![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/jmusportsblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/turd.jpg\" "\\"turd\\"")
<\/a>Simply the worst game I can recall from JMU under the circumstances in many years. \u00a0There were some very ugly games last season and some real gag-jobs during the two 6-5 seasons, but there always seemed to be key injuries or odd weather or some other nonsense for Coach Matthews to excuse his way out of. \u00a0Yesterday was just a physical beating in all phases of the game. \u00a0The much-hyped (by us for sure) JMU rushing Defense gave up over 300 yards, many of them to a slippery, but not exactly Cam Newton, rFreshman QB and just as many after that same QB left with an injury. \u00a0The pillow-soft zone allowed for wide-open receivers underneath throughout the game.<\/p>\nOn offense JMU simply did what JMU does. \u00a0Define “insanity” by continuing to do the same stupid things expecting different results. \u00a0Yes, JT looks bad and his decision-making was suspect as always (how can you possibly take not one, but two safeties when you could have just thrown it up for grabs which appears to be what we do on half of our passing plays anyhow?), but it’s not even worth blaming the kid when the coaches took the ball out of his hands on every meaningful play prior to JMU already being down 17-0. \u00a0The Dukes had short-yardage opportunities on 3rd or 4th downs in 2 of their first 3 possessions and lined up in Wildcat. \u00a0Needless to say, DQ was stopped both times solely because Villanova’s Defensive Coordinator is apparently not the dumbest person on earth.\u00a0\u00a0And again, don’t kid yourself by forgetting the atrocity that was our defense.<\/p>\n
In general, JMU has a solid, healthy O-Line and a stable of RB’s. \u00a0Why the hell are we in shotgun on short-yardage plays?! \u00a0If JT’s finger, which the reporters who cover the team have consistently said remains “gnarly,” is such an issue that he can’t be under center and cannot consistently avoid throwing the ball ten yards into the stands on five-yard out patterns, then get him the hell out. \u00a0Everything about yesterday’s game is beyond frustrating and most likely signals a sad end to a season that looked so promising just a month ago.<\/p>\n
But the Dukes have something nearly no other bubble team does next week: Opportunity. \u00a0So let’s move on for a week. \u00a0Get blown out by ODU and we can gnosh on the future of the Matthews regime and whether a 6th year of eligibility for JT will set us back another two years. \u00a0There’s a ton of football to be played Saturday and JMU will have the national spotlight on them at home in Bridgeforth against a top five team. \u00a0JMU’s resume is not where it needs to be for an at-large, but us fans will likely know how things stand at kickoff and they’ll be on national tv for the selection committee to all check out. \u00a0Not to mention, if Towson can beat UNH earlier in the day, still a decent chance the Dukes will take the title and the automatic berth. \u00a0(Short version, if JMU and Towson win causing a four way tie with UR and VU, JMU probably wins. \u00a0If JMU and Towson win, but UR and\/or VU lose to WM and UD respectively, then that would also strongly enhance JMU’s at-large chances).<\/p>\n
In any case, this may be JMU’s last shot for a while at shutting up ODU even if the Dukes fall short of the playoffs and that’s enough reason for all of us to quit our bitching for a little while and get behind the boys. \u00a0Let’s Go Duuuukes!<\/p>\n