Storylines as JMU Football Begins Practice

The JMU football team reported to camp today and we’re only 27 days away from the season opener versus Central Connecticut State. Not only does that mean we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I think it gives us the right to ease ourselves into some real football talk. And while there is no shortage of stories heading into the 2013 season, let’s take a look at a few of the big ones on our minds.

The QB Situation

While QB controversies were a bit of an annual August tradition for JMU in the past, last year Justin Thorpe headed into the season as the clear number one. Unfortunately, things quickly reverted to the norm for JMU (the norm since 2008 at least) and Thorpe lost his firm grip on the position mid-season. Freshman Michael Birdsong entered the picture and played pretty well in spots down the stretch. He now has a grip on QB 1 and unlike Thorpe, appears to have the entire JMU fanbase behind him. Birdsong started 2 games and saw time in 6 others. He threw for 4 TD, but completed just 53% of his passes. Not bad for a freshman, but he’ll have to improve if JMU expects to make a serious push for the playoffs.

Will JMU Finally Open Up the Offense?

Yes, the calls for JMU to pass more have become cliché at this point. There’s no denying that the Dukes offense appeared to a little less than dynamic at times however. Former offensive coordinator Jeff Durden took the fall in the offseason, and JMU appeared ready to make a big splash by bringing in Hal Mumme. The architect of the Air Raid went elsewhere though and JMU hired Mike O’Cain instead. O’Cain has experience at a number of BCS schools with mixed results. During his time at Clemson, his offenses were amongst the best in the country. Last year with the Hokies, not so much. Popular opinion states that Mickey’s conservative nature was holding Durden back. If O’Cain actually gets the autonomy he deserves, he’s got some good pieces to work with. It’s unclear what sort of offense JMU will run, but it’s a safe bet we won’t be seeing the Dukes line up in the shotgun on 4th and 1 any more. At least I hope we won’t.

The Heat Under Mickey’s Seat

JMU football reached its greatest heights under the leadership of Coach Matthews. Not only did Mickey coach JMU to a National Championship in 2004, he’s overseen the program during its period of greatest expansion, both in terms of facilities and fan support. His impact on the program cannot be overstated. However, despite all that and the fact that JMU is still often referred to as a “premier FCS program”, it really hasn’t had much success since 2008. And the natives are restless.

JMU has far too many advantages over its competition and far too much talent to not be a perennial CAA contender. The Dukes should be a threat to go deep in the playoffs nearly every year. Missing them entirely is unacceptable. So while Mickey has done great things for JMU, the pressure is building. Many fans are already fed up with the state of the program. Mickey has recruited well and has assembled a strong staff bringing in O’Cain and Curt Newsome. His seat could be pretty damn hot come November if the Dukes aren’t playoff bound.