{"id":6170,"date":"2013-11-03T22:47:07","date_gmt":"2013-11-04T03:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=6170"},"modified":"2013-11-03T22:47:07","modified_gmt":"2013-11-04T03:47:07","slug":"dukes-put-it-all-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=6170","title":{"rendered":"Dukes Put It All Together!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Playing<\/a>

Playing better than ever – and that’s really saying something.<\/p><\/div>\n

JMU played its most complete game of the season yesterday in a 31-21 Homecoming victory over Villanova. \u00a0They deserve full credit for showing up big-time in what amounted to a playoff elimination game. \u00a0Best 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!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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

In a delightful twist, this section is chock full of items while The Bad and The Ugly struggle (a bit). \u00a0First and foremost, the resilience shown by this team was outstanding. \u00a0On 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. \u00a0In this game itself, the team also did an outstanding job overcoming what could have been a number of huge setbacks. \u00a0They 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. \u00a0Need to carry that focused belief with them up to Durham this week.<\/p>\n

The D just did an exceptional job shutting down John Robertson and Nova’s vaunted running game. \u00a0They harassed him all day, sacked him a ton, and of course turned in the game-sealing play on pressure-forced pick 6.<\/p>\n

Stephon Robertson. \u00a0Good doesn’t say nearly enough. \u00a0They should just rename the CAA Player of the Week award for him. \u00a0PLEASE 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.<\/p>\n

A balanced attack. THIS was offense we saw against Richmond and it was a pleasure to watch at times. \u00a0It’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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Kenny and the Massanutten crew! – Thanks gents! \u00a0Great treat for HC and we’ll try and hold back some good stuff to exchange for another game soon. \u00a0Generally, great to meet, or hang out with again, so many readers and friends yesterday (Swag, superfan, Mike, Tremonkey, etc.). \u00a0We 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.<\/p>\n

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

Student section. \u00a0Late 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.<\/p>\n

The FG on 4th and a foot at the ten late second quarter tied at 14. \u00a0In hindsight it worked out, but I nearly had to be restrained. \u00a0Again, what has happened to our swagger on these calls. \u00a0Go. For. It.<\/p>\n

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

Mickey’s meltdown. \u00a0The refs let him get away with the first one before justifiably and understandably hitting him with an utterly indefensible and inexcusable 15 yard penalty. \u00a0Doesn’t take a genius to connect the consistent similar penalties from players to the example they’re following. \u00a0Nothing else to say about this.<\/p>\n

Next<\/strong><\/p>\n

At New Hampshire at 12:30 Saturday. \u00a0For 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. \u00a0We’re working on setting up a little Falls Church viewing party ourselves, details to come.<\/p>\n