ten years later, in head coach Lauren Steinbrecher's first season, the Dukes look to repeat the same pattern and earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.

"It's surreal," sophomore Danielle Erb said. "To finish in eighth place last season and have the turn around this season and be in the position where we are is unbelievable."

JMU, who was picked to finish sixth in the conference at the beginning of the season, will head into this weekend's CAA tournament at the University of Delaware as the No. 2 seed and facing the No. 3-seeded Northeastern University Saturday at 5 p.m.

"We have had the opportunity to play Northeastern twice this year," Steinbrecher said. "They have a really nice right side setter combo player, Brittany Brown. She's a senior leader for them and she terminates great serves and is a great passer."

The Huskies are led by redshirt freshman middle hitter Nichole Kurz and freshman outside hitter Janelle Tucker. Tucker is top among CAA freshman with 307 kills, which is good enough for eighth overall.

This will be JMU's first CAA tournament since 2007, the first year for the Dukes' senior class. They lost in the semifinals that season to host No. 1 Delaware in four sets.

"It's really awesome," senior Lindsay Callahan said. "I feel like it's been way too long since we've been there and I'm really excited for the other girls to make it to the tournament."

Joining the Dukes and Huskies in the tournament are the Delaware Blue Hens and the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams. Delaware is the lone team in the conference that has a perfect 13-0 record at home.

"Delaware is a very strong team," Steinbrecher said. "They play very good defense and stay aggressive. We were right there with them when we played them but just didn't make key shots."

Led by senior outside hitter Mariel Frey and middle back Kelsie Chegg, VCU has had an interesting season, going 2-13 in non-conference games but flipping the script to go 9-5 in the CAA, gaining the fourth seed. VCU is making its fourth trip in the past five years.

"VCU is a very athletic team," Steinbrecher said. "They play as a team and had a good amount of talent. If we see them we will have to be ready to pursue the ball on every play."

If the Dukes can muster a third win against Northeastern, they will go into the championship game against a team they haven't defeated. The Dukes lost to Delaware on the road in three sets and VCU gave JMU its only home loss this season, losing in four sets.

"I think both times we played we weren't out of it completely," Callahan said. "It wasn't anything they were doing on their side. We would really love to play Delaware at home and take it to them on their home court."

All week the team has been focused, setting their sights on the title game and getting another shot at either Delaware or VCU.

Senior setter Lauren Fanelli, one of four JMU seniors, said getting redemption is what motivates this year's team.

"Our team wants it so bad it will just be a game of who wants it more, and I feel like it will be us," she said.

-MO

Women’s soccer falls 3-1 to University of North Carolina in NCAA second round

The Dukes certainly have nothing to be ashamed of as they ended their season losing to the defending national champions Sunday. 

Third-ranked UNC scored two goals in the second half to break the 1-1 halftime tie and defeat JMU 3-1 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Chapel Hill, N.C., on Sunday afternoon.

The Tarheels (19-2-2) will advance to next Saturday's round of 16 to take on the University of Notre Dame at home, while the Dukes dropped to 15-7-1 with the defeat, ending their nine-game unbeaten streak.

The Dukes' lone goal came from freshman forward Lauren Wilson after UNC goalie Hannah Daly deflected sophomore forward Amalya Clayton's shot. Wilson scored from 35 yards out, making it her eighth goal on the season.

JMU defeated the University of Texas 3-1 on Friday night in the first round to advance to Sunday's game. Goals were scored by senior forward Cate Tisinger, sophomore midfielders Kelly Germain and Katie Menzie.

Sunday's loss was the final game for four seniors   - goalie Diane Wszalek, defender Corinna Strickland, Tisinger and midfielder Teresa Rynier (shown below in Friday's game) who became JMU's all-time assist leader this season with 53.

-CH

JMU women's basketball loses home opener to Hampton....what?

Color me shocked. My favorite team at JMU, the women's basketball team, fell to Hamption University Friday night 69-64 in their home opener. I went back as far as 2005 to see when the last time the Dukes lost a home opener was and I couldn't find it. Clearly, it's been a while. While the media tends to focus on senior point guard Dawn Evans, the real problem is at the center position. Senior Lauren Jimenez has a broken toe and fellow senior Jalissa Taylor has been forced to take over the position. Normally Taylor can be relied on for some defensive pressure, but it was her offense that was suffering. Going 1 for 9 at center is not going to win games. Evans put up 25, but was only 8 for 28. Overall the Dukes shot at about 29%, which is below their average. Matthew Stoss is the Daily News-Record beat writer and he put the loss into perspective.

Pirates Sink JMU Posted November 13, 2010 12:00 AM EST

By Matthew Stoss

HARRISONBURG - Well, at least they don't have to go to South Dakota. Hurt by inconsistent offense in the low post and big nights from Hampton's Quanneisha Perry and Jericka Jenkins, the James Madison women's basketball team lost its season opener to the Pirates 69-64 on Friday, assuring itself of no 1,300-mile trip to face South Dakota State in the second round of the preseason WNIT next week. "The difference was Hampton came out to play, and we didn't," said JMU senior point guard Dawn Evans, who scored 25 points, making six of 18 3-pointers and going 8-of-28 from the floor. "We just didn't do anything we practiced. We didn't execute. They played harder than us. We have to come out and we have to be a better team." JMU, the defending Colonial Athletic Association champion and preseason favorite, will learn its next WNIT opponent Sunday. The 16-team tournament guarantees a minimum of three games. On Friday, Madison - hampered by numerous nagging preseason injuries - shot just 26.9 percent from the floor (21-of-78), while its post players shot only 30.4 percent (7-of-23) in the absence of 6-foot-4 center Lauren Jimenez, who is out with a broken toe. The lack of production inside forced the Dukes to rely on perimeter offense. Hampton (1-0) shot 42.6 percent (26-of-61). "It's frustrating when you can draw things up and then you can get the ball where you want to get it," JMU coach Kenny Brooks said. "And then you miss some golden opportunities to capitalize on, and it kind of deflates you because then it's when you have your guards thinking, ‘OK, well, if I get there again, is it gonna end in a good result?' And then they start taking some ill-advised shots, and that's where we were tonight." For the first half of the second period, the Dukes also didn't have an answer for Perry and Jenkins, who led a rally after Hampton trailed by as many as 11 with 6:14 left in the first half. The two teams traded leads seven times in the second half before the Pirates finally took over for good on a layup by Jenkins with 10:01 left against JMU's zone defense. "We were ready for that," said Hampton coach David Six, Hampton High School's former coach who won the MEAC title last year in his first season. "We were very surprised that they went into a zone but happy at the same time because that's sort of our strength." Playing in front of 2,063 fans at the Convocation Center, JMU cut Hampton's lead to one with 1:29 and 0:59 to go, helped by a technical foul on Six at the 1:38 mark. Evans hit both ensuing free throws, seemingly giving the Dukes momentum. Perry led all scorers with 27 points, making 10 of 20 from the floor. Jenkins added 16 and five assists. When asked if he thought Madison overlooked the Pirates, Brooks said "absolutely not." "This is the type of team that gives us problems," Brooks said. "They spread the floor and they penetrate, and then they kick, and they do some things and they did it well." Sophomore guard Tarik Hislop added 14 points for JMU, while senior forward Jalissa Taylor had 15 rebounds and sophomore forward Nikki Newman had 11 to help the Dukes out-rebound Hampton 57-41 - 29-11 on the offensive glass. Unfortunately for Madison, few of those boards turned into points. HAMPTON Warner 2-8 4-4 9, Perry 10-20 7-9 27, Abercrumbia 2-4 0-0 4, Lewis 1-3 0-0 2, Jenkins 7-16 1-4 16, McMillian 3-7 0-0 9, Avant 0-0 0-0 0, Burnson 1-3 0-0 2, Henry 0-0 0-0 0, Goodman 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 26-61 12-17 69. JAMES MADISON Whitehurst 3-8 1-2 7, Newman 1-4 0-1 3, Taylor 1-9 2-2 4, Hislop 4-13 4-8 14, Evans 8-28 3-3 25, Hamner 1-7 0-0 3, Smith 0-1 0-0 0, Burkholder 0-0 0-0 0, Shepherd 1-2 1-2 3, Francisco 2-6 1-1 5. Totals 21-78, 12-19 64. Halftime-James Madison 32-28. 3-Point Goals-HU 5-16 (Warner 1-4, Lewis 0-1, Jenkins 1-4, McMillian 3-7), JMU 10-34 (Newman 1-3, Hislop 2-6, Evans  6-18, Hamner 1-6, Smith 0-1).  Fouled Out-none. Rebounds-HU 41 (Perry, McMillian 7), JMU 57 (Taylor 15). Assists-HU 10 (Jenkins 5), JMU 14 (Evans 6). Total Fouls-HU 15, JMU 16. A-2,063.

Dukes Make CAA Tourney as #2 Seed

Everything went right for the JMU women's volleyball team this past weekend. They took care of the own business, winning both games, and got help from everyone it needed. The Dukes were looking at getting a 3rd and 4th seed, but when VCU lost to William and Mary in five sets on Friday and Towson beat Georgia State in three sets, JMU was able to defeat the odds and grab the #2 seed. 

On Saturday, George Mason saw it's postseason chances end after Northeastern beat them on their home court. With that win, Northeastern became the #3 seed and will be JMU's next opponent. But before we get to that let's recap the weekend:

Friday night, the Dukes played their biggest match of the season against Northeastern. They probably played their best ball of the season, defeating them in four sets, but senior outside hitter Lindsay Callahan felt they could have finished that team off in three. 

"I think after losing the second set, there was nothing special they did," Callahan said. "It was us letting the lead go so just knowing that we can be the team that were going to be is a good feeling."

The Dukes won the contest by the score of 25-12, 23-25, 25-22, 25-1. Once the game was over, assistant coach Casey Steinbrecher went up to head coach Laura Steinbreacher and shouted the news that, "Towson beat Georgia State in 3!" That news was huge for the Dukes because a win on Saturday against 11th place Hofstra would put the Dukes in the tournament. 

Well, on Saturday they did their job and defeated Hofstra, again in four sets, 23-25, 25-16, 25-19 and 25-23. As stated earlier, the Dukes were able to get the #2 seed for next weekend’s tournament in Delaware and will face Northeastern, a familiar foe. 

JMU complete their regular season with a record of 22-7 and 10-4 in the conference. This is the highest Madison has been in the CAA Tournament since 2006.

If JMU can get by Northeastern on Saturday (which they should), they will face an opponent it hasn’t beaten this season in Delaware or VCU. I expect Delaware to win in four and face the Dukes in the CAA Championship game, with the winner going to the NCAA Tournament.

-MO

Dukes Needs a Big Weekend to Make Top Four

The Dukes haven't been to the CAA tournament since 2007 and it will need to do its job first in winning both games and then get some help for others to get back there again.

Four teams are tied at 8-4, George Mason, Georgia State, and Northeastern, and VCU has a half game lead on all them at 9-4. Delaware has already clinched the top spot at 11-0 in in conference Each team, except VCU, plays two conference games this weekend starting tomorrow night.

The easiest scenario for the Dukes to make the playoffs is to win both games, against Northeastern and Hofstra, and have a loss from George Mason, Georgia State, or VCU to advance. Georgia State plays top seed Delaware on the road Saturday night in what could determine JMU’s fate. 

I went to practice on Monday and it seemed as if the team was real calm and was focused about this weekends play. First-year coach Laura Steinbrecher seemed to think so as well.

“They’re extremely focused,” said Steinbrecher. “They key is not to get them too tight. They want it so bad.”

The Dukes could be going into their biggest weekend of the season without their biggest star. Senior Lindsay Callahan hurt her pinky Saturday in practice and has missed practice this week.

“She hurt her pinky Saturday during practice and is leaning towards not playing this weekend," said Steinbrecher.

This could be a huge blow to the Dukes. Callahan is their senior leader and someone will have big shoes to fill this weekend. When I spoke with Steinbrecher, I wasn’t convinced that Callahan would miss this game. She’s a senior and she will be honored this weekend at senior night. I just can’t see her missing her last two games as a Duke.

Maybe they are trying to get her healed in case they make the tournament, but in order to get there, you must win these two games, and they need Callahan for that. 

The Dukes play Northeastern Friday night and Hofstra Saturday night. I'm predicting the Dukes to win both games this weekend and get into the CAA Tournament as the 3rd seed. 

-MO

Women's Soccer Team Headed to the NCAA First Round

JMU will play Texas on Friday, Nov. 12, at Chapel Hill, N.C., in the first round of the NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament.

JMU, playing in the NCAA tournament for the 10th time in the past 16 years, will take a 14-6-1 record and an eight-game (7-0-1) unbeaten streak into Friday's game.  The Dukes earned the Colonial Athletic Association champion's automatic berth with a 2-0 win at 18th-ranked Hofstra in Sunday's CAA championship match. Hofstra also received an at-large bid.

Texas received an at-large bid.  The Longhorns have an 11-5-4 record after losing 1-0 to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

If the Dukes win Friday, they will play Sunday in the second round. I will be attending Friday's game so check back for an update!


-CH

Making Some Changes

As much as we hoped for the JMU football team to make the playoffs, the team has crumbled before our eyes, losing their fourth conference game in a row. We feel it is in our blog and reader's best interest that we start writing about the other sports at JMU that are significantly more successful.

Our women's soccer team just won the CAA championship and we will post later today who they are selected to play in the first round of the NCAA playoffs.

Basketball season is just around the corner and Colleen will have an exclusive interview with the women's head coach Kenny Brooks on Thursday, so expect a post on his thoughts later in the week.

Matt has been covering the volleyball team all season, and with the match-ups this weekend crucial for a postseason tournament bid, he has the scoop on whether or not senior Lindsay Callahan will play. Callahan is currently nursing a pinky injury.

Also, the men's basketball team will travel to Kansas State University Friday to take on the No. 3 Wildcats in an exhibition game. While the odds are stacked against the Dukes, it will be a good chance for them to showcase how they are coming back from an injury-plagued team last season. We will write a post-game recap afterward. The game will be on ESPNU at 9:00 p.m.

Keep following us as we broaden our horizons with JMU athletics.

-CH & MO

Dukes DROP from FCS Rankings.....W&M Tribe take top spot

The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Top-25 College Football Poll

Team (First-place votes)	Record	Points	Previous Rank
1. William & Mary Tribe (105)	7-2	3,902	4
2. Delaware Blue Hens (31)	8-1	3,860	5
3. Appalachian State Mountaineers (10)	8-1	3,402	1
4. Wofford Terriers (5)	8-1	3,400	7
5. Eastern Washington Eagles (4)	7-2	3,373	6
6. Jacksonville State Gamecocks (1)	8-1	3,095	2
7. Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (1)	9-1	2,982	9
8. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks	7-2	2,716	10
9. Villanova Wildcats (1)	6-3	2,671	3
10. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (3)	9-0	2,586	10
11. Montana State Bobcats (1)	8-2	2,510	12
12. Liberty Flames	7-2	1,953	14
13. Montana Grizzlies	6-3	1,909	13
14. Massachusetts Minutemen	6-3	1,808	15
15. South Carolina State Bulldogs	7-2	1,736	16
16. Northern Iowa Panthers	6-3	1,512	17
17. New Hampshire Wildcats	5-4	1,507	8
18. Penn Quakers	7-1	1,230	18
19. Cal Poly Mustangs	7-3	1,179	19
20. Grambling State Tigers	8-1	899	21
21. Richmond Spiders	5-4	856	20
22. Jacksonville Dolphins	9-1	694	23
23. Western Illinois Leathernecks	6-3	615	24
24. North Dakota State Bison	6-3	561	25
25. Robert Morris Colonials	8-1	485	NR

Others receiving votes: Lehigh 253, Southern Utah 179, Dayton 143, Georgia Southern 108, James Madison 103, Chattanooga 85, McNeese State 74, Sacramento State 39, Jackson State 30, Yale 25, Harvard 21, Central Arkansas 18, Weber State 18, Furman 16, Rhode Island 16, Texas Southern 14, Eastern Kentucky 14, Northwestern State 12, Indiana State 9, Florida A&M 9, Elon 9, Northern Arizona 7, Old Dominion 5, South Dakota State 1, Colgate 1.


-MO

Dukes Playoffs Doomed by the Spiders

Richmond/JMU Recap 

It was over when: Richmond kicker Wil Kamin kicked a 20-yard field goal and sent JMU back to Harrisonburg knowing they wont be in the playoffs for the second straight season. JMU has lost four straight games and is 4-5 overall, with a 1-5 conference record and has no chance of making the playoffs for the second straight year. Richmond keeps its playoff chances alive, improving to 5-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play. 

What I liked: This is tough because there was not a whole lot I liked about this game. I did like the effort JMU did have on defense, but half of that was because Richmond's offense was so miserable. Richmond fumbled the ball four times and the Dukes recovered it twice and they were able intercept sophomore quarterback John Laub twice. 


What I didn’t like: Having to watch the whole game. This was one of the most poorly played football games I have seen in years. Drew Dudzik probably played his worst game as a Duke, and it couldn't have came at a worse time. JMU didn't play like their playoff lives were on the line and showed no urgency to put points up on the board. In the second quarter after the Dukes recovered a fumbled and had the ball inside the Richmond 35, a clipping call put the back at mid-field and it was almost like Mickey didn't want to put points up before the half. With six seconds left on the clock, Dudzik threw an out pass to Scott who just walked casually out of bounds as time ran out. If Scott shows a little urgency and tries to get out of bounds as soon as he catches it, JMU could have lined up for a 50+ yard field goal. The chances of them making that aren't very high, but if you look at the final score, wouldn't you at least want to put yourself in a situation to put points on the board especially when they would be at a premium in this game?...Some other things that I didn't like: Why didn't Dudzik throw the ball away on the 3rd and 16 and give your team a chance for the field goal...Why JMU didn't air the ball out more in the final minutes to try and get a field goal?...Why Matthews only ran about 10 plays that got the offense nowhere?...In a game like this, why didn't JMU try and throw some trick plays or different packages at the Spiders?..Clealy, this team did a lot wrong and they let a team that was way worse than them beat them and keep their chances alive in the playoffs. 

Game ball goes to…Tyler Sullivan, DE Richmond. If you look at the stat sheet he's not going to be the first defensive guy you see for the Spiders. But on a 3rd and 16 from the Richmond 31, Sullivan chased down Dudzik in the backfield 

Key Stat: JMU has been shut out in the second half for the 4th time this season. That's just amazing. They can score in the second half against the eventual ACC Champions but they can't put up second half points against a CAA opponent. This is also the first time since the 2002-2003 season that the Dukes will miss out on the playoffs for the second straight year. Not a way you want to go into the offseason with a new stadium on the horizon for next season. Also have heard a rumor that the Dukes will open up 2011 season with another ACC opponent, UNC Tar Heels but that is just speculation now. Many think JMU should play UVA, but UVA has too much to lose if they lost since they recruit the Shenandoah Valley pretty hard. 


Up Next: #1 William and Mary. Not a whole lot needs to be said more than that. Game will be at Bridgeforth Stadium at 1:30. Go Dukes....

-MO

Survivor: CAA Football

#22 James Madison Dukes (4-4,1-4)  @ #20 Richmond Spiders (4-4,2-3) , 3:30 TV: Comcast Sports Network

What to watch for:Both teams are hanging on a thread when it comes to talks about the playoffs. Both team are going to have to win out to have any chance and making the playoffs. This means that someone is leaving this game with their playoff hopes dashed. Both teams still have to play William and Mary so both teams chances will likely be shattered when its all said and done. JMU will visit Richmond's new Robins Stadium for the first time and hopefully find the offense they have been missing all season. Richmond is playing with their fourth string quarterback Montel White, so expect this to be an ugly game.


Key Matchup: JMU Offense vs. Richmond Offense
Both these teams flat out suck when it comes to offense. Richmond is last in the CAA in total offense and James Madison hasn't scored over 20 points since their Virginia Tech win. First one to 20 in this game looks like they might be victorious, but I'm not even sure that either of the teams can reach 20. Richmond's passing offense is dead last in the CAA averaging 133 thourgh the air each game. They've had to deal with four quarterback this season, so you can cut them some slack. For JMU? there right in front of Richmond in passing offense with 149 yards per game. They've only had one quarterback all season, so you can't cut them slack whatsoever. Look for the Dukes to give the ball to running back Jamaal Sullivan and attack the Richmond rush defense, a unit that gives up 150 yards on the ground per game.

Difference Maker: Speical Teams. Field position is going to be key tomorrow since both offenses don't move the ball very well. Niether team has done very well in their special teams this season, but a 40-yard punt return at any point in the game could be crucial. Richmond is also 6-6 in field goal attempts this season, while JMU has been abysmal 5-9. The past two seasons the game has been decedied in the last minute (Scotty Mcgee's punt return two years ago, JMU fumbled driving last season). I expect this game to go down to the wire as well and a special teams play to be the difference.

Players to Watch: Tre Grey, WR Richmond. Richmond has two good wide recievers but they haven't put up steller numbers beacuse they have no body good throwing to them. Grey leads the team with 29 receptions and one touchdown but has breakaway speed. The Dukes have done a good job this season against the pass so if they can shut down Grey and his counterpart Kevin Grayson, who has been a bust this season, JMU can win this game.

Prediction: JMU played a great first half last weekend against UMass. They couldn't close the door in the second half and that could ultimatley cost them a playoff spot come December. I don't think Richmond has the tools to score against one of the better defenses in FCS and think JMU gets a little momenetum heading into it's biggest game of the year, William and Mary. James Madison 17 Richmond 13. 
 

-MO

JMU to Play at City Stadium in Richmond for Playoffs-Will they get there?

The Dukes have a plan; whether it will work out for them remains to be seen. Athletic Director Jeff Bourne has reached a deal with Richmond's City Stadium if the Dukes were to host a home game. They problem is: they need to get to the playoffs first, then they have to get a home game. I don't see it happening, getting a home game, but Bourne does. Here is a great article from the DNR's sports editor Mike Barber that sums it up. 

By MIKE BARBER

Daily News-Record

HARRISONBURG – James Madison athletic director Jeff Bourne thinks reaching the playoffs is still a realistic goal for his school’s football team. So much so that he’s working to fi­nalize an arrangement to host playoff games at Richmond’s City Stadium in the event the Dukes make the Division I-AA playoffs and are granted a home game.

“We agreed in principal to the use of the facility,” Bourne said Wednesday, adding that Richmond is reviewing the con­tract and it has yet to be final­ized.

Bridgeforth Stadium, the Dukes’ home venue, is unavail­able because of construction, scheduled to begin immediately after the final home game this year, which is Nov. 13 against William & Mary.

JMU is 4-4 overall and 1-4 in the Colonial Athletic Associa­tion. But with wins in its final three games it would have a reasonable chance of being an at-large selection to the play­offs, in part because of the strength of the CAA. Its signa­ture win over I-A power Vir­ginia Tech doesn’t hurt its case either.

“I think there will be a sev­en- win team in the playoffs from our league,” JMU coach Mickey Matthews said. “We just need to play better. We’re really trying to play better.”

Bourne said he believes the Dukes can win out and make the playoffs.

“I do. I’d love to see them do it,” Bourne said. “I think they’re going to have to win the next three games, but that’s certain­ly achievable.”

Bourne said JMU would bid to host all three rounds of the playoffs, though it’s hard to imagine it being granted more than one home game. With the expanded I-AA postseason – 20 teams are making it this year, up four from past seasons – the top four teams will have byes.

Home games for the remain­ing teams will be determined based on bids, and Bourne has said JMU will bid aggressively to try to land a quasi- home game for the Dukes.

Madison ends the year with games at Richmond, home against William & Mary and at Maine.

JMU went 6-5 and missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2005. The Dukes haven’t missed the play­offs in back- to- back seasons since having non-winning sea­sons in 2002 and 2003.

-MO 

U.Mass./JMU Recap

It was over when: JMU running back Jamal Sullivan got stuffed on a critical 4th and 1 play. The Minutemen had just scored to make the game 14-12, with the Dukes first half lead slowly disappearing. U.Mass. took over the ball on the 48-yard line to then put together their third consecutive scoring drive, taking the lead 21-14.

What I liked: The first half effort by the JMU defense. Despite key players like Ronnell Brown, Nick Eammons and Sean O'Neill out with injuries, the Dukes managed to hold the Minutemen to just three points. This was evident when the Minutemen found their way back deep into JMU territory on their second drive, with a second and goal at the JMU 1. The Dukes held for the first two plays and on fourth down, forced an incomplete pass to get the ball back and stop the threat, keeping the margin at 3-0.

 

What I didn’t like: The lack of fan support. As soon as the Minutemen made it a close game, the stands started emptying out. Granted, maybe they have a point, JMU did lose. I just know how it feels to watch people walk away from a game when you are trying to come back. What if JMU had scored and won by one point in an overtime thriller? People need to understand that these athletes are facing adversity as far as injuries go and work hard all week to put on a performance for the fan base. Yes, we beat Virginia Tech. But what if we hadn't? Would we even have half the number of fans? Having true school spirit is watching a game to the end and applauding the team as they walk off. They wear the same colors as we do, no reason we shouldn't give them the same respect. 

Game ball goes to…Drew Dudzik. Yes, an interesting choice, I know. BUT the man had a career game believe it or not. Dudzik put together a career-high 277 yards of total offense, rushing 12 times for 98 yards and going 13-for-25 through the air for 179 yards. While his greatest performances might have come on the grandest of stages, we shoudn't look away from the fact that Dudzik continues to put up the numbers despite not having the team he started the season with.

Key Stat: Two teams in the past have gone 7-4 and gone to the playoffs. While I think JMU is a HUGE longshot, it is still worth noting that we, hands down, play in the most competitive league in the CAA. When the committee decides who makes it to the postseason, they are going to pick a team that has been consistently nationally ranked, along with a huge FBS win, over any other team. This does mean JMU would have to win the rest of our season. Richmond, William & Mary and Maine. Chances of that happening.....well, I will let you figure that out.

Up Next: Like I previously mentioned, JMU, now No. 22, will head into a must-win three week stretch. They travel to Richmond to face the No. 20 Spiders this Saturday. Richmond has been sliding in the polls due to their star QB Aaron Corp, a USC transfer, going under season-ending knee surgery. If JMU can get a road win, it would provide great momentum for their return home to face the William & Mary Tribe, who took down the reigning national champions Villanova earlier in the season. 

 

-CH