{"id":6263,"date":"2013-11-21T22:59:33","date_gmt":"2013-11-22T03:59:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=6263"},"modified":"2013-11-21T22:59:33","modified_gmt":"2013-11-22T03:59:33","slug":"jmu-towson-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=6263","title":{"rendered":"JMU @ Towson Preview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Well, this is the end of a rather short, frustrating season from JMU football. \u00a0There may be big changes on the horizon this offseason in the conference and coaching departments, but given JMU’s past actions, it’s probably equally possible we’ll see the administration continue monitoring and Coach Matthews back on the sidelines next year. But before we fully turn our attention to exciting hoops seasons on the men’s and women’s sides, we at least get one more chance to Root fer Dukes as JMU travels to (very likely) playoff-bound Towson riding a long winning streak over the Tigers.<\/p>\n

The Basics\"508c6f5588dba.image\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

These aren’t your daddy’s Towson Tigers. \u00a0But oddly, there also not the juggernaut from last year either (that the Dukes somehow managed to defeat 13-10 with a last-second comeback spearheaded by Justin Thorpe – man that feels like it was ages ago). \u00a0That loss to JMU is probably the horrible loss that Towson looks back on as having cost them a playoff berth and we expect they’ll be primed to try and come out with a springboard performance ahead of Selection Sunday. \u00a0The Tigers still have excellent, do-everything RB Terrance West. \u00a0But this year he’s fully the focal point of their offense and they’ve struggled at times throwing the ball following the graduation of QB Grant Enders.<\/p>\n

On the JMU side, we have absolutely zero idea what to expect. \u00a0But we truly hope that there’s something better than the garbage we all threw up watching last week. \u00a0Maybe the boys really have packed it in for the season. \u00a0But it also seems entirely possible they’ll want to show last week wasn’t them and now that the pressure’s off, maybe they’ll play loose and up to their considerable potential. \u00a0We’d also like to think in Stephon Robertson and DaeQuan Scott’s last games, among others, their teammates wouldn’t let them go out like that, but seriously there’s just no way to know right now. \u00a0In addition to the seniors, keep in mind that it’s also not out of the realm of possibility that this could be JMU’s last football game in the short-lived world of CAA Football!<\/p>\n

Coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n

This one is back on the national stage on NBC Sports Network at 3:30 Saturday.<\/p>\n

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

This road trip has historically been one of our favorites. \u00a0Many years this season-ender has been a big hit with our fellow Dukes fanatics as in the past it’s been a game where we’re looking to see the Dukes destroy Towson on our way to the playoffs. \u00a0We’ve always enjoyed Towson’s VERY hospitable pro-tailgating policy. \u00a0We’ve frequently brought along some Sierra Celebration this time of year as it’s always seemed fitting. \u00a0This year, however, that’s just not gonna do it. \u00a0This game calls for something more appropriate to the dumpster fire this season has become. \u00a0You’ll need something strong and stout to get you through what could be a long, bittersweet afternoon and we’re going with Highlands’ Thunderstruck Porter. \u00a0This NC brewery has a number of quality offerings, but nothing will get you through a sad day in sweeter fashion than this rich (think Mocha), smooth porter.<\/p>\n

Prediction<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dukes 31, Tigers 30 – Cam Starke at the gun for old time’s sake. \u00a0No, it doesn’t make sense, but neither did much else about this season and wouldn’t it be perfect of the boys to pull off the one stunner they’ve never found after the cause is lost.<\/p>\n