It doesn't look like JMU is going to land one of the Maryland QB transfers so we are edging closer to a season with Birdsong or bust.

There is a lot to be concerned about.
1- He is a true sophomore and has only been in college the same amount of time as a redshirt Freshman.
2- He never played on a winning team in high school.
3- JMU coaches are proclaiming that they will pass more this year, but Birdsong seemed to be more developed as a runner than a passer last year. His 53% completion percentage was next to last in the 12 team CAA.
4- if he gets hurt, it appears that JMU will be reduced to a pure running offense and even more one dimensional than usual.

I'm rooting for him to have major development from last year to this year. However, the most important position on the field is not the strength of the team.

We got the so cal kid who played post grad last yr

(07-11-2013 09:20 PM)jmusuperfan Wrote:  We got the so cal kid who played post grad next yr

Who is that?

QB: 6-4, 215 Lukas O'Connor. He spent last season playing post-grad at Avon Old Farms. Will have full eligibility.

It looks like O'Connor guided his team to a 1-7 record last year. Don't expect him to get on the field.
Plan B this year will be a run based Spread Option.

Birdsong's a big dude. Running a pro style offense should keep him out of the line of fire. I think he plays every game, and I think he gets better as the season goes along.

(07-11-2013 09:37 PM)Hart Foundation Wrote:  It looks like O'Connor guided his team to a 1-7 record last year. Don't expect him to get on the field.
Plan B this year will be a run based Spread Option.

1 year of post grad. Who knows what that team had. I think he just looked for a landing spot when is initial plans fell through.

He was going to umass as a pref walk on earlier this year

(07-11-2013 09:43 PM)jmusuperfan Wrote:  

(07-11-2013 09:37 PM)Hart Foundation Wrote:  It looks like O'Connor guided his team to a 1-7 record last year. Don't expect him to get on the field.
Plan B this year will be a run based Spread Option.

1 year of post grad. Who knows what that team had. I think he just looked for a landing spot when is initial plans fell through.

He was going to umass as a pref walk on earlier this year

fwiw, which is not much as far as help this year- we also have a pref walk on qb coming in from the 757, Tabb's Daniel Schiele. He was in the state all star game. He is described as a "long, tall, pocket passer" by recruit757.com He is listed on the all star game roster at 6'5" 225. I assume he will not see the field this year.

I am a Birdsong fan. I think he has tremendous potential. However, he will only be as good as his offensive line. If they can protect him and block for him like the 2008 OL, I believe he could be better than Landers. My opinion, humble or otherwise.

Anybody have an update on Thourogood?

remember that time we beat WM with 0 passing yards.

Gosh that was awesome

(07-12-2013 08:13 AM)JMUska Wrote:  Anybody have an update on Thourogood?

Hard to assume anything other than a nagging hamstring injury, But i'm with you. I'd love to know how he's doing.

(07-12-2013 08:36 AM)Onyxduke7 Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 08:13 AM)JMUska Wrote:  Anybody have an update on Thourogood?

Hard to assume anything other than a nagging hamstring injury, But i'm with you. I'd love to know how he's doing.

I'm beginning to wonder if Thourogood's hamstrings are too big for his body.

(07-12-2013 08:36 AM)Centdukesfan Wrote:  remember that time we beat WM with 0 passing yards.

Gosh that was awesome

NERRRRRRRRRRRRRRDS!

I feel pretty hopeful about Birdsong this year. He had some very good moments as QB last year and some very Freshmen moments, but I thought I saw far more upside than downside.
I am more concerned about him learning the system than I am with his passing. As bulldogg said, I think his success will depend on how good our OLine will be, as well as their health. They execute and stay healthy, we'll see good things from Birdsong.

(07-11-2013 09:29 PM)jmusuperfan Wrote:  QB: 6-4, 215 Lukas O'Connor. He spent last season playing post-grad at Avon Old Farms. Will have full eligibility.

Also haven't seen anyone mention this kid (not that he would be ready for 2013). Listed as a 6'3", 240, Pro Style QB:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/jamesmadison/foo...QerAHfXuZ_

(07-12-2013 12:29 AM)bulldogg Wrote:  I am a Birdsong fan. I think he has tremendous potential. However, he will only be as good as his offensive line. If they can protect him and block for him like the 2008 OL, I believe he could be better than Landers. My opinion, humble or otherwise.

Whoah......don't know about that. When Landers was in there the offense moved like a hot knife through butter most of the time. I saw Birdsong against an unprepared for him Richmond defense and then a flop against Ga. St. He is a huge question mark.

(07-12-2013 08:36 PM)DoubleDDuke Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 12:29 AM)bulldogg Wrote:  I am a Birdsong fan. I think he has tremendous potential. However, he will only be as good as his offensive line. If they can protect him and block for him like the 2008 OL, I believe he could be better than Landers. My opinion, humble or otherwise.

Whoah......don't know about that. When Landers was in there the offense moved like a hot knife through butter most of the time. I saw Birdsong against an unprepared for him Richmond defense and then a flop against Ga. St. He is a huge question mark.

While agree against GA State, he didn't shine, but I thought the whole team just went into a relaxed state after we jumped out to a decent lead, especially the "D".

(07-13-2013 07:11 AM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 08:36 PM)DoubleDDuke Wrote:  

(07-12-2013 12:29 AM)bulldogg Wrote:  I am a Birdsong fan. I think he has tremendous potential. However, he will only be as good as his offensive line. If they can protect him and block for him like the 2008 OL, I believe he could be better than Landers. My opinion, humble or otherwise.

Whoah......don't know about that. When Landers was in there the offense moved like a hot knife through butter most of the time. I saw Birdsong against an unprepared for him Richmond defense and then a flop against Ga. St. He is a huge question mark.

While agree against GA State, he didn't shine, but I thought the whole team just went into a relaxed state after we jumped out to a decent lead, especially the "D".

Yeah, dominated the game statistically. Cruising, up by 3 TDs middle of 4th qtr. Then the whole team went on a siesta. Then special teams practically gave up a TD. Defense gave one up (did tighten up right at the end). Offense didn't do anything their last 2 possessions. Result was a 7 point win that wasn't nearly as close as the score indicated, and a bunch of clowns later on on here claiming JMU "almost" lost to GST.

Regarding the Georgia State game. Obviously we were not sharp that day. But you also have to factor in the high regard Mickey has for Bill Curry. While no doubt Mickey played to win, I believe he in no way wanted to embarrass him.( remember the honorary letterman honor during pre-game). Likely played just well enough to win keeping the play calls rather vanilla.