We have witnessed the emergence of two players who will make the difference in the National Championship game.

Riley Stapleton and Marcus Marshall.

No one will have an answer for Stapleton. His size and great hands are invaluable.

Marshall appears to have finally learned to read the blocking and the patience to make the cuts that equal success in our system.

We already know what we have in Schor and the defense. Wouldn't surprise me in the least if Stapleton or Marshall winds up being game MVP.

I don't see any way that either of these players are kept under a 100 yards in their respective categories. I also think Terrence Alls is going to have a big big day.

Maybe they will key on Stapleton and Alls so much that Kloo will sneak out there for a score or two. Would love to see him finish strong. He has not had the most memorable senior season.

Speaking of difference makers, has anyone heard anything about John Miller playing? Would really love to get him back, he is a game changer.

I’ll take a shot on a darkhorse difference maker.

Amos might take a punt return to the house.

He’s going to be up there with our greatest returners by the time he graduates 3 years from now. If he stays healthy and on the team....

The emergence of Stapleton could not have possibly come at a better time. Introducing a major threat that our opponent has to game plan for can only help us open up opportunities for the rest of the offense.

Miller will be back

(12-27-2017 04:24 PM)dukesfan4010 Wrote:  Miller will be back

You know this to be true or you are speculating?

Just hope Marshall hangs on to the ball. He has a history of fumbling. Got away with a very close one against SDSU that went our way on the initial call and via replay, but it was very very close. If he gets a seam and a ray of light to the endzone, he'll score. NDSU doesn't have anybody who can catch him - that's consistent with pretty much everybody in D1AA and some of D1A.

(12-27-2017 04:24 PM)dukesfan4010 Wrote:  Miller will be back

The most clandestine guy on the board. Hope he's correct on Miller. DNR wouldn't answer my inquiry on Marcus Hawkins, so it's hard to gauge his accuracy.

I thought for SURE this would be one of the difference makers

Marshall doesn't really worry me too much as we got our 2 guys back in the middle we were missing last year and conference freshman and newcomer of the year winner in Cox playing the outside linebacker position.
Stapleton really worries me tho. His size and good hands could cause serious problems with our depleted secondary. He seems to play the ball very well.
I just don't see you guys having much success on the ground against us but could move the ball with Schor slinging it downfield.

(12-27-2017 10:12 PM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  I thought for SURE this would be one of the difference makers

OJF's drink of choice.

(12-27-2017 11:26 PM)Bisonlurker Wrote:  Marshall doesn't really worry me too much as we got our 2 guys back in the middle we were missing last year and conference freshman and newcomer of the year winner in Cox playing the outside linebacker position.
Stapleton really worries me tho. His size and good hands could cause serious problems with our depleted secondary. He seems to play the ball very well.
I just don't see you guys having much success on the ground against us but could move the ball with Schor slinging it downfield.

Famous last words.

You do realise Stapleton is not JMU’s top receiver? Alls is, and he didn’t play against NDSU last year. Neither did Eldridge, a UVA transfer, who also presents a size and speed advantage against smaller CBs. Miller and Kloosterman did play against NDSU last year (both scoring), and they’ll both be on the field January 6.

This JMU offense has a lot of difference makers and some wrinkles they have yet to show for the championship game. Cheatham could be another X factor and Sharp is always one to watch. I think the ND defense will really be tested- the Dukes are probably the most balanced offense they have faced all year.

(12-28-2017 01:03 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(12-27-2017 11:26 PM)Bisonlurker Wrote:  Marshall doesn't really worry me too much as we got our 2 guys back in the middle we were missing last year and conference freshman and newcomer of the year winner in Cox playing the outside linebacker position.
Stapleton really worries me tho. His size and good hands could cause serious problems with our depleted secondary. He seems to play the ball very well.
I just don't see you guys having much success on the ground against us but could move the ball with Schor slinging it downfield.

Famous last words.

You do realise Stapleton is not JMU’s top receiver? Alls is, and he didn’t play against NDSU last year. Neither did Eldridge, a UVA transfer, who also presents a size and speed advantage against smaller CBs. Miller and Kloosterman did play against NDSU last year (both scoring), and they’ll both be on the field January 6.

I do realize that, that's why I mentioned Schof slinging it around but Stapleton specifically is the type that typically gives us trouble and he seems to be on a heck of a roll.

i love bryan schof

(12-28-2017 08:48 AM)Centdukesfan Wrote:  i love bryan schof

If he were only as good as Eason Slick.

Bisonlurker, give us a take on the temperature of the NDSU fan base heading into the game. From what I can tell most level headed NDSU fans, yourself included, seem to think it'll be a close game but that you have the edge in run game and defense. Most JMU fans seem to think it'll be a close game and we have the edge in passing and defense. Somethings gotta give, I'm interested in the true confidence level of the NDSU fan base.

(12-27-2017 11:26 PM)Bisonlurker Wrote:  Marshall doesn't really worry me too much as we got our 2 guys back in the middle we were missing last year and conference freshman and newcomer of the year winner in Cox playing the outside linebacker position.
Stapleton really worries me tho. His size and good hands could cause serious problems with our depleted secondary. He seems to play the ball very well.
I just don't see you guys having much success on the ground against us but could move the ball with Schor slinging it downfield.

Yeah I think for us to find success offensively, we’re going to have to have a great passing game going with Schor playing his best. It’ll boil down to our line play though. They will win or lose the game for us.