(11-09-2014 04:32 AM)JMUDunk Wrote:  

(11-09-2014 12:31 AM)Hotrod829 Wrote:  

(11-09-2014 12:12 AM)NJDuke97 Wrote:  Wait I thought he couldn't coach and the juice was all bs?

What Vad has been doing has nothing to do with Withers except thier recruiting relationship. The defense and the "HC" calls have been very shaky.

Uhhhh, c'mon. The relationship between starting QB and Coach has "nothing to do" with either of their success? You're better than that. We know who you are, and you know better than that as well. Most important on field, in game "relationship" on the team. C'mon.

I'm actually giving credit to the offensive coordinators, they have been put in some rough positions and have come out on top. Withers has minimal input on offense , if you go to a practice you will see where he stands. I don't get the "better" statements.

(11-09-2014 11:24 AM)JMU_Rocks! Wrote:  I am not sure if it is personnel or scheme - but short yardage and red-zone on offense where we never line up under center is maddening. With a large O-line, we really should be able to put a 1 yard plunge or sneak into the arsenal.

This is the one thing that really drives me crazy, and it doesn't make any sense. Lee should be able to fall forward for a yard from under center. I haven't heard anything Withers has said about this if he has said anything about it, but I really can't think of any good reason for it.

I could see them saying they aren't comfortable enough with the snap from under center, but that really shouldn't be an issue. Look at Florida when Tebow was there, he was never under center except to pound it up the middle for a yard or so. Defenses very very very rarely stopped it, and I don't remember there ever being any problems with the snap.

(11-09-2014 07:27 PM)KickItToScotty Wrote:  

(11-09-2014 11:24 AM)JMU_Rocks! Wrote:  I am not sure if it is personnel or scheme - but short yardage and red-zone on offense where we never line up under center is maddening. With a large O-line, we really should be able to put a 1 yard plunge or sneak into the arsenal.

This is the one thing that really drives me crazy, and it doesn't make any sense. Lee our should be able to fall forward for a yard from under center. I haven't heard anything Withers has said about this if he has said anything about it, but I really can't think of any good reason for it.

I could see them saying they aren't comfortable enough with the snap from under center, but that really shouldn't be an issue. Look at Florida when Tebow was there, he was never under center except to pound it up the middle for a yard or so. Defenses very very very rarely stopped it, and I don't remember there ever being any problems with the snap.

I'm not looking it up, but he flat out said the chances of a fumble are greater and he didn't see that it would be any more advantageous (I'm paraphrasing). I agree with you, and the perfect time to have done it yesterday was after Latney's long run down inside the 5 yard line. Yet with Latney gassed, they handed it to him anyway and it went nowhere. Then they passed to DB for the score.

(11-09-2014 09:17 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(11-09-2014 07:27 PM)KickItToScotty Wrote:  

(11-09-2014 11:24 AM)JMU_Rocks! Wrote:  I am not sure if it is personnel or scheme - but short yardage and red-zone on offense where we never line up under center is maddening. With a large O-line, we really should be able to put a 1 yard plunge or sneak into the arsenal.

This is the one thing that really drives me crazy, and it doesn't make any sense. Lee our should be able to fall forward for a yard from under center. I haven't heard anything Withers has said about this if he has said anything about it, but I really can't think of any good reason for it.

I could see them saying they aren't comfortable enough with the snap from under center, but that really shouldn't be an issue. Look at Florida when Tebow was there, he was never under center except to pound it up the middle for a yard or so. Defenses very very very rarely stopped it, and I don't remember there ever being any problems with the snap.

I'm not looking it up, but he flat out said the chances of a fumble are greater and he didn't see that it would be any more advantageous (I'm paraphrasing). I agree with you, and the perfect time to have done it yesterday was after Latney's long run down inside the 5 yard line. Yet with Latney gassed, they handed it to him anyway and it went nowhere. Then they passed to DB for the score.

Yeah I figured that was probably the thinking behind it. I don't like it though, I really don't think it would be a problem and it would definitely be advantageous in very short yardage situations. We probably would've beaten Delanowhere if we were willing to put Vad under center and sneak it.

(11-09-2014 11:24 AM)JMU_Rocks! Wrote:  I think this is more of an award that gets determined during the playoff run, rather than before. So It kind of becomes a prerequisite to get there and then do well.

The coach for Coastal will be in that spot, if they go deep in the playoffs. Likely an undefeated regular season and getting to the semis or more.

Working against Wither's would be: expectations are very high, he was an interim HC at UNC already, JMU has all the 'advantages', and Wither's took the transfer approach to success.

Objectively, I would not have him as coach of the year, but if we go deep he too will get considered. I rate him a solid B and rising. I like what he has done with the attitude, approach, and players seem to now be playing with more unity and purpose. I think some of his game day decisions are too accepting of risk for the reward - resulting in putting a defense that is inconsistent in tough spots. I think the up-tempo really works well at this level, where there is not the depth on defense to withstand the pace. I am not sure if it is personnel or scheme - but short yardage and red-zone on offense where we never line up under center is maddening. With a large O-line, we really should be able to put a 1 yard plunge or sneak into the arsenal.

Our 2nd half performances seem to reflect either good adjustments at halftime or the up-tempo pace is simply wearing down the other team. Maybe even an understanding of our team - for instance nothing from Abduhlla in the first half and then in the 2nd he is in for runs and pass plays. It has been really nice to see players and coaching improve week to week.

CAA coach of the year and The Sports Network's coach of the year awards (and player awards for both) are voted on at the regular season's end. Another national award typically goes to the coach of the national champion.

So now a candidate for the Eddie Robinson Award......WOW!!!

(11-20-2014 06:55 PM)formerjmusprinter84 Wrote:  So now a candidate for the Eddie Robinson Award......WOW!!!

Congrats to Coach Withers, but not any 'wow' to that. He is one of 20 finalists (about 1/6th of the I-AA head coaches). Of course he should be a finalist win or lose Sat. Pretty much any HC with a winning record who has exceeded pre season expectations should be one of the 20 finalists.

(11-20-2014 07:06 PM)BDKJMU Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 06:55 PM)formerjmusprinter84 Wrote:  So now a candidate for the Eddie Robinson Award......WOW!!!

Congrats to Coach Withers, but not any 'wow' to that. He is one of 20 finalists (about 1/6th of the I-AA head coaches). Of course he should be a finalist win or lose Sat. Pretty much any HC with a winning record who has exceeded pre season expectations should be one of the 20 finalists.

Just to be on the list is an honor and all the moreso for a first year coach turning a progarm around. When I originally started this thread I was only think of the CAA COY possibility, but now he has a shot at the big one.

It was a slow begrudging recognition to JMU, to Vad, and to Withers. I would think the beat down on Richmond really forced the change, but the record, improvements over the course of the season, and dropping 50 plus on two CAA teams not named Rhodes Island or Elon in the same season.

Unlikely for either CAA or National COY - but a great start in year 1.

(11-20-2014 07:13 PM)formerjmusprinter84 Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 07:06 PM)BDKJMU Wrote:  

(11-20-2014 06:55 PM)formerjmusprinter84 Wrote:  So now a candidate for the Eddie Robinson Award......WOW!!!

Congrats to Coach Withers, but not any 'wow' to that. He is one of 20 finalists (about 1/6th of the I-AA head coaches). Of course he should be a finalist win or lose Sat. Pretty much any HC with a winning record who has exceeded pre season expectations should be one of the 20 finalists.

Just to be on the list is an honor and all the moreso for a first year coach turning a progarm around. When I originally started this thread I was only think of the CAA COY possibility, but now he has a shot at the big one.

If he did win the big one that would be 2 in a row for 1st yr JMU head coaches. MM in his 1st season in 99' won the Eddie Robinson after JMU was picked near the bottom of the A-10 (was it 8th?) and won it at 8-3/7-1, before losing @ Troy State in the 1st round (round of 16).

(11-20-2014 08:32 PM)JMU_Rocks! Wrote:  It was a slow begrudging recognition to JMU, to Vad, and to Withers. I would think the beat down on Richmond really forced the change, but the record, improvements over the course of the season, and dropping 50 plus on two CAA teams not named Rhodes Island or Elon in the same season.

Unlikely for either CAA or National COY - but a great start in year 1.

I agree its unlikely that Withers will win the Eddie Robinson, as probably would have had to win the CAA outright (like MM did in 99' to win in his 1st season) but if Wither's doesn't get the CAA COY, then who?
-McDonnell? While going 8-0 in conference play (assuming they beat Maine) is very impressive & rarely done (last 11 seasons to 03' (didn't look back any further) it has been done only twice: UMass in 06' (lost NC game to App) and JMU 08')), UNH was picked to finish 1st. 1st place is usually 7-1, so they really only exceeded expectations by 1 game.
-Talley? VU was picked to finish 2nd. 2nd is usually 6-2 or 7-1, so they really only exceeded expectations by at most 1 game (assuming they beat UD).
The winner of the UR/W&M game? UR & W&M were picked pre season to finish 3rd & 4th I believe.
-8th place in a 12 team conference would usually be 3-5. So win Sat, and JMU has exceeded expectations based on the coaches' pre season picks by 3 games.

(11-09-2014 11:27 AM)HotHamandCheese84 Wrote:  He deserves it but he won't get it in the CAA or nationally. The CAA hates JMU because we are not long for this league and no way do we get any awards if there is a way to avoid it.

ODU announced their move up in May 2012' (officially June 1) and Heinicke still won the CAA Offensive POY and Payton in 2012'.

Yeah, I don't buy all the "The world is against us..." bs. JMU came out of the gates slow and looking like pooh if you remember back in September. We are one dropped INT at Lehigh away from being who knows what, but that's the game, and we managed to gut out a tough win against a bad team. At first glace, nothing to be proud of other than heart really.

Fast forward to present day, wow, what a difference a couple months make. I am not sure how much credit to give to whom, but no doubt EW has done something right to win so many close games like Albany, W&&M and SBU and to keep the foot on the pedal against Towson and Richmond.

In reality, I think the players' talent has helped make up for some of EW's shortcomings. But if the other coordinators and assistants are improving, then kudos for surrounding yourself with talent on the sideline and on the field to put yourself in a position for success. I'd give it to EW on the change of attitude of character, academics, and overall unity for the team. I will always love MM, but he did leave a little mess that EW has cleaned up nicely in the transition period.

Well done to coaches and players on a successful season no matter what the ending is from this point forward. JMU is relevant and rising again after a few down years after 2008.

article title in dnr today

JMU’s Withers Finalist For I-A Coach Of The Year

i wish it was a freudian slip

(11-21-2014 07:27 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  Yeah, I don't buy all the "The world is against us..." bs.

agreed. seems like we're using that as an excuse on pretty much any topic nowadays. bad call by the refs? it's a conspiracy because the CAA hates us. lack of postseason awards (if that happens)? CAA hates us. it's kind of embarrassing to read, actually. comes across as super paranoid and insecure.

I think it's more of a "I see what you're doing down there, JMU" shout out, but I don't think he'll win.

And yes, I roll my eyes every time the anti-JMU conspiracy thing pops up. A lame targeting call is just a lame targeting call.

(11-09-2014 02:36 PM)Longhorn Wrote:  I'd also offer a little life advice for what it's worth. It's not wise or becoming to heap crap upon those you leave behind as you ascend the ladder of success. You'll never know whose help or goodwill you might need on the way back down if your best plans go astray.

Amen brother! I am living proof of that one. My former boss was the one who gave me the connection that has me now in an exciting career in the Foreign Service with USAID. I had hit a low point a few years back, and one phone call changed my (and my family's) life. Sadly, he unexpectedly died of a heart attack last year, many years too young. RIP Joe Rio!

You never know who it will be that changes your life, or whose life you may change with one small random act of kindness.

Now back to football...

Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy with what EW has done with the team over the course of the year. However, you can't award COY to the coach of a team with one of the worst defenses in the league. Just can't do it.

(11-21-2014 08:17 AM)JMU_Newbill Wrote:  Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy with what EW has done with the team over the course of the year. However, you can't award COY to the coach of a team with one of the worst defenses in the league. Just can't do it.

Yeah, but a team that improves over the course of the year, does.

The Dukes started out somewhat lost on both sides of the ball as they adjusted to a new QB and scheme.

Our defensive numbers for the entire season aren't great, but if you extrapolate the numbers from the second half of the season over the course of the full season, they'd be phenomenal, and that includes games against ranked W&M and UR.

Do you really think we'd lose to Delaware if we played them again? This team has changed and gotten better week after week, THAT's coach of the year material.

(11-09-2014 02:10 PM)HotHamandCheese84 Wrote:  The phrase "the CAA hates JMU" is my opinion and my opinion alone. The phrase "we are not long for this league" is based on the fact that JMU has made it clear we are looking to move and we will move with the right opportunity. It is only natural to be upset with the flagship school that wants to leave.

Doesnt the Commish's ( CAA) son still work for JMU athletics , you would think we would have an inside track or scoop on how things are going. And I was always under the assumption that coaches took part in a teleconference for nominations like this one.