Nov 28 / Rob

It Is Officially Playoff Week for JMU Football

Houston and teamThe Dukes enjoyed a well earned bye for round one of the postseason. But now it’s their turn as JMU has its first FCS Playoff game of the Mike Houston era. The round two match-up will feature fellow CAA team, the New Hampshire Wildcats coming to the ‘burg to face the Dukes. Due to the quirks off the unbalanced CAA schedule, it will actually be JMU’s first time facing New Hampshire in the new Bridgeforth Stadium.

The Wildcats earned the right to face JMU by steamrolling Lehigh in round one. In the 64-21 victory, UNH jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. They racked up over 600 yards of total offense, including 364 on the ground. And they did it with their starting QB, Trevor Knight, on the sidelines with an injured foot. Matt Riese got the start instead. Much like he did when he relieved Knight in the game against JMU, Riese easily lead an efficient and explosive Wildcat offense. It was the most points UNH had scored in a single game since 2003. It’s unclear which QB will get the call on Saturday.

This should be a fun rematch and a very tough test for the Dukes. As you might recall, JMU had things rolling against New Hampshire back on October 15. The Dukes got out to a 42-10 lead with only 10 minutes left in the game. Then the entire team pretty much went to sleep and UNH stormed back, before finally falling 42-39.

After two straight years of disappointing playoff results under Everett Withers, we’re anxious for JMU to get over the hump and win a game in the postseason. New Hampshire is a dangerous team that should come in to Bridgeforth with plenty of confidence. We believe Coach Houston and his staff will have the Dukes ready to go though. Saturday can’t get here soon enough.

8 Comments

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  1. 2004Duke / Nov 28 2016

    So UNH has outplayed us 39-0 in the most recent 10 minutes of JMU-UNH history….

    …how’s Bryan’s arm feeling?

  2. Jay / Nov 28 2016

    Let’s go DUKES! Looking forward to home playoff game. We just need to get going fast and finish fast. Don’t let them get close.

  3. ShadyP / Nov 28 2016

    This coaching staff is gonna have the team ready to roll on Saturday and I think the Dukes come out with something to prove with a HUGE chip on their shoulder.

  4. M@ / Nov 28 2016

    Saturday starts my first significant vacation of the year. I’m hoping it starts happy. And just to say it again…It can’t get here soon enough.

  5. Herb / Nov 28 2016

    One thing I’ll bet on is that Houston will not let is players forget about their fourth quarter against UNH. Playing at home will be a big plus. My gut tells me that JMU will have an excellent game plan.

  6. The Fly / Nov 29 2016

    We’re intentionally ignoring the men’s basketball team at this point, right?

  7. The Fly / Nov 29 2016

    I don’t mind Reise at QB. He’s a bit slow on the trigger and doesn’t take care of the ball that well. He was red hot against us and against Lehigh but still threw 3 picks last week. My concern is that the Cats will absolutely air the ball out, and we don’t look that great against teams that sell out their offensive game plan to the pass. That’s what happened in Q4 in Durham. We honestly looked helpless on D. Raven, Jordan, etc. need to step up, and the LBs need to show they can defend more than the run. There’s no question we can put up 42 again on offense, especially with Schor back, but EW’s kids in the defensive backfield need to show up.

    That said, I’ll take the home team and two TDs.

  8. Rob / Nov 29 2016

    @The Fly Yes. Forced myself to watch the games last week, but I just can’t. Rowe might eventually develop into a good coach, but things ain’t pretty so far.

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