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
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