Life got in the way and we didn’t have time to do the prediction contest last week. And JMU lost. Maybe it was our fault. Or maybe it’s just because the game was played on the road. The world may never know. In any case, let’s run the prediction contest back again this week. Same rules as ever. Leave a comment indicating who you think will win this Saturday’s game and what the final score will be. The person who comes to closes to predicting the outcome correctly (winner & score), will get to write a guest post next week.
So it’s the Dukes vs. the Brook (is that a thing? can we make that a thing?) in the first ever CAA match-up between the schools. It’s an absolute must win for JMU if the Dukes hope to keep their ridiculously slim hopes for the playoffs alive. Let us know who you think will win in the comments. Keep rootin fer Dukes.
JMU fell 33-17 at New Hampshire in another sluggish, uninspired performance marred by hideous gameplanning, clock management, and immature behavior towards officials that has become more than a trend on the road this year. All you need to know about how bad this one was is that DaeQuan Scott had more yards passing than rushing. The Dukes are now 6-0 at home and 0-4 on the road and almost eliminated from playoff contention. To be clear, there will very likely be 8-4 teams that qualify for the field (and maybe even a 7-4 or 7-5 team), but the Dukes are likely too far back in the CAA to justify their inclusion even assuming they can win out. We will of course keep rootin’ the next two weeks and should a miracle occur, we’ll be happy to witness it, and I’m sure by the end of this week we’ll be back to telling you how to scoreboard watch in the Dukes favor the next two weeks, but today we’re not going to talk about the ill-fated trip to New Hampshire or the rest of this season.
Instead, we’re going to take a step back, look at the big picture, and hopefully encourage some measured thinking and reactions from the little corner of JMU Nation we reach as the season winds down and big changes loom on the horizon for the football program. Here’s the story: Mickey Matthews has been at JMU well over a decade, through a few contract extensions, and next year is the last year of his deal. JMU is likely switching conferences next spring and would be transitioning to FBS over the next two seasons. Those seasons, especially the first (in 2014) are likely to be rough. The schedule may be a bit haphazard (i.e. whoever we can find to play) next season if ODU this year is any indication and with a strong possibility of no postseason on the line (no FBS bowl-eligibility during transition and no FCS playoff-eligibility due to increased scholarships) it’s going to take some hardcore players and fans to produce a memorable year next year. It can be done and the potential excitement and expectation over the move will certainly help enthusiasm among the masses, but it’s still going to be an odd period.
Even if we strip away all the personal reasons expressed by some here at JMUSB and the tactical, on-field issues cited by more rationale fans, it’s still seems it’s time for a change. To be honest, Mickey has never expressed much enthusiasm for a move to FBS, but we were kind of hoping he’d pull one more good season off this year and be the one to weather the transitional storm (We were also hoping he’d pull it off because as fans we would have loved one more playoff run). One thing’s for sure: Given the insane expectations of certain quarters of the JMU fanbase, we would be concerned for a new coach to have to suffer through what are likely to be a few lean years no matter what (see Brady, Matt in the aftermath of the Dean Keener/Sherm Dillard era). That said, we’d think the administration and smart supporters would grasp the transitional difficulties and be patient assuming we see improvements in things like a) a modern offense (yes, you can read into this our lack of support for Mike O’Cain if you want to), b) no embarrassing on-field antics, and c) at least the appearance of offseason discipline amongst players.
One other fact we should point out is JMU’s utter distaste historically for buying out coaches before the end of their deals and their idiotic willingness to engage in the bad business of letting coaches work in lame-duck status. There are some respected voices in the JMU community who think MM is here next year no matter what based on the unwillingness to pay a buy-out. We have ZERO knowledge where the Alger administration would come down on buying out MM, but we do know that this cost will be dwarfed by the other costs of moving up and it seems to just make sense that if you’re not sold on MM long-term, are very disappointed in him short-term, and are embarking on one of the most important steps in the history of JMU Athletics, it might be a good time for some new blood.
We could dive into the details of this decision forever, but that’s the basic framework through which we’d encourage you to view the MM situation as you discuss it at your tailgate against Stony Brook, at Towson, or at hoops games over the next few weeks. In essence it comes down to this: It’s time for a change, but don’t discount or disparage what the Mickey era has brought us as you advocate for that change. Lastly, and most importantly, despite our position that barring a miracle run (e.g. win out, make playoffs, win two games) it’s time for a change, and despite the fact even MM would credit much of the following to great players and good fortune PLEASE please please take a step back and consider the following before you use that pitchfork:
Those of us who graduated before 2004 could never have dreamed of the way we spent a glorious Homecoming afternoon last weekend. And the fact we get to do it again this weekend is even more incredible. That was less than 10 years ago. If you graduated after 2004, we’re not saying you’re wrong that it’s time for a change, we’re just saying you need to listen to those who remember (or really, don’t remember) what JMU football was before.
7% is a horrendous percentage for alumni giving, but I seriously wonder if myself and many others would even be a part of that number without what the re-engagement with JMU that the Mickey era has brought us. And a lot of us definitely wouldn’t remember the words to the fight song.
We all care enough to write blogs, post on message boards, read blogs, comment on them, go to viewing parties, and threaten to injure offensive coordinators. Seriously, just stop and think about that. Does it even matter nearly as much to your friends that went to another non-BCS school? Or even a lot of BCS schools for that matter (we’re looking at you UVA).
Streamers, Start Wearing Purple, Chattanooga, App. St., Scotty, Rodney, Moats, Jordan, Watford, Caussin, Rascati, Stephon, LeZotte.
And of course:
JMU and New Hampshire kickoff at 12:30 PM. Watch it on television on NBC Sportsnetwork. Discuss it here. Consider this your open thread for all pre-game, in-game, and post-game chatter. This is a big one. Win and the playoff dream is alive. DC/NoVA folks can join Todd at Dogwood Tavern. Keep rootin.
JMU got the 2013-2014 hoops season started in less than spectacular fashion last night. The Dukes dropped a 61-41 decision to a legitimately good UVA team. A loss is a loss and it’s very difficult to find positives in a 20 point loss at that. However, this is not the end of the world or a harbinger of bad times to come. Far from it. It was more likely just a slow opening night for a young team. The second youngest team in the country in fact. And we’re not talking about Kentucky one and done sort of youth. We’re talking about a throw back sort of youth, in which players pay their dues and develop over the course of a four year career. So while losses are never fun. Let’s not all freak out and give up on the season.
As for bright spots, if you’re a real Kool Aid drinker, you could point to Tom Vodanovich reaching double figures in his first college game. The freshman lead JMU with 11 points to go along with 4 boards and 2 assists. Ron Curry and Charles Cooke each scored 9 points and Andrey Semenov chipped in with 8. Nobody else scored. And that was a bit of a problem. JMU shot terribly from the field in the first half, connecting on only 20% of its attempts. Things improved after the break, but it was really too late. UVA is a solid defensive team, which contributed to the Dukes’ awful shooting night. Still though, JMU simply has too shoot the ball better.
It’s only one game. And it was against arguably the best team JMU might face all season. Let’s put it behind us and move on. Besides, as Dukes fans we have a football game to look forward to in a few hours. A game our team has real shot at winning that we would never ever consider wearing a necktie to. Neither of things are true for our friends in Hooville. So in that sense we’re already winning in the game of life when compared to our friends in them anyway. Keep rootin.
Before we get to football, we need to throw in a quick plug for another badassed JMU squad. The Women’s Soccer team won the CAA’s regular season title and with it earned the opportunity to host the CAA tournament this weekend. They kick off Friday in semi-final action at the fantastic new University Park at 6 p.m. If you aren’t in C’ville or the Convo for hoops, make sure you get out to support! And definitely keep an eye out for the final on Sunday if they win tomorrow!
Feed the Beast, this team can’t stop him!
Alright, on to football.
The Basics
The Dukes have not won a road game all year. Let that sink in before we all get fired up after last week’s win. And just like last week, this week’s Wildcats are playing for their playoff lives at 3-2 just like the Dukes in the CAA. At 4-4 overall, UNH’s best-in-FCS playoff streak is basically on life support already with four losses, especially since they only play 11 games this year while most teams play 12. So really this amounts to an elimination game again.
UNH is always tough at home, and generally plays close games. None of their losses (Central Michigan, Lehigh, Towson and W&M) are terrible and like the Dukes, their best win was over Villanova at home (a game in which they converted a 2-pointer for the win after blowing a big lead late). Last week, like the Dukes they were completely shut down at William & Mary, only they were actually shutout 17-0.
Unlike past UNH teams, this one is not quite as high-flying and is more balanced in terms of run/pass than we’re used to seeing from them. However, just like past UNH teams, they’re suspect on defense – and this year that comes complete with poor tackling. Wildcats have actually never tackled well, but have always created big plays on D and the Dukes will need to protect the ball.
What’s at Stake for the Dukes
Simply their playoff lives in all likelihood. But find a way to win a road game here in the weak high school stadium in Durham, NH (i.e. nowheresville, USA) and the possibilities will really open up for them with Stony Brook coming to the ‘Burg next week. Beyond that, wouldn’t it be nice to get the road monkey off their backs, stop the yo-yo season, and build some momentum.
Coverage
This one kicks off at 12:30 p.m. as the national television game on NBCSportsNetwork. No game preceding the Dukes, so you won’t even have to “join in progress” like some places did last week. We’ve actually gone bona fide this week and worked with the actual JMU Alumni Association chapter (in our case the MetroDukes) on a viewing party. I’ll be coordinating the first-ever Falls Church gathering at Dogwood Tavern so stop by, say hi, and join us to root! (Note: weather permitting, we’re going to take over the new roof deck/terrace thing, so be prepared). MetroDukes are also continuing the great new viewing party at Penn Social for you younger, hipper folks downtown (younger and hipper covers everyone reading this in all likelihood relative to us). If you know of other locations, let us know in the comments.
Beer of the Week
After the desperation and excess of Homecoming last week, even though we want something that will stand up to a cold New Hampshire mid-November day, we’re going to bring this back to something sensible. Something with actual flavor, but still capable of sessioning for an early kickoff. You can never go wrong with Stone Pale Ale. Yes, Stone goes nuts with some of their more adventurous offerings, but this is a GREAT example of a traditional Pale that’s one step removed from the original Sierra.
Prediction
Dukes 31, Wildcats 21 – Repeat of last week, this time on the road, and we are rolling!
We’re a week into November which means it’s time for college basketball to start. Wait, what? That’s right, college basketball now begins prior to football even hitting the homestretch. Depending on your perspective, hat’s either another example of the over expansion of sports in general or a delicious treat. In any case, the season is here and both the JMU men and women get going tonight with games against UVA. The women, who are the favorites to win the CAA, play at home at 7:00. Head on over to the Convo if you’re in the ‘burg, listen to the Pep Band, and give Kenny Brooks and the ladies some support. They’re sure to be very good this year and have their sights set on returning to the Big Dance. read more…
JMU knocked off Villanova 31-21 last weekend and reader Amy came closest to predicting it. Thus she won the right to guest post, for the second time this season. Take it away Amy.
So winning the game score again has left me with trying to figure out what to say next to everyone on this blog. As a girl that never has played the game makes it hard to go into depth about football. I guess what I can tell you about is what I think about the few games I’ve been able to attend this season. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to see them all due to the fact that I’m a nurse that works night shift. So based on the few I’ve been to here are some thoughts.
The Good Things:
Seeing the players come together as a team after losing games is always exciting. Knowing that they lost the week before but for the next game they always move on and try their hardest. I think it’s great to support a team that can lose a game and still come out for the next one believing they will win. I also think it’s awesome when JMU gets those big penalties (like last week) and they still try to overcome them and use that added pressure to their advantage instead of letting it drag them down. I know not everyone is proud of Mickey’s behavior during the games but I like it. I know getting penalties put on his team because of his behavior may not be the best way to go about showing his passion for his team, but I do think that it shows how much heart the man has for his players. During this last game it proved to me that he really cares about his team and that he was upset with the bad calls they were getting. His behavior may not be what everyone wants to see, but at least he can show his emotion. I’d much rather notice the coach on the sideline then not even know where he is during the game. read more…
Former JMU Women’s Soccer player Karly Skladany and Chris Kirkpatrick tied the knot in Orlando over the weekend. Kirkpatrick is best known for being one of the guys in ‘N Sync who is not Justin Timberlake. Skladany was a standout soccer player for JMU from 2002 until 2005. She was tied for third leading goal scorer her senior year and was a member of the 2004 team the advanced to the NCAA tournament.
The ceremony took place in front of family and friends at the Loews Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Justin Timberlake, his wife Jessica Biel, and all the other guys who used to be in ‘N Sync, were all in attendance. The tabloids fail to mention who from JMU was there for some reason. Congrats to the happy couple. About the only thing that could make is happier is if Justin Rascati got hitched to one of Miley Cyrus’ back-up singers.
Playing better than ever – and that’s really saying something.
JMU played its most complete game of the season yesterday in a 31-21 Homecoming victory over Villanova. They deserve full credit for showing up big-time in what amounted to a playoff elimination game. Best of all, we’re thrilled to know that the season lives on and if the Dukes can finally find a way to win a road game this week, things could still get very exciting the last few weeks!
On a personal note, we’re a bit beat up from a rough old-guy weekend so excuse us if this is a little shorter post than such a wonderful game deserves.
The Good
In a delightful twist, this section is chock full of items while The Bad and The Ugly struggle (a bit). First and foremost, the resilience shown by this team was outstanding. On a macro level, the Dukes bounced back from a disheartening game in Williamsburg last week and proved definitively the players haven’t quit on any their larger goals yet. In this game itself, the team also did an outstanding job overcoming what could have been a number of huge setbacks. They overcame two redzone penalties to score td’s on both drives and also got around a dropped big play a couple of times by coming right back with first downs. Need to carry that focused belief with them up to Durham this week.
The D just did an exceptional job shutting down John Robertson and Nova’s vaunted running game. They harassed him all day, sacked him a ton, and of course turned in the game-sealing play on pressure-forced pick 6.
Stephon Robertson. Good doesn’t say nearly enough. They should just rename the CAA Player of the Week award for him. PLEASE try to enjoy watching 27 while we still have the chance no matter the team’s results the rest of the way. He truly has become a Dukes legend and is playing on an entirely different level.
A balanced attack. THIS was offense we saw against Richmond and it was a pleasure to watch at times. It’s also possible we all really underestimated just how good W&M’s defense really is given the 17-0 shutout they threw against UNH yesterday.
Harrisonburg – The Valley was in full show-off mode this weekend and we were all thankful for some glorious fall weather to go with the always stunning backdrops after some really crummy weather for many of the other home games this season.
Kenny and the Massanutten crew! – Thanks gents! Great treat for HC and we’ll try and hold back some good stuff to exchange for another game soon. Generally, great to meet, or hang out with again, so many readers and friends yesterday (Swag, superfan, Mike, Tremonkey, etc.). We never dreamed how much doing this project would deepen our own alumni experiences, but we’re humbled and thrilled every time we get to meet other passionate Dukes.
The Bad
Student section. Late arriving is a bit understandable at Homecoming, but the continued halftime exodus is shameful. We don’t usually weigh in on this because it’s almost unfair to those students who do stay, and care, but hopefully a little winning streak might help.
The FG on 4th and a foot at the ten late second quarter tied at 14. In hindsight it worked out, but I nearly had to be restrained. Again, what has happened to our swagger on these calls. Go. For. It.
The Ugly
Mickey’s meltdown. The refs let him get away with the first one before justifiably and understandably hitting him with an utterly indefensible and inexcusable 15 yard penalty. Doesn’t take a genius to connect the consistent similar penalties from players to the example they’re following. Nothing else to say about this.
Next
At New Hampshire at 12:30 Saturday. For those who had viewing issues where Comcast “joined in progress” this weekend, you can rest assured this one’s on the national NBCSN broadcast for all to see. We’re working on setting up a little Falls Church viewing party ourselves, details to come.
It’s Homecoming! This afternoon the Dukes will try to bounce back with a win over Villanova after a disappointing loss to William & Mary. Kickoff is set for 2:30. And it’s supposed to be beautiful, so stop reading, get in your car, and meet us at the game. We’re hitting the road momentarily. Consider this your open thread for all pre-game, in-game, and post-game chatter.
One more thing. Yes, we did read the Deadspin post by an anonymous former player from an unnamed school. And yes, it describes a football program that sounds a whole lot like the one we know and love. Two things to take away from this regardless of what school the guy is referring to. First, alleging that someone is a racist is a very serious matter. It’s the sort of thing that could ruin a man’s career and reputation, because it’s deplorable and inexcusable under any circumstances. Period. It’s serious enough that it’s not wise to jump to conclusions and judge someone based solely on anonymous and indirect allegations. And second (and on a much lighter note), stay for all 4 quarters people! And root fer Dukes!
