JMUSB 2011 JMU Dukes Football Preview
The JMU Dukes’ 2011 football season officially gets rolling in just a few days with the opener at UNC. After two relatively disappointing seasons, Mickey and the boys will be looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Last year we described the team as “transitioning” instead of “rebuilding”. That turned out to be true if only if you believe going from a relatively disappointing 6-5 team to a completely disappointing 6-5 team was a transition. Most would say it was more a mediocre plateau. A brief, 2 year mediocre plateau we hope.
The Screamingly Obvious and Lazy Analysis
Much of this season’s success depends on the offense stepping up its game. How’s that for in-depth analysis? There is really no better way to say it unfortunately. The 2010 Dukes offense struggled mightily, averaging only 17.7 points per game. And they couldn’t sustain drives either. JMU had one of the best defenses in the country last year, surrendering only 193 first downs all year. The JMU offense only managed 166 first downs. Not good. With the defense expected to be even better this year, most folks seem to think that even an average offense should get the Dukes to the playoffs. It’s tough to disagree.
Some of the Weirdest Pressure Imaginable
While fans had high expectations for Billy Cosh and Jace Edwards, by all accounts Justin Thorpe clearly outperformed each of them in the preseason and won the QB job going away. Combined with the fact that he was the CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2009, it would lead you to believe that fans are expecting big things from Justin. You’d be wrong though. There is a ton of pressure on him no doubt. The pressure seems to be more of the “cross your fingers and hope he’s better than average” variety than the “have a record setting season” variety. Decide for yourself whether that’s more of a slight to Thorpe or to last year’s QB Drew Dudzik.
What We’re Excited About
We are really, really excited about this defense. Todd and I are not at all objective when it comes to DJ Bryant. We love the guy’s game. But how can you not? He’s an absolute beast and should help anchor an impressive defensive line. He’ll have Stephon Robertson and Pat Williams, two tackling machines, behind him at linebacker and studs such as Vidal Nelson and Jakarie Jackson in the secondary. The D is going to be legit. And there is a lot to be excited about offensively as well. Count me as one of the vocal minority who actually thinks Thorpe is going to be very good (I said the same thing about Dudzik though) and I love the fact that Dae’Quan Scott got moved to tailback. He almost singlehandedly beat William & Mary last year as a wildcat QB. And with a more experience O-line, I think the offense will surprise some folks. And the stadium. We’re definitely excited about that.
What We’re Worried About
Mostly it’s the schedule. Todd summed it up perfectly today when he stated it like this. First, the UNC game is terrifying. In the midst of a scandalous year and with JMU’s decreased chances of surprising anyone after the VT game, the gigantic Tarheels may be out for blood. Even more concerning are the unbelievably outrageous expectations some JMU fans have for this matchup after the VT game. Look people, we’ll be rooting like hell for another upset, but mainly we just want them to stay injury-free and be ready for the season. Last year was wonderful, but playoffs are what’s going to start paying off a return on New Bridgeforth. After UNC it’s no picnic. The home opener should be a win, but going to Liberty in week 3 is no picnic and the Dukes play at William & Mary in week 4. And those are just the first four games. The Dukes have to face perennial contenders New Hampshire and ‘Nova after that. And they close at UMass. Maybe the Minutemen will be ready to pack it in since they’re ineligible for the playoffs since announcing they’re departure for the MAC. Maybe they’ll be looking to leave the CAA on a high note though and send the seniors off with a bang.
One Big Glass of Purple Kool Aid Please
Yes, our slight paranoia might be evident after the previous paragraph. We’re absolutely drinking the Kool Aid for this team though. The CAA is still the premier conference in the land, but it’s a down year overall for the league. The Dukes defense was outstanding last year. If they force a few more turnovers this year, they could be legendary (Ed note – in this case legendary means something Todd and I will enthusiastically ramble about 4 beers into any conversation for the rest of our lives). And this offense is going to surprise some people. Thorpe has always had the raw talent. Folks just questioned his study habits and leadership. Well, reports are he logged crazy hours studying film after he got hurt last year and his teammates just elected him as one of the captains. Seems like he addressed both criticisms. I’m sold. The Dukes are playoff bound.
