CCSU @ JMU Game #2 Preview
It’s finally here! Despite all the hoopla before, and the handwringing after, last week’s game, September 10, 2011 is the date true Dukes fans have had circled on their calendars for years now. Night game, NEW BRIDGEFORTH opens! Seriously, it’s almost too overwhelming to calm down, focus on the game, and write an actual preview. A full two years of daily webcam (ok, multiple times a day) viewing, countless friends and relatives bored to tears hearing my breathlessly repetitive ravings about the new stadium in the Valley, and infinite daydreams about a stadium that could live up to the way we feel about JMU Football and Athletics. The game itself is huge for JMU as this “should” be the one chance to get everything rolling during a tough early schedule, but we’d certainly encourage all Dukes to take a step back and enjoy everything this weekend signifies about the direction and ambition of James Madison University. This ain’t your grandma’s JMU, or even middle-aged alums like our JMU!
More than just an "artist's rendering" this time!
The Opponent
Look, Central Connecticut State University is waaay better than Morehead was last year. They came second in the NEC last year and are expected to compete again this year. They return six starters on each side of the ball, have a good deal of continuity on the coaching staff led by 6th year Head Coach Jeff McInerney, and “had” a strong QB in Gunnar Jespersen (great QB name too). But “had” may make this weekend even tougher as Jespersen broke a bone in his non-throwing hand in last week’s opener and appears to be extremely questionable for this week. This crowd and setting is likely to be an extremely tall order (read “impossible”) for a backup QB. That said, this is a team with 7 straight winning seasons and the atmosphere may be nearly as exciting for them as it is for the Dukes given the rarity of this type of crowd in the NEC (read “never”), so I don’t necessarily expect the Dukes to run away with this early.
JMUSB Beer of the Week 2011 Week #2
Slightly annoying that the solid beer markets around here are already filled with Pumpkin beers. Don’t get me wrong, love a good fall seasonal, but I always hope to get a few “summerish” games to start the season when we’re usually lucky enough to get some great weather games. Of course, we apparently all live in the Pacific Northwest this week, or maybe a rainforest somewhere, but THIS weekend is still a special occasion calling for a very special occasion beer.
Rob and I will be splitting a Dogfish Head Miles Davis Bitches Brew that’s been cellared for this day since we started JMUSportsBlog in December 2009. But we’ve covered Bitches Brew in this space before, so we’ll go with another brew worthy of New Bridgeforth. In this case, Oskar Blue’s “The Gubna” IPA. This is a pricey special in a four-pack of cans from the Dale’s guys, but it is an ubersticky, super tasty IPA that packs a huge punch, as we hope the Dukes will this weekend.
Official Prediction
JMU is bigger, stronger, and faster. If they can put aside the jitters and distractions of the new stadium better than I can, they should be incredibly amped to open the joint in front of an unexpected sellout including the full 8000 student tickets that have been claimed. Seriously, that’s an astronomical 40%+ of the entire student body! It’s also the true start of putting the last two disappointing seasons behind them and getting back to smacking people in the mouth, going for it recklessly on fourth down, running on nearly every play, and all the things we love about JMU football. May be closer than expected at half, but…
Dukes 42, CCSU 17
” If they can put aside the jitters and distractions of the new stadium better than I can,”
Well put
What’s this talk about not being allowed to have alcohol during the tailgate? Is this something they say every year that is just ignored, or are they serious about this?
I’m glad that you waited to drink the Bitches Brew. The stadium will distract you from the terrible taste.
I’m looking forward to the game tomorrow.
Have they made any decision (or does common sense dictate) that the grass fields will be closed for parking tomorrow? Not sure how much rain the Burg actually got, but NoVa is a swamp right now. You Godwin Field and Hanson Field yahoos stay the hell out of G-Lot, would ya?
And what’s this “no beer at the tailgates” stuff ’04 is talking about? Red plastic cups are de rigeur, of course, but is there something more sinister going on this year? I’ve never had a problem with the po po down there before.
Pretty amped for the game.
Going with the red Solo cups as well in D-2 lot. Let’s get this mother started!
’04 – That’s the same language they put in the tailgating section of gameday notes and season ticket packages last year, but I’m not worried. Last year the first game the HPD got a little carried away, but alums rightfully went nuts and clearly by Week 2 the JMU admin and the HPD had come to an understanding.
Same basic rules as always – 1) Use a Solo cup and 2) Don’t be an ass.
Really that’s the main thing I would think for tomorrow. JMU and the ‘Burg in general have to be aware just how much this means to so many folks and don’t want to spoil the fun, but I’d also imagine they don’t want too much drunken douchebaggery staining this important occasion.
Lastly, we’ll be in D-2 nearest to the bridge if anyone wants to stop by, say hi, and share a beverage and a great view of the stadium from above.
I haven’t heard anything specific about “no beer at the tailgates”, but in years past they’ve tried to crack down a bit more on excessive drinking at the opening game just to set the tone for the rest of the season. With that being said, the cops’ bark is usually stronger than their bite, and they really are just focused on making sure obviously underage kids aren’t out of control and flaunting their consumption. Stick with red cups and don’t act like an ass and you’ll be fine. Nothing to worry about really.
Priz, I guess Todd and I won’t be sharing the Bitches Brew with you then. It’s definitely a unique tasting beer and has a very distinct smoky or earthy characteristic. I’m looking forward to tipping some back to toast the new stadium!
Coors Lights for me. Nothing like a smooth, watered-down, over-advertised beer for me. If I can find some Beast Light, I might roll in with that.
If there is one place in America that you can easily find plenty of Beast Light, it’s Harrisonburg. I think it’s because it is so “shotgunable”.
I think ’01 was Year of the Shotgun and ’02 was Year of the Split-Stream. Haven’t brought that back in a while, but we’ll have to come up with something new for ’11 before Homecoming.
Todd – might take you on the offer. My bro and I will be looking for some good beer pong opponents. We will be in a gray Chevy Tahoe.
All who are going to be tailgating – just in case you didn’t see they don’t allow non-gas grills any more. We had to go out any buy a gas grill……
Thanks for the response, guys. It’s been a couple years since I’ve been to a game, so I wasn’t sure if something changed. I figured it was okay. Although, last time I was down there the tailgates were pretty crazy and I thought a crack down may have been in place.
Okay, now its time for the doom and gloom…..a very disappointing showing for the offense.
I agree with Jason.
I puked up all my pre-season kool-aid by halftime.
We are going to suck.