{"id":4389,"date":"2012-09-20T23:37:30","date_gmt":"2012-09-21T03:37:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=4389"},"modified":"2012-09-25T22:17:20","modified_gmt":"2012-09-26T02:17:20","slug":"jmu-rhode-island-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=4389","title":{"rendered":"JMU @ Rhode Island Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"

After three weeks of fun, but essentially nonsense, games, CAA play has arrived. \u00a0Sort of. \u00a0After a rough couple of weeks for the Dukes on the injury front, we can certainly welcome the near worst (cough, GSU, cough) the conference has to offer before next week’s bye. \u00a0That said, JMU has historically struggled mightily on long trips north to UNH, Maine, and URI, so let’s hope the players and coaches don’t overlook this game nearly as much as we do.<\/p>\n

The Basics<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rhode Island announced a couple of years ago that they were leaving the CAA for the limited-scholarship NEC and they’d been reducing scholarships over the last two seasons in preparation for the move. \u00a0Oddly, but fortunately for CAA football, URI changed their mind this summer and announced they’re staying after all (and coincidentally after the NBCSN deal came to fruition). \u00a0But to the dismay of the current team, if the first couple of games forthe Rams are any indication the announcement didn’t come nearly fast enough for\u00a0reinforcements\u00a0to arrive this season. \u00a0They have been absolutely manhandled by Villanova and Monmouth. \u00a0Yes, Monmouth. \u00a0URI only has nine starters back from last year, led by the linebackers Dave Zocco and Doug Johnson but they are overall very young, very inexperienced, and basically terrible on offense.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Beer of the Week<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Dukes are heading north and we’re heading even farther north for our very unique BOTW selection. \u00a0If you ever find yourself within 200 miles of Waterbury, Vermont, make what can only be called a pilgrimage to The Alchemist Cannery<\/a> for the only beer they make, Heady Topper Double IPA in 16 oz. cans. \u00a0The myth is real! \u00a0Really nothing else to say. \u00a0Just go. \u00a0Bring coolers and buy as much as you can stuff in them. \u00a0Throw some old Jerry Reed on the IPod and drive like the Bandit to make it home.<\/p>\n

Programming Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s been listed as a no-tv, no streaming game available only as Audio only on MadiZone at 1 p.m., but late this week it’s been rumored there may be some type of feed available after all and that will be reported on Friday. \u00a0If we hear anything, we’ll let you know. \u00a0In either case, you really should be following @CurtDudley for the VERY BEST JMU coverage anywhere.<\/p>\n

What to Expect<\/strong><\/p>\n

We hope not, but URI always finds a surprising solid game or two in the CAA, especially at home\u00a0(last year’s upset of Delaware is a great example and was as responsible for JMU’s playoff bid as any game all season). \u00a0Combine that with a bit of a FedEx hangover (though hopefully not nearly as bad as mine) and the missing personnel for JMU and this could be a bit of a sloppy game. \u00a0That said, if there’s a sniff of doubt in the fourth, it will be a disappointment for the Dukes.<\/p>\n