Well boys and girls, we’re legitimately close enough that we can talk in terms of hours until the JMU Dukes officially start the season. That means JMUSB owes you a preview. We’re also trying something a little different. I’m writing half of it and then handing it off to Todd for him to carry home as he sees fit. Enjoy it everyone!
It’s Not Rebuilding, It’s Transitioning
Get up Ronnell Brown! JMU needs lots of plays that lead to this!
The Dukes had a team for the ages in 2008, but they decided to cough up the ball at the most inopportune time and crashed out in the semi-finals. The one high point from that season ending loss was the play of back-up QB Drew Dudzik, who came on in relief of an injured Rodney Landers. Everyone thought he’d be “the guy” in 2009, but that’s not how it played out. It was more like a QB controversy, settled by Drew’s injury, which lead to despair, before the Dukes closed the season strong to finish 6-5. (Ed. Note – We still have no idea what the controversy was. We love Mickey, but seriously? You really thought Justin was better? Seriously?) Lost in all that, was the fact that Justin Thorpe actually played well for a first year QB and won CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year. Still though, 2009 felt more like a pause, than an actual season. So, here we are. The 2010 team is not rebuilding per se, but we still don’t know what to expect. Lots of new faces being led by the QB most fans thought should have been the clear #1 last season. Plus the team is playing it’s home games in the nicest half-stadium I’ve ever seen, since construction is half-way done on the new Bridgeforth. So yeah, it’s a team in transition.
What We’re Most Excited About
Where do we begin? Is it the giant leap forward JMU is taking with facilities and the new half-stadium? Is it Dudzik being given the reigns? Is it the chance to see a seriously dangerous WR core? Having a team store in-stadium for halftime karma changes and terrible impulse buys? Is it simply the chance to get back to the ‘burg and tailgate? I’m not sure. There is a lot to be excited about with the JMU program. The banged up offensive-line is not one of those things.
What We’re Most Concerned About
O-Line Health – The boys up front simply got to protect Drew if MM stands any chance of actually delivering on his annual promise to throw more.
Thorpe’s psyche – Dukes are gonna need him at some point. Should get a chance to see how he’s handling things in each of the first two games.
Pressure on the QB – On defense, the Dukes have a ton of talent returning in the back seven but they’re going to need big things from Ronnell Brown and DJ Bryant up front. Both of them have shown flashes, but in FCS pressure is everything and it will be tough to replace the Moats/Daniels combo.
Fan Apathy: Last year was really the first year that developed a negative vibe for a while since ’04, economy’s in the crapper, and everyone knows next year is the big Bridgeforth year. A respectable performance at VT followed by big home wins over Liberty and Delaware early would go a long way towards avoiding the mid-season duldrums from ’09.
JMUSB Question of the Year: Can the Dukes stay alive in the playoff race long enough to force Rob and I to further discuss our plan to make the roadie to Maine the week before Thanksgiving?
Official JMUSB 2010 Prediction: Keeping in mind that we have far less ability to even reasonably guess this one than any of our previous CAA prognostications, we’re going with an optimistic 8-3. Optimistic because we came down somewhere around 7 or 8 wins and of course we’re taking the better of those options. After the first two weeks, every game “could” go either way, but we’re thinking Dudzik and Brown take over the program leadership roles and keep this team in the hunt all year. Plus we both think Delaware and UNH are overrated. Fourth in the CAA gets in with 20 teams in the playoffs, fifth will be reallllly tough, so that will be the question all year.
Five days to go!! One more time, five days to go! Hard to believe, but on tonight’s grocery run, I realized I could realistically peruse the beer section with tailgating in the ‘Burg in mind. Speaking of which, we’re working a 2010 Tailgating special, the JMU extravaganza preview, and then we’ll have our first actual pregame post for Morehead St. to finish the week so check back often.
What to do w/out Armanti?!
But one thing we wanted to do was take a quick look at arguably the two biggest powerhouses in FCS (certainly over the last decade), Appalachian St. and Montana. I also tend to think these two programs bear quite a resemblance to our own beloved Dukes despite the fact that sort of makes me puke in my mouth a little.
Alas, since we don’t actually play either of them in the regular season, and because other’s have done the work already, in the end I’m just providing links to some great previews of both teams.
App. St. Preview from Bleacher Report here. Montana preview from The Missoulian.
As to our feelings on the two programs, they could not be more disparate. In spite of the remaining sting of the ’08 semi loss at Bridgeforth (where Rodney was injured and Drew proved why we have so much to be excited about this year) and the highway robbery in the ’06 Mascot Challenge, I definitely respect, if not admire, the Grizzlies program. They’ve built great tradition in Missoula, consistently pack one of the largest and most intimidiating home fields in the nation, and have great fans. Nearly all of my experiences at the ’04 title game and the ’08 semi were pleasant, good-natured, and felt like a meeting of my tribe. A tribe that understands the great things about 1-AA, loves their team, has high hopes for their program’s futures, but generally remains cognizant of the fact this ain’t Eagles/Giants.
On the other hand, (cr)App. St. brings nothing but bile to the back of my throat and that’s all I have to say about that. The fact the Mountaineers are in reality one of the closest things to a mirror image of the Dukes (sizable state school with big dreams and a bit of an inferiority complex) and certainly more comparable than some of our in-state snotty rivals only irritates me more.
JMUSB 2010 Montana prediction: 9-2, Still a #1 seed. As usual, UM’s schedule is mostly western creampuffs and contains no FBS opponent (who in the west would want to play them?). Therefore, even the loss of Head Coach Bobby Hauck and all-everything Mariani shouldn’t kill them too much, but we’re guessing the have a snag along the way and finally drop a rivalry game with the Montana St. Bobcasts to limp into the postseason. That said, the committee hearts them big-time and Montana’s committed fanbase would make a good showing in the first FCS Title Game in Frisco, Texas, so we’re guessing that slide into top seed anyway.
JMUSB 2010 Appalachian St. prediction: 9-2, seeded in playoffs. It really is difficult to see the Mountaineers losing ANY of their first NINE games. The SoCon is a joke right now for them and they’ll be riding high throughout the season, probably cruising for a #1 ranking at some point as the CAA big boys beat each other up, but they will not have been tested at all before they play Wofford to wrap up their conference schedule. The Terriers are always tough and we’re guessing a combination of arrogance and looking ahead to their finale trips them up. As to that finale, can’t say they don’t play anyone because they go The Swamp Nov. 20th to play the Gators, yes, the real Florida Gators. Like we said, 9-2.
Season Tix arrived so it’s really that time! 8 days and counting till Opening Day at 1/2 Bridgeforth!
Amazingly, as you’ll notice in the upper right hand corner, we’re up and running on both Facebook and Twitter. Become a fan or follow us with our irregular tweets. Should be pretty sweet that we’ll be able to upload on-site if you’re interested.
And now we’re even getting linked by opposing teams’ blogs for the upcoming season: http://www.gobblercountry.com/2010/8/26/1652510/around-the-acc-is-this-north (thanks guys even if Rob is now Ron)
Scotty McGee makes the paper in Florida, sort of:
Too bad this was the scramble for his fumble
Caussin’s going with a Cooleyesque #47 right now but it has to be cool when you’re listed in a fantasy draft: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/24473/news;_ylt=ApLJPq0C8O1IQd_FDAQb37j.uLYF
Arthur Moats still getting ink in upstate NY: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100824/SPORTS03/8240310?utm_source=web&utm_medium=twitter
Akeem Jordan makes the grade from harsh Iggles Inquirer Blog: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/moving_the_chains/Man_Up_Allen_Sims_and_Graham.html
Very cool post about Dorian Brooks on SteelersDepot: http://www.steelersdepot.com/2010/08/who-the-hell-is-dorian-brooks-and-why-you-should-care/
We’re going to be posting fast and furious for the next week leading up to our first game preview of Morehead St. so follow on all week. Goals include ASU, Montana, and ODU previews in addition to a tailgating beer-of-the-season challenge.
My 2010 JMU Football Season Tickets came in the mail this week. For those of you who are not season ticket holders yourself (yet), I’ve got to tell you, JMU does a pretty good job packaging them. You can’t tell in the picture, but the book they come includes pictures, gameday info, sponsor info, etc. Mine even came with the unexpected surprise of passes for the hospitality tents at home games, because I’m kind of a big deal. And then to follow that up, I got a special email the very next day from JMU informing me that the printer made a mistake and those very same hospitality passes would be voided.
This is only my second year as a season ticket holder, but already I’m hooked. I even have settled into a little routine or ritual for the day they arrive. I open the Fed Ex envelope, remove the ticket book, place it on a table, and then immediately start exchanging geeky text messages with Todd, before opening it and scanning each page. If you’ve ever seen the movie Fever Pitch, it’s a lot like that scene where Jimmy Fallon and his friends slowly study his Red Sox season tickets. Except in my case, I’m not defiling a classic Nick Hornby book with my actions.
Talk about a good omen. Women’s Soccer got the 2010-2011 team sports year in the Valley off on the right foot with a 2-1 victory over Richmond this Saturday! Full story from JMU Sports here. Highlights included first-half goals from Seniors Teresa Rynier and Corinna Strickland, plus four saves from redshirt Senior Wszalek. Here’s hoping all the Dukes’ programs can follow the ladies lead and stomp the Ticks all year.
Year of the Tick-beatdown commences!
On the men’s side, the Dukes were picked 6th in the CAA, but apparently we have the Xavi Hernandez of the league. JMU Senior Midfielder CJ Sapong, a three-time 1st team All-CAA selection, has been chosen as the preseason player of the year in the conference. He’s also on the watchlist for the Hermann Award, soccer’s version of the Heisman. Full story from JMU Sports here.
Last but certainly not least here at JMUSB, Field Hockey opens their season with homes dates this Friday and Sunday against Rutgers and Kent St. Apparently the other coach’s picked the women to finish third, but we’re betting Coach Lucas will have them primed for a run to College Park this fall! If you’re heading down for the opener at new Bridgeforth, FH also plays a home game that day at noon if you want to do a JMU Sports double.
Good luck to all Fall Sports!
I made the trip back to the ‘burg on Saturday for “Meet the Dukes Day”. It was a fun day and I was happy to get my first look at the Bridgeforth improvements and the 2010 Dukes. Here are some quick observations in no particular order.
Bridgeforth Stadium Looks Great
It’s clear that the stadium is simply done with phase one, there are steel girders and construction materials all over the place. However, it’s much improved from last season already and is clearly going to be amazing when the full upgrade is completed. Upon entering the stadium you immediately walk up 2 flights of stairs to the concourse lined with concessions and restrooms. There is even a team store to load up on JMU gear. The seating is better also and the extension of seating to close the gap in the corner of the endzone is great. In short, it’s already much more of a “real” stadium experience than the old Bridgeforth.
The Dukes Have Weapons
I didn’t get to see as much of the scrimmage as I would have liked, because my 2 year old decided pretty soon after we arrived that it was time to go find Duke Dog. I was encouraged by what I saw though. The offense seems to have some playmakers. Scott Noble broke 2 big runs in a span of about 5 plays and lots of plays seemed designed to get guys in position to make big plays. Finally, I don’t want to hype a guy too much after watching him one day, but Dae’Quan Scott looks legit. Some guys get the ball and you can just tell that they’ve got a burst and ability to see holes that other guys don’t. Scott appears to be one of those guys.
Uncle Kracker is Playing the Shenandoah County Fair
Obviously this has nothing to do with the Dukes, but I saw the sign advertising it on my drive down. Not sure if that’s worse for the people of Shenandoah County or for Uncle Kracker. Not good all around though.
Pretty Impressive Fan Support
I blog about the Dukes, so the fact that I wanted to attend the event should be taken in context. I really thought it was a great though and had a blast attending with the wife and kids. Hundreds of other people were there though and all seemed to be thrilled to be there. Consistent sell-outs at Bridgeforth have obviously been great for the Dukes. Drawing crowds to watch the team practice though starts to take things to a whole different level.
Caussin hauls in a TD against Maryland last season.
It’s real nice, especially on the tough days. There’s a familiar face, someone one you have shared so many memories with together. Someone you have shed blood sweat and tears with. That really helps.
Do you talk to your JMU coaches at all right now?
I talk to them whenever I get a free chance especially Josh Haymore (TE coach) Jim Durning (Strength Coach) Urich Edmonds (RB coach). They are very supportive. They are fans now. They want Scotty and I to do well.
How did Mickey Matthews and JMU prepare you for NFL training camp?
The intensity of JMU camp/practice, the mindset of being a Duke. It took a lot to be a Duke. They expect a lot of you. JMU did a great job preparing me by how demanding they made everything.
What has been toughest thing about training camp so far?
The mental aspects. The practices are faster and harder. The new system, new terminology, having to run plays you aren’t familiar with and not comfortable with while being expected to run it perfectly.
Biggest guy you’ve had to block so far?
Favorite memory of JMU?
The App State game. It was unlike I have ever been a part of. The energy before, during, and after the game was unreal.
How excited are you to go back and see the new Bridgeforth?
Excited! I went back to a wedding in Waynesboro a few weeks a go and drove by it. I saw it. It was so nostaglic. I’m so envious of the guys who get to play in it.
Drew or Justin?
Drew! I got in trouble saying it last year but I’ll say it again and have no problem saying it.
Rumor has it Mickey said that JMU is going to pass more this year. Do you believe it?
He says that every year but I can see it with Drew being in his senior year. I think they are going to do whatever it takes to win. I can see them passing more.
How tough was it working with a 2 QB system last season?
It was hard every day. It was frustrating especially with it being my senior season. To have the inconsistency with such an important variable made it very difficult. In the end an injury solved the issue.
Have a prediction for the 2010 Dukes?
I think they are going to be amazing. Having DD back and healthy, just hearing from the players what is going on, and knowing what kind of talent is coming back. We were a young team last year but had a lot of talent. This year they are only going to be better. I expect them to be a contender for the CAA title.
Wow. This is the second week in a row we’ve actually had the Old Guys Leave weekly links. Someone get us a medal. While we wait for that, take a look at the week that was in JMU sports on the web.
Phase 1 of the Bridgeforth Stadium ppgrade, aka the “Half Stadium”, is finally complete and ready for the 2010 season!
Football players and coaches are motivated to improve on last year’s 6-5 record. I love hearing things like “I’m a senior. This my team” from Drew Dudzik.
Senior JMU soccer player, CJ Sapong was chosen as the CAA preseason player of the year. Sapong is a three time all CAA selection and has been named to the watch list for the Hermann Trophy (think Heisman for college soccer).
The JMU administration announces plans to crack down on alcohol. Thank you rioters. It’s interesting that university officials are working on a campaign highlighting the “safe and responsible use of social media.” Sounds like they’re going to need a social media strategy.
Mickey and Drew Dudzik talk about Dae’Quan Scott and his big play ability. It’s looking like the Dukes might be developing a stable of weapons at wideout. Good.
Some movement on the line and Roane Babington will be the Dukes center in 2010. It’s good to hear that Mickey and the coaches have so much confidence in the kid. Especially since Brandon Monroe broke his ankle and is out for at least 6 weeks. Not good.
Brothers Anthony, Jon, and Peter Rose will all suit up for the Dukes this season. I like this family recruiting strategy. Does anyone know if Rodney Landers has a little brother?
The JMU women’s soccer team was picked to finish on top in what looks to be a highly competitive CAA title race.
The CAA published it’s 2010-2011 Basketball Preview. Check it out, and pay attention to last year’s stat leaders which show that Denzel Bowles led the conference in scoring, rebounding, and FG percentage. For that he was voted to the all conference SECOND team. Does not compute.
The Sports Network released its official 2010 FCS Football Preseason Poll and the JMU Dukes find themselves at number 15. I don’t want to make too much of this, because the polls really don’t concern me. Especially preseason polls. Obviously, it’s where you finish, blah, blah, blah. In all seriousness though, I’m really more focused on how JMU matches up against the rest of the CAA. If history is any indicator, teams that can compete with the CAA elites and finish near the top of the league, go to the playoffs. Plain and simple.
There is a reason why folks call the CAA the “SEC of the FCS.” A CAA team has played in the championship game in each of the last 4 years and in 6 of the last 7. With a track record like that, maybe the SEC should be known as the “CAA of the BCS.” You’ve basically been able to count on CAA teams being in the running for the National Championship year in and year out.
This doesn’t appear to be the year that is going to break the mold. At least according to the voters that is. In addition to the Dukes landing at #15 in the poll, there are 5 other CAA teams ranked. Defending CAA and FCS champ, Villanova topped the poll. I wish I could argue with that, but I can’t. William & Mary is #4, Richmond #6, New Hampshire #10, and Delaware #16. I can argue with several of those, but I’ll save that for another day. Although I should point out that we’re 17 days from W&M’s opener and Laycock still hasn’t settled on a QB. I’m just saying.
Jackson tackling Nova's Chris Whitney.
We finished our 9th team preview in our 2010 CAA Football Preview series last week. We’ll still probably tackle ODU and Georgia State, who aren’t full fledged CAA members, but will be in the coming season. That means we’re down to the Dukes for the 2010 CAA teams. Todd and I haven’t really figured out how we’re going to tackle it, so in the meantime I thought I’d profile one of my personal favorite Dukes, Jakarie Jackson.
Jackson is a 5’11”, 185 pound free safety. He’s a sophomore who played on last year’s team as a true freshman. For any of you who don’t pay attention to these sorts of things, trust me when I tell you that is highly unusual. The overwhelming majority of JMU players redshirt. Transitioning from high school to college football is really tough for most players, so the coaches give them a year to adjust. Jackson was thrown on the field immediately however and from day one he showed that he belonged.
Mickey Matthews was quoted in the Richmond Times Dispatch last week saying that Jakarie “is a star in the making.” I couldn’t agree more. Any Dukes fan who actually sat through the train-wreck of a football game against William & Mary last year, probably walked away thinking three things. 1.) What the %@#! is up with the offense? 2.) Arthur Moats > Adrian Tracy and 3.) Jakarie Jackson is going to be a stud. For those of you who erased that game from your memories, it was awful. The Dukes’ D was on the field the whole game. Jackson played great though and had 10 total tackles, including 8 solo.
Jakarie finished the year with 41 tackles and 3 interceptions. He’s not the biggest guy on the field, but he is an amazing athlete. Check out these highlights from his high school days. The kid is just sick. He played QB, receiver, and safety and was honored as the 2008 Baltimore Touchdown Club MVP and Offensive Player of the Year prior to becoming a Duke. We already saw what he could do when he focused on just playing defense in year one. There’s no telling how good he’s going to be over the next three seasons.
