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