CSNbbs

Despite the opening line of Maryland -22, this should not be a steamroller game for them.

The Terps return a ton of starters, but they are returning from an average team last year. How much development will a QB make from his 5th year to his 6th year? Probably not much.
The Dukes can win this one if they can force Maryland into passing situations due to down and distance. CJ Brown is an average passer that likes to throw down the field for lower percentage completions. Low percentage = drive ending incompletions. I'm not concerned about the pass defense.

Defending the run is another story. This is a game I wish Mickey was still coaching because he refused to let teams run by his alignments and schemes. CJ Brown is an excellent runner and will create problems for the Dukes since they can't key on just the RB's. Will Withers 3-4 defense be able to stop the run? I'm not confident. I think they will need to sell out against the run several times in hopes that they can get Maryland into 3rd and long.

If we recall 2009, JMU beat the Terps at the line of scrimmage and lost the game on special teams. The Dukes don't really need to win the battle this time, but they do need to be neutral in terms of returns and kicks. They are Probably outmanned on special teams and avoiding the big play is paramount.

JMU will need to run well and I expect them to. Vad Lee has already run a triple option offense so he should be able to make good decisions on the simpler read option JMU employs. If carries are split close to 50/50 between Lee and the RB's, Maryland will be whiffing on alot of tackles. Deception neutralizes the talent advantage Maryland may have at multiple positions.

Where do the Dukes have a distinct advantage in talent? WR Daniel Brown is one of the few answers. With his combination of speed and height, he is open on every play. 5'11" cornerbacks have nightmares of him. Just get him the ball and good things will happen. We need to see 2+ touchdowns from him to get a W. Maryland ' s corners are a weakness.

Unknowns...
How does Withers coach in game situations?
How does Vad Lee look as a passer?
Will the Dukes be without their leading returning tackler Gage Steele?
Can our kicker and punter be adequate?

1. Win the turnover margin
2. Survive the first half
3. Answer Maryland's points with our own
4. Lots of prayer

GO DUKES!!!

They obviously have the advantage in every aspect of the game. But there are certain aspects we just can't let get out of control despite what I think our huge gaps.

I see the biggest gaps on special teams and at the WR/DB matchup when they're on offense. We HAVE to somehow minimize our huge disadvantages there in order to even be close. If we can do that, then I think we have a chance to play well enough in the other aspects to keep it close.

1) Show up & tailgate
2) ...
3) Profit

(08-29-2014 12:14 PM)JMUDukeDawg Wrote: [ -> ]They obviously have the advantage in every aspect of the game. But there are certain aspects we just can't let get out of control despite what I think our huge gaps.

I see the biggest gaps on special teams and at the WR/DB matchup when they're on offense. We HAVE to somehow minimize our huge disadvantages there in order to even be close. If we can do that, then I think we have a chance to play well enough in the other aspects to keep it close.

Don't know if we can do it, but a good pass rush can mask a lot of deficiencies in the secondary.

My worry is not so much about talent and depth (yes, Maryland has better and more) but rather all the new faces in starting roles. By my count, 15 of 22 starters either were not full time starters last year, are playing a new position this year or were on another team last year. It's going to take some time to jell. I think we'll see some really good flashes along with some very frustrating gaffes.

(08-29-2014 12:53 PM)olddawg Wrote: [ -> ]

(08-29-2014 12:14 PM)JMUDukeDawg Wrote: [ -> ]They obviously have the advantage in every aspect of the game. But there are certain aspects we just can't let get out of control despite what I think our huge gaps.

I see the biggest gaps on special teams and at the WR/DB matchup when they're on offense. We HAVE to somehow minimize our huge disadvantages there in order to even be close. If we can do that, then I think we have a chance to play well enough in the other aspects to keep it close.

Don't know if we can do it, but a good pass rush can mask a lot of deficiencies in the secondary.

My worry is not so much about talent and depth (yes, Maryland has better and more) but rather all the new faces in starting roles. By my count, 15 of 22 starters either were not full time starters last year, are playing a new position this year or were on another team last year. It's going to take some time to jell. I think we'll see some really good flashes along with some very frustrating gaffes.

REALLY going to miss Gage Steele too (even though it's way more important to get him back for the rest of the season than risk him here).

Score more points than the Turtles.

Play mistake free. The I-A team has much more room for error in these games. JMU has to play a nearly perfect game.

#fearthepurple

It's a win for us if all Dukes leave the game healthy. It's going to be interesting to watch the offensive and defensive play calling for the Dukes. Our offense is damn near an FBS offense ( player wise/starters ). If they can keep our punter on the sideline we should have chance. A new defense vs a FBS team is never a good look.

id imagine this will upset maryland fans' stomachs



http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-s...d-stadium/

the upset formula is the same used at VT.

1. go with a "we can win this" attitude - I believe Withers will instill that
2.have the opponent underestimate you - at least their media is doing that
3. bring a scheme they are unprepared for, - Withers is an unknown
4. get some turnovers - ???
5. stay in the game and have the opponent get tight

Still a long shot, but you never know. We had Akron beat last year, who had Michigan beat, right? Can we live with that stretch? >>>>>>

UnderArmor U 38
Your Dukes of JMU 20

Hotrod is right there ---- i just don't want to come out of this game looking like a walking wounded squad. Other than that I will take the check and head back to Harrisonburg with basically a game under our belt we were suppose to lose anyway. It is no loss for JMU just so the injury bug does not bite us.