JMUSB Game #7 Preview: JMU at Elon

So this is the standard weekly preview with one additional shoutout to an awesome Dukes golfer. Anything and everything about #GAMEDAYTOJMU is in the post below this one, but the most important thing in both the short and long term is that the Dukes stay focused on Elon this weekend and we’re going to try to join them in this preview.

The Basics

#5 James Madison Dukes (6-0, 3-0 CAA) at Elon Fightin’ Christians  Phoenix (2-4, 1-2 in CAA), 3:00 p.m. at beautiful Rhodes Stadium in Burlington, North Carolina. And if you thought Towson fans were sensitive about “State,” wait till you see Elon administrators about Fightin’ Christians, which we know is their former name and they’re now called the Phoenix. Unsurprisingly, the alumni are mostly cool with the old name.

Coverage: Unfortunately, this is JMU’s only untelevised game remaining. But it is streaming over on CAA.tv (beware of Stretch Internet) and of course you can catch the smooth stylings of Curt Dudley on the radio broadcast. We shouldn’t have to tell you by now that a stream can be fed to your tv via HDMI cable or Apple TV.

Weather: Absolutely perfect fall day in The Old Line State. Sunny, but a chilly 63 with lows in the 30’s after dark.

Why Elon Could Scare Us

The Phoenix Defense has been reasonably strong all year, but especially at home where they picked up their one CAA win in a  17-13 decision over Towson, who obviously the Dukes struggled to put away last week. It’s also Homecoming so they should be amped and you know their kids are reading all this #GAMEDAYTOJMU stuff too and should be extra motivated. Finally, the thing that worries us most is how much our own players are reading all that crap and the very real potential that a bunch of 18-22 year olds might overlook their own business getting all fired up with their classmates today.

But honestly, who are we kidding? Elon is averaging 12.7 points per game. 12.7. And that’s against Wake Forest, Gardner Webb (who they only scored 21 against by going to triple OT and winning after being tied at 3 in regulation), Towson, NC A&T, UNH, and UR. That’s actually a sneaky tough schedule (and way harder than what JMU has faced thus far and man did Elon get screwed by missing both URI and Albany), but 12.7 is 12.7.

What We’re Looking for from the Dukes

Focus. With all the Gameday nonsense (which may very well turn out to be just that) and the big Homecoming matchup with the Spatters coming up next week, this would be an easy one to overlook. The Dukes need to handle they bidness this week to set up what I’m sure they join us in hoping will be an epic Homecoming of our own next week. We’d also like to repeat again that wrapping up on Defense and kick coverage improvements would really give us a lot better feeling heading into the UR/W&M season-defining gauntlet of the next two weeks.

We’d also be really happy for Vad Lee if he could have his usual stellar performance in what amounts to a homecoming game for the Durham native.

Tailgating Notes

If nothing else, Elon is downright southern in their pro-tailgating stance. Grills are even allowed! Most parking will be in McMichael lot, but the Triangle Chapter of the Duke Club is also hosting a cool pre-game event at West End Terrace, which is an easy half-mile walk down the street from 12:30-2:30. Incredibly, this is Elon Homecoming (not sure they’ve figured out the CAA schedule just yet) so this should be a great atmosphere, especially given the pristine weather and of course, the Dukes!

Lastly, no need to hurry in early because during the final minutes before kickoff, when we’re fortunate enough to get hype videos, smoke machines, and Start Wearin’ Purple, Elon shows a PSA about recycling. Seriously.

Beer of The Week

Natty Greene’s Thicket Autumn IPA. Full disclosure, I’m fully in the tank for these guys. Since moving to Greensboro last year, I’ve gotten to know them and they’re just good guys. Doesn’t hurt they make this area’s signature beers of course! And in the case of Thicket, they’ve nailed a perfect fall seasonal without even needing to resort to that hideous gourd-that-shall-not-be-named that ruins the fall beer lineup. You can find Natty Greene’s everywhere down here so pick some up for the tailgate and visit the outstanding brewpub and restaurant in downtown Greensboro (about 20 minutes from Elon) after the game if you’re sticking around.

Other Cool Stuff

There’s a cool interview with Carolina Panthers (#KeepPounding) rookie Dean Marlowe on Wither’s Coach’s Show with the incomparable Curt Dudley this week. Plus the radio broadcast will feature a halftime interview with Daniel Brown, who re-signed to the Ravens practice squad this week!

Also, we really encourage you to check out this Breeze Meet the Dukes Q&A with sophomore sensation golfer Gabrielle Weiss. We had a chance encounter with her and her very kind parents after her CAA POTW performance in Round 1 of the Forest Oaks Invitational a couple of weeks back and we’re happy to report they all bleed purple! Also, as a golfer, must’ve been nice to go to high school at Pinehurst.

The Station is now fully operational, no doubt about it.

Prediction

Elon averages 12.7 points and Death Star gonna Death Star.

Dukes 51, Phoenix 13