Dae’Quan Scott Might Miss the Nova Game
Mickey said on the CAA conference call that Dae’Quan Scott has an ankle injury. May not play vs. Villanova.
— Matthew Stoss (@MatthewStoss) October 28, 2013
The hits just keep on coming, don’t they? After a particularly disheartening loss over the weekend, today we found out that Dukes tailback Dae’Quan Scott might miss the game against Villanova. In case you haven’t been paying attention, the coaches seem to consider Dae’Quan one of the focal points of the offense. He’s the Dukes all time scoring leader and he was responsible for one of the only offensive highlights for JMU last Saturday, when he took a screen pass 40 yards to the house. He’s very good (duh) and will likely be a key part of Mickey and O’Cain’s gameplan if he plays (duh again).
Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn’t be the end of the world. Because as good as Dae’Quan is, some folks might make the argument that at times his talent causes the coaches to put blinders on and restrict the offense a bit. Actually, I have no idea if there are folks out there who’d make that argument, but I certainly would. I love Dae’Quan’s game. He’s great. But sometimes, it certainly appears as if the coaches dial everything back and rely on him a little too much. Maybe the simple threat of him missing the game, will force Mickey and his staff to get a little more creative with the gameplan. And Khalid Abdullah looks ready to step up if called upon anyway. In fact, I could probably write thousands of words about how the coaches failure to consistently involve Abdullah and some of the other talented weapons at its disposal has lead JMU down this path to mediocrity, but I’ll save them for another day.
Yes, at face value this isn’t great news. But it might not be terrible. It’s clear this team needs a spark or something to rally around. Besides, there are two things everyone loves, an underdog and a party. As JMU fans, we’ll be treated to both on Saturday. Keep rootin.
Our chances of winning just went from “No chance” to “Possibly”.
“some folks might make the argument that at times his talent causes the coaches to put blinders on and restrict the offense a bit. Actually, I have no idea if there are folks out there who’d make that argument”
THIS GUY WOULD MAKE THAT ARGUEMENT.
As opposed to the Durden offense, and the O’Cain offense (that we have only seen in about 1.6 games this season), the Mickey offensive playbook looks like this:
DQS Zone Right
DQS Zone Left
DQS Dive Middle
DQS Draw
DQS Wildcat Read Option
Bubble Screen, possibly to DQS
Birdsong Quick Kick/Punt
That’s it. That’s the entire playbook.
Mick also said that DQ was in a boot all week during the bye week, that the injury isn’t new. So maybe it’s worsened, maybe it’s MM trying to throw Villanova off. I’d say he’s more like 50/50 to play.
2004 Duke, nicely put. I too doubt we’ve seen the real O’Cain offense for most of this season.
My biggest concern is that it’s too late and that MM has once again grabbed complete control and won’t let go. Not only that, it really looks like Birdsong is scared to throw the ball and make a mistake. He seems reluctant to sling the ball unless it is the perfect pass. I wonder who has gotten into his head….it’s not like we have an ultra-conservative head coach or anything, right?
Yeah, I’m in full pitchfork mode.
Count me in with that crowd too. As good as DQS is, and I will not question his ability, but this may be addition by subtraction and actually create some diversity and suprise to the offense.
Plus Abdullah is really good runnig between the tackles.
Just imagine how good DQS would be if every defense in the CAA didn’t KNOW he was getting the ball 4 out of 5 plays?
Curious to see how this turns out. The playoffs aren’t even worth mentioning unless they can win this week and next. Odd season: They could be 8-0 or 3-5.