Prediction Contest: JMU vs. ECU
The Dukes travel to Greenville, NC this weekend to start the 2017 season with a game against East Carolina University. It’s always difficult for FCS teams face off against FBS teams, primarily due to difference in roster sizes. But JMU fans generally seem pretty confident heading into Saturday.
We want to know what you think though. Leave a comment on this post with your prediction for Saturday. The person who come’s closest to nailing the final outcome (winner & score) will win the right to guest post next week. Be sure to use an email address you actually check, because we’ll notify the winner via email no later than Monday.
We’ve been doing this each game for years. Not only has it been a fun way to get the game talk going a few days before kickoff, it’s resulted in some pretty fantastic guest posts. We’re hoping for more of the same this season. So let’s hear what y’all think. Will the Dukes pull off the “upset” and continue their winning streak? Give us your prediction in the comments.
Go Dukes!
Dukes 31
Pirates 23
James Madison is sending in Capt. Houston and the Royal Dukes to broadside the Pirates. JMU Swashbucklers : 34 , ECU Wharf Rats 27.
It’s a tough one to pick. We’re favored to win last I heard. I’d like to know the last FCS team that was favored over an FBS team. There are some key players missing because of suspension and it’s the first game of the year. That being said, I’ll be a total homer and say JMU 45- ECU 35. Weather shouldn’t be an issue, not too hot and chance of storms. If it does rain, I feel like that just helps JMU with their running attack. Podcast was great to listen to on my commute. It’s nice to be able to listen to fellow Dukes discuss football.
35-31 JMU
Dukes – 38
Pirates – 20
I think we are going to be a little more rusty on offense than people are predicting. Our line is young and we are playing some big boys. I like our defense’s chances to make some plays though.
Dukes – 28
Ghost of Terry Holland – 27
I think the offense will need a couple weeks to hit stride with new players; especially OL. Defense will hold strong and win this game. JMU wins in grinder game.
JMU 13
ECU 10
35- 24 good guys
JMU 35- ECU 27
JMU 21 ECU 16 heh
JMU 27
ECU 20
The Dukes open with a win. coach Houston proves he is the real deal.
JMU 30 – EZU 20
Ghost of Terry Holland is on our side! Also would go for 21-16 with a roughing the punter call to seal the deal but I feel like that happened once before…
38-34 Dukes
ECU 27
JMU 34
Dukes 30 Pirates 27
45-37 JMU GO DUKES!!!
JMU 31
ECU 27
Way too much purple on the field. Will be a long day for the JMU defense.
JMU – 38
ECU – 31
28-24 JMU
JMU – 45
ECU – 32
Purple and gold win!! Oh wait..that doesn’t clear up anything.
Field goal through the pirate masts wins it.
DUUUUKES – 27
Peg Legs – 24
Unfortunately, I think the suspensions and the grind of playing with less scholarships in the heat will be the difference.
ECU – 27
JMU – 24
JMU 34
ECU 21
41-21 Dukesssssssss
The real purple and gold (JMU) – 41
The other purple and gold (ECU) – 29
Our daughter is currently at WDW … representing JMU in the Disney College Program. She’s dealing with extreme heat .. and so will our FB team.
In a squeaker, we are afraid that the home field advantage will prevail … 🙁
ECU 35
JMU 28
Hate to rain on your charade, but it won’t be close at all. The game will be over midway through the 3rd quarter as ECU brings the Dukes back down to FCS reality.
Look for a Pirates score in the 40s and the Dukes in the low 20s.
GDP!
JMU 24
ECU 20
Offense struggles to find a rhythm. Defense holds it’s own. One or two big special teams plays wins the game.
JMU 42
ECU 31
21 – Dukes
17 – Pirates
Dukes Offense will struggle early on because of suspensions and the new receiving corps, but the run game does enough to get us the win and control time of possession. JMU’s Defense will be the difference in this game and will keep the Pirates beached on the sidelines for much of the game.
I am torn between having realistic expectations for the season and being wildly and recklessly cocky…cocky wins today. JMU 49-ECU 42. Go Dukes! Wish I could be there to see it in person.
Cocky or Confident? Confidence wins – Dukes 38 – Pirates 16
Will be a slug-fest early, but the Dukes show that they are up to the challenge.
Look for me in stands, I will be the one wearing purple
JMU – 34
ECU – 24
38-28 Dukes
Piratelager was close…just had the teams reversed.