In Which We Attempt to Stop Whining
Alright folks, this is getting depressing. Yeah, the Dukes obviously are not living up to the expectations many of us had for them. Reading crap like my wrap-up of the Richmond game (worst post ever) makes it sound like JMU’s best option might be to halt the construction of the new stadium and fold the program. There are still 2 games left. JMU isn’t going to the playoffs. This season. That doesn’t mean they won’t turn it around and be back competing for championships next season. Here are 3 quick thoughts on why things might not be as bad as they seem.
1. ) Did anyone watch the Cowboys play Sunday night? Now that is a football team that has completely given up and bailed on its coach. It was the complete opposite of the sort of effort I’ve seen JMU put in every week. Obviously, effort doesn’t equal wins, but I’d be far more concerned with the state of the program if the players had obviously given up. Idiots (like yours truly) who alleged that two disappointing seasons in a row means the program is in crisis might be taking things a bit too seriously.
2.) JMU has a championship caliber defense and they’re excelling with a bunch of back-ups and guys playing out of position. This defense is on pace to give up the fewest points in JMU history. JMU has only given up 12 TDs all season! The only thing they have lacked is an ability to cause turnovers, but it looks like they might have figured that out last weekend against Richmond.
3.) The Dukes are really young overall. At times this season, JMU has looked a little inexperienced in big moments. You know why?Nearly 70% of the players on the roster are Freshmen or Sophomores! JMU had few senior leaders heading into the season and now due to injuries and other issues, many of them haven’t been playing. Injuries are no excuse, but sometimes a season like this one gives players a chance to get game experience earlier on in their careers than they normally would. That could pay off over the next few seasons.
Yeah, I’m definitely drinking more Kool Aid then most right now. This season has been a complete downer since the Tech win. Let’s try to have a little perspective though. Things probably aren’t as bad as they seem. Plus, the Dukes get to knock off William & Mary this weekend, which is nice.
Regardless of the finish this season, I do really think the win over VT will bring interest from better recruits going forward. To be honest, the 2004 championship, while of course very nice, probably didn’t get the same media exposure as the win over VT. My relatives from the West Coast (some JMU alum) were excited about but didn’t know we had won the title in 2004. I am too surprised about Dudzik, I honestly thought he was better than he has played this season. When Landers went out in the Montana playoff game, he actually stepped in and we almost won that game. Plus, after having a pretty good game against VT its hard to believe he would put up such horrible stats for most of the other games. Defense has for the most part been JMU’s bread and butter so I will give them a pass this season with the injuries. However we need to get some WRs and improve our O-line and of course get a QB that is Landers or Rascati-esque to take over next year now that Drew is graduating. I don’t know if Thorpe is the guy but maybe if he healthy. Its been tough following that win against VT, but I am not thinking the program is going downhill. Hopefully we can get a few athletes in on offense next year and see what happens. Lets talk some Men’s Hoops – we have a big game against #3 KSU on Friday! Go DUKES!