Last-chance Saloon! Dukes v. Ticks

Well it’s come down to this.  The Dukes are set to take on the hated Richmond Ticks this Saturday and despite the pathetic lack of offense, lots of hate for the coaching staff, and the fact that most fans have abandoned the Dukes already, JMU will play it’s first game at Richmond’s brand spanking new on-campus high school stadium with a flickering hope at the postseason remaining.  Thanks to a down year nationwide in FCS and an expanded playoff field, it’s not that farfetched to think a 7-4 team will make the playoffs.  And it remains highly likely if that happens that the team will come from the CAA.  Not to mention that if ESPN has anything to say about the new “opening round” game participants, and let’s be honest, they do, the suits would love to roll out the Hokie-vanquishing Dukes!

Tick engorged with thumb on toddler's head causing disease

That said, it’s going to take at least a point, though maybe not more than 10 or so, to send the red-sweater and boat shoes brigade that is the UR fanbase (such as it is) back across the street to CCV to deal with another loss in the usual manner – drinking watered-down bourbon and telling old cracka’ jokes.

JMUSB Special Note: We know we’ve been slack the last couple of weeks.  Like a lot of JMU Nation, we’ve been “slightly disappointed” in the play of the gridiron Dukes and unfortunately, it’s shown in our blogging abilities.  Following Saturday’s victory, we promise to pick it up given that Men’s and Women’s Soccer have great tourney action, CJ Sapong was the National player of the week last week, Cross Country and Volleyball have had some moments lately, Dawn Evans is the best and most inspiring player in all of women’s basketball, and last but certainly not least the EXTREMELY underrated Men’s Basketball team opens the season with a huge opportunity next Friday at top five Kansas St. on ESPNU.  Also, Hoops previews and KSt. watch party announcements coming soon.

JMUSB Beer of the Week: Screw beer, it’s playoff time.  Fill a flask with something dark and smoky, stick it in your sock, and get after it.  If the Dukes win, you’ve created a superstition bound for greatness in the next eight games (yeah, I said eight!).  If they lose, you’ve got a headstart on a night of brooding and trying to convince yourself hoops season means as much.

Preseason Ticks PreviewSpecial Note: Mr. Fancypants Aaron Corp, the USC transfer, is out for the year as is the backup QB.  UR is now starting their punter at QB so you can pretty much take all mediocrity we discussed in the summer and downgrade it.  Doesn’t mean the Dukes will win, only that the Ticks have our kind of problems.

Official JMUSB Prediction: Come on, it’s me, and I’m always delusional and completely hopped up on the Purple Kool-Aid for at least one more week.  With the pressure off, and playing a virtual home game, Dudzik and company finally explode this weekend.  Much like JMU’s just-announced deal to “host” playoff games in Richmond’s old City Stadium, this could be too little, too late, but this weekend, the boys will quiet the critics and win this won going away.  Dukes 42, Ticks 10.

Throw those streamers with authority.

We’ll be at Bailey’s again.

Keep Coach Lucas!