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