Dukes Stay Alive With 31-13 Win
JMU bounced back after 2 disappointing losses and defeated Rhode Island 31-13 today. With the win, JMU moves to 6-4 (4-3 CAA) and keeps its playoff dreams alive. The Dukes pounded the ball on the ground all day, rushing for 241 yards. The defense also got the job done, shutting Rhode Island down and forcing 4 turnovers. It was a great win on a perfect Saturday for football.
Attitude Adjustment
Maybe it was the return of Justin Thorpe, or because it was Senior Day, or it might have been due to the fact that it was the final home game of the inaugural 25K Bridgeforth Stadium season. Whatever the cause was, the Dukes came out of the gates much more aggressively today. The defense stopped Rhode Island on the Rams first drive and then Thorpe, Dae’Quan Scott and the offense promptly marched down the field to take a 7-0 lead. The Dukes’ offense simply overwhelmed the Rams on the drive, taking huge chunks of yards at a time. Thorpe ran for 44 yards on the opening drive alone and capped it with a TD. The scoring drive set the tone for the rest of the day.
Sneaky Domination
This was an odd game. The outcome was never in doubt after JMU jumped out to the early lead. Rhode Island was completely overwhelmed by the JMU defense all day. The Dukes had Rhode Island’s QB on the run and prevented the Ram offense from ever getting in synch. JMU put up 31 points and marched right down the field with ease on several drives. Dae’Quan Scott eclipsed the century mark for the 6th time this season and found the endzone twice. JMU also had a couple drives where they seemed to be completely out of whack though. It was one of those games where there seemed to be long stretches where the offense looked to be stuck in neutral, broken up by brilliant plays. JMU definitely was the better team. When the line opened holes, they steamrolled down the field. When they didn’t though, the Dukes move backwards.
Who Let That Guy In?
Todd had the good fortune to score a pass to the club level today. We’re pretty sure this makes him the first blogger to infiltrate the luxury lounge and party with the 1% of JMU Nation. On the other hand, I took in the game from the comfort of our regular seats in section 202 with the family. At one point I had to duck out to change my 19 month old son’s diaper. When I returned I got a text from Todd to let me know he was feasting at the buffet, bellying up to the bar, and chatting up none other than Dr. Carrier and his lovely wife. To recap, I was changing diapers and Todd was breaking bread with Uncle Ron. The new Bridgeforth has really nice family restrooms with changing tables though. So, yeah fair trade.
Photo courtesy of JMUsports.com
Normally I would feel bad (very bad) for an older gentleman & his wife getting cornered by TD at a bar, but if there is someone that can match inebriated wits with TD it is certainly Uncle Ron himself.
A win is a win.
Concerns:
-3 picks against a team that has run the triple option forever and isn’t known for their passing game doesn’t mean much to me.
-We still can’t throw the rock.
-URI isn’t very good.
-The Mickey Matthews sky kick has returned.
Positives:
-We won.
-While Thorpe can’t throw, at least he can run. That’s something.
-We lined up in the I Formation once. First time all year.
-We only ran the wildcat once.
-Mickey did not go into his patented “prevent offense” this week. The play calling stayed aggressive, even throwing the deep ball with a big lead in the 4th. It almost looked like we actually wanted to make the playoffs.