Well done Ladies! Told you we’d make you famous (or known to our 12 readers at least)
Ah, Tick Week, Spatter Chatter, RU! For some reason, it just doesn’t have the juice/dread we’re used to most years this time around. The excitement seems to be entirely among Dukes fans hoping to flood little Bridgeforth East with purple and do something that is rare in this rivalry – laugh and cheer a blowout.
The Basics
Matchup: #2 James Madison Dukes (3-1, 1-0 CAA) at Richmond Spiders (2-2, 0-1 CAA)
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. Saturday at Bridgeforth (East) Stadium, Richmond, VA
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 76 degrees
Coverage: NBCSW+, NBCSP+, NBCSC+, SNY (DTV Ch. 642 or nearby), and CBS Digital Online.
FEPO: JMU -27, O/U 54
About that line, JMU overconfidence(?), and this game.
Richmond got beatdown 36-10 at Stony Brook last week. And they lost their best player, WR Dejon Brissett, for the year. It’s certainly possible that RU is headed for a down year in a rugged CAA. But Stony Brook is good. Their other loss was to UVa. The Ticks have beaten Fordham and St. Francis. St. Francis is underrated and tough. In other words, we’re just saying we aren’t sure if the small sample size of RU’s schedule can really tell us much about them in Week 5. Last year a loaded Dukes team only won 20-13 on a last-minute TD. The year before, the eventual national champs went to the 804 and had to sneak out with a 47-43 win in a thrilling offensive fireworks show on a late TD to former TE Jonathan Kloosterman. In other words, records aside, point spreads aside, fan expectations aside, there is little reason to feel all that cocky about any kind of a laugher.
On the other hand, when our guy Satchmo, the Spatter-legend himself, is picking the Dukes, it really just makes us sad.
How RU Can Win?
They need to make it an ugly game like last season. With Kyle Lauletta on the New York Giants and Brissett’s injury last week, this Spatter team is extremely unlikely to hang in a shootout like the 2016 game down there. JMU’s firepower and depth will eventually overwhelm them. Plus their OC is former Mickey-era JMU OC Jeff Durden, so offensive creativity is often “suboptimal.” But if they can muck it up and stop JMU from running the ball consistently, control time of possession, and channel the raucous atmosphere that these games in Richmond tend to be, don’t for one second think something strange can’t happen. Unfortunately, junior DB Daniel Jones is their leading tackler right now and that doesn’t necessarily say anything good about stopping the run. But if junior D-Lineman Maurice Jackson can keep up the reign of terror he’s wrought in opponents backfields this season with a bunch of sacks and tackles for loss, that would go a long way towards keeping the Dukes in check. Also, RU needs to be clean on specials. If they want to win, something like last year’s 20-13 slug-fest is probably necessary and giving up a huge return or botching opportunities in the kicking game are big no-no’s for a scoreline like that.
How JMU Can Win?
Establish the run and stop the run. Every coach says it, and sometimes it’s not exactly the case, but here it certainly is. Last year, JMU held RU to 13 points largely by absolutely wrecking their running game and limiting them to just over a yard per rush. If the D can repeat that type of performance, holding RU from lighting up the scoreboard seems likely, especially with Lauletta gone and Brissett out. But in order to justify the high expectations for the Dukes in this game, the offense also needs to establish the run. We’re basically a broken record from last year to this season about this, but when the Dukes find their groove in the running game, they eat people’s souls. When they are unable to do so consistently, they end up in tight games with scoreline like 20-13 (’17 UR), 13-17 (NDSU), and 13-24 (NCSU) scoreline. Feed Cardon and Marcus.
Beer of the Week
The Veil’s Feel Feelings. A crisp Helles lager to remind you that someday, fall weather will actually arrive in the mid-Atlantic. And yes, The Veil’s hipster-insanity hype machine is out of control. But really, if you’re going to Richmond and you miss this brewery, you really are missing out. They have a bunch of killer higher ABV DIPA’s and TIPA’s on tap most of the time, but if you’re wearing purple out off River Rd. on Saturday, you really should keep your wits about you and stay out of any trouble beyond streamer issues.
Official JMUSB Prediction
All our warnings and respectful talk and don’t-get-ahead-of-ourselves-in-a-rivalry stuff is really just nonsense. The Dukes are better. Maybe not 27 points better, but markedly. JMU 35, RU 13.
Deacon Danny won last week’s prediction contest by coming closest to the 51-0 final score in JMU’s big win over William & Mary. Here he makes the case for JMU being the best team in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Enjoy!
JMU is in a golden and truly blessed era of football! For the time being, gone are the days where we begin each year hoping for an opportunity to make the playoffs and possibly win a game or two. Now JMU, rightly, has much more lofty expectations. For each of the past three seasons, JMU has become a mainstay in the discussion of national championship contender at the FCS level. For most of us, there is the expectation that JMU will still be playing football in January. Go Dukes! read more…
After a dominating 51 point win over one Virginia rival, the Dukes are back at it against another one. JMU rolls into it’s home away from home, Bridgeforth East, this weekend to play the Ticks. Richmond hasn’t gotten off to a great start, but surely will be ready to go on Saturday. No matter what the records, this is one that we circle on the schedule every year. So let us know who you think will win in the comments below. The person who comes closest to nailing it (winner & score), will get to write a guest post. Dukes vs. Ticks. Who you got?
We did it again. We recorded another podcast. In this episode we talk about the big win over William & Mary and the talent gap between the two teams right now. Then we chat about expectations for the program, before wrapping things up with an OT discussion about some of our favorite electives from back in the day.
Once again, the JMUSB Podcast is brought to you by Pale Fire Brewing. Let them know we sent you next time you’re at the tasting room and they’ll give you a free pint glass.
Be sure to subscribe to the JMUSB Pod via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Huh. That was kind of lopsided. We expected JMU to win comfortably. But we’re not sure anyone saw that 51 point beatdown over the Tribe from William & Mary. With legendary Tribe head coach Jimmye Laycock retiring, we thought there was a chance William & Mary would elevate its game to at least make it respectable. We underestimated exactly how big the gap in speed, size, strength, talent, and overall football abilities were between the two teams on the field yesterday. JMU was so much better in every aspect of the game. It really wasn’t a fair fight. The Dukes are so far superior to the Tribe that the post game story seems to be all about how the final margin could have, and frankly should have, been much great. Yes, that’s the state we are in. JMU beat an in-state rival by 51 points and on some level, fans are think they underachieved. Spoiled. JMU handed a coach with 39 years of experience, the single worst loss of his career. Anyway, here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly from JMU’s big win.
The Good
Defensive Line – Wow. Yes, they had a serious talent advantage compared to the guys lining up across from them. But man did they exploit it. Pure and utter domination. The boys in white were just tossing their opponents aside and either bottling up the ball carrier, or putting QB Shon Mitchell on his heels (or back) all day. At least until Laycock pulled Mitchell for his own safety and morale. The Tribe had no answer for the Dukes rushing D or pass rush. None at all. They had only 2 passing first downs and 3 rushing first downs. Their most effective offensive play of the day was a fake punt. And that’s largely due to JMU’s defensive line. read more…
And just like that, CAA play is here. After an odd start to the season from a scheduling and weather perspective, the real campaign finally gets under way this week as JMU welcomes one of their few remaining rivals to town.
The Basics
Matchup: William & Mary Tribe (1-1, 0-0 CAA) at #2 JMU (2-1, 0-0 CAA)
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Bridgeforth Stadium, Rocktown
Weather: Mostly Cloudy, 74 degrees, 20% chance of rain, humid.
Coverage: NBC Sports Washington (DTV Ch. 642) and MadiZone HD.
FEPO: JMU -29.5, O/U 47.5
How William & Mary Can Win?
Take advantage of a potentially overconfident Dukes team and cash in every single opportunity and break they get. The Tribe may need to win the turnover battle to win, but they definitely need to cash in every chance they get to score. If they don’t control the clock, the ball, and the tempo, eventually JMU’s talent will likely overwhelm them, but the longer they can stay ahead, the tighter a young Dukes team may get. No turnovers, no settling for Field Goals. Or you can read this more in-depth, and certainly more optimistic look, from our friends over at the William & Mary Sports Blog– and go easy, we love these guys and there were plenty of years we had to talk ourselves into picks like this. Plus they have such a darned good-looking site.
How JMU Can Win
Play within themselves, shut down the run, and limit mistakes. JMU is more talented this year. By a lot. They’re faster, stronger, and most of all deeper. And the margin in those categories is close to as wide as its been in JMU’s favor at any point in this longstanding series with our friends down the road. But JMU cannot get full of themselves thinking this is a walk in the park. This rivalry has seen everything and the Griffins have enough skill position players to make plays if the Dukes take them for granted. Maybe most importantly, JMU cannot get overhyped looking for highlight-reel plays in what I’m sure the kids will feel is their first competitive game in three weeks. Take what’s available, don’t make mistakes trying to do too much, and let the “slow blowout” come if that’s what’s needed. Also, Throw. The. Ball. To. Riley!
Saying Good Bye to a Legend
This week will be the last JMU/W&M game for 39-year Tribe Head Coach Jimmye Laycock. 39 years. Wow. To say he’s seen a lot, or to say he’s had a huge impact on the Tribe and Williamsburg communities, would be to grossly understate the career of this CAA legend. When he retires at season’s end, it’s safe to say that the light will be extinguished on the last candle burning for the old-school, Virginia-centric CAA we all knew and loved. Congrats Coach Laycock! Now explain the silent “e.”
Beer of the Week (Today’s pathetic humblebrag)
Been saving this one since an incredible summer trip to the islands. When you’re fortunate enough to travel down in the little latitudes, you really can’t complain about anything. Basically, if you ever get to take a trip like that, you must remember you’re on island time, relax, and check your privilege when it comes to the type of nitpicking blogs like this are normally designed for middle-aged guys to do. But honestly, like everything else down there, the beer scene has basically been stuck in a post-colonial malaise forever. For a few decades, “local” has meant Presidente (solid), Red Stripe (less solid), Carib (not good), and Corona (worse). And of course Heinekens follow the sailing crowd everywhere on the globe more obnoxiously than intentionally distressed clothing. But we’re really glad to report that St. Croix now has its very own brewery, and it’s not the crap local brewery that’s popped up so many places just to pop the cruise-line sheep (we’re looking at you VI Brewing on St. Thomas).
But Leatherback Brewing Co.’s Reef Life IPA is legit (even their Mango IPA is really good and I’m usually anti-fruit). And it was great to see how proud everyone in the service industry was to have a really solid local product on hand, even if most places couldn’t have it on the “front taps” surely thanks to corporate deals signed in different eras.
Official JMUSB Prediction
Dukes 45, Tribe 10
Chris won last week’s prediction contest. As you can read below, it’s his second time winning. Hopefully the Dukes have better luck in their follow up game this time.
It has been a while. The last time I won this prediction contest was in 2014, when I predicated a blowout against Elon. Then, we lost in the cold wind and rain to Liberty the following week, dropping us unceremoniously out of the playoffs, in the first round. So, yeah that pretty much sucked and if we lose to the nerds this weekend, I promise that I will never write one of these again.
Anywho… so yeah, a lot has changed since then, mostly for the better (as far as our beloved football Dukes are concerned). We won a national title, and came within a touchdown of winning another. We have one of the best, if not the best head coach at this level. We have a good brand. We got a lot going for us which garners national attention.
For the most part, the spotlight is a good thing. We got two, count ‘em TWO College Gameday visits, something that I would never have thought possible. JMU stepped up with an awesome crowd, and plenty of enthusiasm. On the flip side, if you had read the Gameday twitter, or their Facebook page comments, you’d know that people come out of the woodwork to poop all over our school. “That’s a pretty nice COMMUNITY COLLEGE,” some jerk said, and there were plenty more, even less flattering than that.
The Ticks are always going to hate us and us them, and that’s all good because we’re rivals and that’s ok. But now, we have to deal with the entire Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). The MVFC is like the CAA, they are a strong conference year in and year out. They have this weird incestuous thing going on though, and it’s difficult to describe.
Essentially: North Dakota State has been the standard bearer in FCS football for the past 5 of the past 7 years. The Dukes have challenged them. The REST of the MVFC aren’t having it. They are none too pleased. They have this mentality that if their team is a #5 or #6 team, that’s okay, because the MVFC is the toughest conference, and if JMU were in their conference, JMU would have a .500 record because they’re so awesome. A threat to one is a threat to all in the MVFC, they’re like the king of football conferences; except they’re all pasty and bloated.
Oh well, F them. Anyway, I could ramble on forever about the Sagarin ratings and what a total crock that is, but I’ll end on a positive note. I like our chances this season; I’d like to see us go with a deep pass a few more times, but other than that, no complaints this year. GO DUKES! BEAT EVERYONE!
The Pantsless Griffins are headed to the ‘burg to face our 2-1 Dukes on Saturday. The game will be the first CAA contest of 2018 for JMU. We’ll have our preview up later this week, but it’s time for your predictions. Leave a comment below letting us know which team you think will win and what the final score will be. The person who comes closest to nailing it (winner & score) will win the right to guest post. That’s it. So let us know who you think is gonna win and Go Dukes!
The latest episode of the JMUSB Podcast is now available for your listening pleasure. We had the good fortune to have an entire 4 quarters of football to discuss, so we walk through our Four Downs on the big 73-7 win over Robert Morris. We also take a look ahead to this weekend’s game against William & Mary and then the rest of the CAA schedule beyond that. And we wrap it up with a chat about old school video games. Give it a listen on your commute.
Once again, the JMUSB Podcast is brought to you by Pale Fire Brewing. Let them know we sent you next time you’re at the tasting room and they’ll give you a free pint glass.
Be sure to subscribe to the JMUSB Pod via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
I’d like to think that when medieval people used to go watch executions, even though they knew what the outcome was going to be in advance, for at least some of them with an ounce of empathy, the experience itself wasn’t necessarily all that pleasurable to watch. That’s sort of how it felt watching the Dukes destroy the Robert Morris Colonials. With apologies to, we’re not sure there was another player on the entire RMU team that was athletically in the same zip code.
The Good
Jimmy ‘effin Moreland – Jumping a WR quick-screen for a pick-6 is, of course, the most Jimmy way to break a JMU career record imaginable. We just feel so fortunate that one of our all-time favorite players has gotten to play in this glorious era of JMU football and that we have hopefully 12 more games to enjoy his talents and, more importantly, the joy with which he plays the game.
JMU Nation – Look, we could write a list a mile long of players who did cool things last night, including a bunch of new names, but really when you beat a massively inferior opponent by 67 points particular plays are not all that noteworthy. But when your fanbase makes a decent showing, and your students make a fantastic showing, for a game that was switched to a weeknight kickoff three days before, you take note. We couldn’t help but smile that last night turned out to be a fairly gorgeous night in the Valley and the crowd looked easily as good as we’ve seen for bad weather or early-round playoff games in years past. We’re growing people, enjoy the ride!
The JMU Lacrosse feature at halftime – Superb. Meaningful (might’ve been a little dusty here at JMUSB HQ). And like the team, uncompromising. There was not cute antics or b.s., just a bunch of badass women wrecking things and kicking in the door of what had been a very closed house of champions in that sport. What a fun production from JMU that we couldn’t help but think must’ve played well to recruits and younger players from the lax-mad DMV that might’ve casually been tuned into the game on a relatively slow sports night. For that matter, the MadiZone production overall is so darned good. Adding in some other pros or semi-pros alongside the legend Curt Dudley is also taking this to another level. As always, HUGE thanks to the JMU Alumni Association for keeping this freely available to fans everywhere!
The Bad
Continued lack of a deep passing game – It’s just RMU, but the first true deep ball of the season from DiNucci “towards” Eldridge was underthrown and underwhelming in terms of instilling confidence the Dukes are going to find this element going forward. Next week will be a big test when the Dukes get back to playing a somewhat competitive opponent.
Papa John’s commercial still featuring Papa John – We’re not hating on Papa John’s (it’s garbage pie). And we’re not getting into politics or the Kentucky legislature or wild claims from Rick Pitino (we’ll save that for JMU’s game at Louisville in a couple years!), but this guy resigned in disgrace a couple months back and you’d think we could dig up a commercial without his strung-out face in it.
The Ugly
Not much to say here than that it is an ugly truth that we as fans need to start facing, and the scheduling gurus at JMU need to start addressing, that we still have more of these awful games agains hugely inferior competition to come. In the Mickey days where 5-3 in CAA play and a conceded loss to an FBS team was the norm, JMU needed to pad the schedule with MEAC/NEC opponents to put it in the best position for a playoff bid. But these days, and we don’t say this arrogantly or to be jerks, the simple fact is that most FCS teams from any conference almost fall into cupcake status for the Dukes and these games are not helping anyone. RMU looked beaten and miserable, only Coach and the film will know if JMU actually got better last night which should be the goal of these games, and normal fans probably snoozed through the second half. We’ve been big defenders of JMU’s scheduling in the past, even some questionable road game contracts, but it’s time to switch out one of these scrimmages for at least a SoCon opponent.
