{"id":9111,"date":"2016-11-29T07:07:31","date_gmt":"2016-11-29T12:07:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=9111"},"modified":"2016-11-30T17:08:23","modified_gmt":"2016-11-30T22:08:23","slug":"guest-post-top-10-things-to-thankful-for-with-jmu-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmusportsblog.com\/?p=9111","title":{"rendered":"Guest Post: Top 10 Things to be Thankful For With JMU Football"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"FullSizeRender-6\"Deacon Danny won the prediction contest for the Elon game. Due to the fact that nobody reads the blog on Thanksgiving, we delayed posting his guest post until today. Here’s his post about the Top 10 things to be thankful for with JMU football.<\/em><\/p>\n

I appreciate the opportunity to submit this guest post. Early in the 3<\/span>rd<\/span> quarter of the Elon game I had pretty much written off my 63-10 guess, but then everything just started to click and the Dukes began scoring with the proficiency that we have seen more than once this season. After mulling over what to write about for a few days, I decided that, that in the spirit of Thanksgiving I would roll out a top 10 list of the things I am thankful for in the world of JMU football this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

10<\/strong> Minimized In-Game anxiety. While I like a good game, I appreciate that JMU was able to score on most of their opponents early and often and put games away without creating too much nail-biting excitement. As JMU progresses in the playoffs (AND WE WILL!), I know the games will get closer and this anxiety will build, but my nerves have mostly been left intact until now.<\/span><\/p>\n

9<\/strong> Bridgeforth Stadium. First-class facilities for an FCS team that JMU can be proud of. There are a lot of stadiums including BCS stadiums, (um\u2026 Chapel Hill) that are not nearly as nice. I am sure coming into such nice facilities can be intimidating for an opposing team; especially if we pack the stadium with fans! Check me on this <\/span>JMU Sports Blog, <\/span><\/i>but this may be New Hampshire\u2019s first visit to the remodeled Bridgeforth Stadium. Let\u2019s pack the stadium and make sure it is a trip they will remember!<\/span><\/p>\n

8<\/strong> JMU Sports Blog. Great source of information and I love the banter. \u00a0Enough said!<\/span><\/p>\n

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7<\/strong> Tailgating with friends & Game Day Experience. Where is there a better place to tailgate with friends than the beautiful JMU campus! Arrive early for maximum Game Day experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

6<\/strong> Halftime Adjustment. \u00a0Yes, we do them now!<\/span><\/p>\n

5<\/strong> All CAA Selections. Wow! Offensive POTY, Special Teams POTY, COTY, 14 All-Team selections, including 10 on 1<\/span>st<\/span> Team. Great accolades but this is not the End Game! Let\u2019s keep after it guys.<\/span><\/p>\n

4<\/strong> 10-1, 8-0. This regular season record exceeded expectations of most; certainly mine. And it was not an easy path as we beat UNH, Maine, Villanova, and UR all on the road. Those four road games alone represent a significant challenge where we broke long home game winning streaks of 3 of these teams. \u00a0Plus you can tack on a couple of games where the team we played had a bye week leading up to their game with JMU and in the case of Villanova, it was their coaches last regular season home game before his retirement. <\/span><\/p>\n

3<\/strong> EW\u2019s departure. I am thankful that EW left to make room for Coach Houston and a talented veteran coaching staff. This represented upgrades across the board on the coaching staff. These moves made #6 possible. And it would probably be rude if I did not congratulate EW on his first year at Texas State where he compile a record of 2-9, 0-7 and last place among All BCS schools in the Sagarin Power Ranking. \u00a0I would recommend that EW buy more \u2018Juice\u2019, and reinstitute #PartyInTheEndzone.<\/span><\/p>\n

2<\/strong> Depth of Player Personnel. This JMU team has so much talent, especially on the Offensive side of the ball. It has to be a nightmare to game plan for all the play makers, and different looks that JMU has showcased this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

1<\/strong> TEAM. This is a team that really seems to be focused on the whole and not on any individuals. I could be wrong but they play very unselfish despite having so many play makers. It will take nothing less than a TEAM mentality to win from here on out.<\/span><\/p>\n

I am excited to get the playoffs started next Saturday at Bridgeforth Stadium. Stay focused guys and let\u2019s take it one game at a time. I am sure the stands will be packed cheering you on! Go Dukes!<\/span><\/p>\n