Dukes Battle Surprising Maine

When the schedule came out, I can’t say this was exactly one of the big home games I circled.  But as the CAA often does, things aren’t shaking out the way they were expected and this is suddenly looking like an enormous game after Maine manhandled Delaware last week.  Actually this game scares the crap out of me.  JMU nearly maxed out last week in an absolutely dominant performance against Richmond, and while I hope that’s what we can expect the rest of the way, it’s nearly impossible to dream about getting that type of show every week.  Plus Maine returned 16 starters from last season’s underachieving team (see Island, Rhode loss), more than anyone in the conference, and seems poised to contend all year.

Interesting Week for New BFS

After all the midweek comments on Rob’s stadium discussion, thought I should mention that I’ll be interested to see how things go for this week.  The middle game of a rare three-game homestand sandwiched between Homecoming and Parent’s Weekend.  Not to mention it’s a holiday weekend for a lot of folks.  But the weather looks amazing and if the Dukes can draw a decent crowd this weekend, it will go a lot further than any other game this season to easing fears about reaching capacity.

The Skinny on Maine

Solid running game led by Pushaun Jones and lots of experienced hard-nosed players all over the field for the 19th ranked Black Bears.  Returned their top 4 tacklers from last year.  JMU/Maine games have been nip and tuck since ’03 and although JMU has won 5 out of 6, games with Maine are always TIGHT.

Beer Of The Week

This week we’re staying in Virginia and recommending a great postgame excursion after any Dukes game by going with Blue Mountain Brewery’s Full Nelson Pale Ale.  The brewery’s in Afton, just down (well actually up in terms of elevation) the road from the ‘Burg on the way to Charlottesville or Richmond and they serve great, and nearly all local, food to go along with a number of solid brews.  You can also pick up Full Nelson in cans at the Brewery, which I’m a huge fan of.  Maybe see you there Saturday night!

Conclusion

Scared of this game for sure and worried about players looking too far ahead, but JMU is really putting it together and I think they’re starting to realize how good they can be.  Dukes win a close one, but don’t be surprised or frustrated with a seriously tough 23-17 affair.  Go Dukes!