It’s Finally Here: JMU v. ODU Part 1

Cue the Empire music from Star Wars and dig into that special reservoir of condescension you usually bust out only when the Ticks or CrAppy St. are involved.  It’s finally time for ODU!  Dukes World has been discussing this one ad nauseum ever since Monarchs fans started yakking after “big” wins over VMI and Norfolk Collegiate three seasons ago when football arrived on the ODU “campus.”  Somebody drop a Stone Cold Stunna on Vince McMahon cause this IS the Royal Rumble!

We’ve literally been dissecting this game from every angle here at JMUSB for a solid year and a half. At first we thought ODU was a cute story that might eventually provide solid competition for the Dukes, but as the Monarchs have shown this year, “eventually” is now and we’ve been alternately fretting and throwing out irrational bursts of bravado all season. Rob and I were talking yesterday and we agreed we haven’t been this fired up for a regular season game since Appy in ’08.  I know, I know that sounds crazy, but after Appy the rest of the ’08 regular season, even the UR and Nova games, didn’t bring this kind of “I have no idea what’s going to happen but everything seems to depend on the outcome” type feeling.  Basically after that comeback and with Rodney at the helm, I felt great about the Dukes every week that year.  The last two years the wheels came off too early in the season to ever get psyched up for a big late-season game.  And of course, this is different in a way the upcoming UNH and UMass games, even given their potential implications, will never be.  As both coaches noted this week, this rivalry seems huge before game 1 is even played.  The shared commitment to football that will differentiate ODU and JMU from UR and WM long-term and the agreed-upon disdain for hoops-only geeks from GMCC and VCU means we’re joined at the hip, for better or worse.  In the shifting landscape of collegiate athletics, the Monarachs are the closest thing to a sure thing right now if you’re asking the question “Who will be the Dukes biggest rival on and off the field two decades from now?”

The Game

If you’re looking for solid X’s and O’s, check out Wednesday’s Q&A with ODU blogger and @VaBeachRep.  Basically, ODU has two solid QB’s and a strong passing attack, something the Dukes have struggled with at times.  A ton of experienced WR’s and allegedly rock-solid Special Teams allow them cash in with points and field position even when they fail to close drives with TD’s.  JMU’s going to have to do less bending than usual this week.  On defense, much to the chagrin of @defiantlydutch, ODU features Hofstra’s former interior defensive line.

Best defense for the Dukes this week is a great offensive performance.  JMU will look to control the ball and the clock to keep ODU’s offense off the field.  Weather’s going to be nasty, which should be advantage Dukes (assuming the backs can hang onto the ball).

What it Means

It means even more right now, this season, than it does as the start of a long-term rivalry.  Dukes are a 1/2 game ahead of the Monarchs in the standings and with Maine and Towson still undefeated, JMU can really lock themselves into one of the 3rd or 4th playoff spots in the CAA with a win.  A loss on the other hand would send them back into the conference melee, open the door for ODU, and set up an incredibly tall must-win in New Hampshire next week.  This one is HUGE.  Get this win, beat URI at home, split with UNH and UMass and the Dukes are hosting games in December!

Beer of the Week

This week’s pick is Bell’s Double Cream Stout. The weather has changed and it’s Halloween but pumpkin beer’s moment has mercifully passed.  Bell’s DCS will warm you up and makes a great breakfast tailgate beer!

What Football has Meant to ODU

Players have doubled the number of students intent on staying more than two years.  Hampton Roads Tarheels fans have another bandwagon to jump on. Hopefully more Blaine Taylor mustache sightings! 

Prediction

We respect what ODU has done so far and where they’re headed.  And sometimes Mickey scares the hell out of us.  But he always has the Dukes ready for big games, and from the insanity on the player’s twitter feeds, it’s safe to say they know this one qualifies.  A slow start may spook us, but eventually the Dukes take over.  The weather may keep the scoring low and strange, but our guess is Dukes pull away in the second half and win 26-17.  (Settle down and have some confidence MegAbs!)