JMU Practice Opens With Plenty of Questions, Not Just the Big One

We can finally see the light at the end of this tunnel. The JMU Dukes take the field today for the first practice of the 2011 football season. Keeping with recent tradition, the big question on everyone’s mind is “Who is going to play QB?”. That is far from the only question that the coaching staff will be looking to answer however. Here are a couple of other stories we’ll be watching in the coming weeks as the Dukes prepare to bounce back from two relatively disappointing seasons.

Can the Offensive Line Step Up Its Game?

JMU’s offense was justly criticized last year for well, its general ineptitude. Much of that criticism was directed at quarterback Drew Dudzik, who struggled to live up to the high expectations fans had for him. The Dukes’ offensive line wasn’t exactly dominating in its own right though, with a couple young guys thrust into starting roles. Now fans will get to see if the young guys who took their lumps last year can step up and become a force this year. Senior Roane Babington was picked to be an All-CAA performer, and he could have AJ Scott (who still hasn’t been declared eligible after transferring from Marshall) right there with him. They’ve got enough experience to be a great unit. If they do, the Dukes offense should improve dramatically. If not, it could be another long year.

Who Will Carry the Rushing Load?

Jamal Sullivan led the Dukes in rushing last year as a senior, but he’s now gone. So is second leading rushing Scott Noble, who chipped in with 3 TDs. That leaves a big gaping hole in the backfield and no heir apparent at tailback. Redshirt Freshman, Dejor Simmons is the one guy that I’m most excited about. Simmons showed game-breaking ability in high school, rushing for over 1,600 yards and 25 TDs as a senior. What really has fans anxious to see him on the field is his speed though. He won the Virginia State Championship in the 100 meter dash (in 10.43 seconds!) and might be the fastest Duke since Scotty McGee.

Can Mickey Matthews Succeed as a Playcaller?

Fans who weren’t blaming the Dukes’ offensive woes on Drew Dudzik last year, were often blaming them offensive coordinator Jeff Durden. It’s not clear though if Dudzik and the offense struggled because of Durden’s ridiculously conservative play calling, or if Durden couldn’t trust Dudzik and the offense to run anything other than the most basic plays (bubble screen anyone?). Whatever the cause, Coach Matthews assumed control of the offensive playcalling heading into this season. As the head coach, Matthews fingerprints were all over the offense last year anyway. Now that he’s calling the plays though, the spotlight will be shining on him even stronger. He’s got plenty of weapons and presumably a better QB. Can he push the right buttons so the offense carries it’s weight this year?