JMU @ Rhode Island Preview

After three weeks of fun, but essentially nonsense, games, CAA play has arrived.  Sort of.  After a rough couple of weeks for the Dukes on the injury front, we can certainly welcome the near worst (cough, GSU, cough) the conference has to offer before next week’s bye.  That said, JMU has historically struggled mightily on long trips north to UNH, Maine, and URI, so let’s hope the players and coaches don’t overlook this game nearly as much as we do.

The Basics

Rhode Island announced a couple of years ago that they were leaving the CAA for the limited-scholarship NEC and they’d been reducing scholarships over the last two seasons in preparation for the move.  Oddly, but fortunately for CAA football, URI changed their mind this summer and announced they’re staying after all (and coincidentally after the NBCSN deal came to fruition).  But to the dismay of the current team, if the first couple of games forthe Rams are any indication the announcement didn’t come nearly fast enough for reinforcements to arrive this season.  They have been absolutely manhandled by Villanova and Monmouth.  Yes, Monmouth.  URI only has nine starters back from last year, led by the linebackers Dave Zocco and Doug Johnson but they are overall very young, very inexperienced, and basically terrible on offense.

Beer of the Week

The Dukes are heading north and we’re heading even farther north for our very unique BOTW selection.  If you ever find yourself within 200 miles of Waterbury, Vermont, make what can only be called a pilgrimage to The Alchemist Cannery for the only beer they make, Heady Topper Double IPA in 16 oz. cans.  The myth is real!  Really nothing else to say.  Just go.  Bring coolers and buy as much as you can stuff in them.  Throw some old Jerry Reed on the IPod and drive like the Bandit to make it home.

Programming Notes

It’s been listed as a no-tv, no streaming game available only as Audio only on MadiZone at 1 p.m., but late this week it’s been rumored there may be some type of feed available after all and that will be reported on Friday.  If we hear anything, we’ll let you know.  In either case, you really should be following @CurtDudley for the VERY BEST JMU coverage anywhere.

What to Expect

We hope not, but URI always finds a surprising solid game or two in the CAA, especially at home (last year’s upset of Delaware is a great example and was as responsible for JMU’s playoff bid as any game all season).  Combine that with a bit of a FedEx hangover (though hopefully not nearly as bad as mine) and the missing personnel for JMU and this could be a bit of a sloppy game.  That said, if there’s a sniff of doubt in the fourth, it will be a disappointment for the Dukes.