ECU was atrocious against the run last year and have added a few new transfer players. The Dukes were a dominant run team last year and have some big shoes to fill on the right side of the O-Line.
While ECU has the depth advantage I don't think they will be able to substitute during a drive with JMU's hurry up no huddle attack.
I just saw ECU's official 2 deep chart. They might be one of the smallest defenses in FBS.
I'm looking for 250+ rushing yards from the Dukes in what should be a barn burner of a game. ECU actually had more snaps per game in 2016 than JMU did. Has anyone seen an Over-Under line? It has to be pretty high.
(08-28-2017 09:08 PM)Hart Foundation Wrote: ECU was atrocious against the run last year and have added a few new transfer players. The Dukes were a dominant run team last year and have some big shoes to fill on the right side of the O-Line.
While ECU has the depth advantage I don't think they will be able to substitute during a drive with JMU's hurry up no huddle attack.
I just saw ECU's official 2 deep chart. They might be one of the smallest defenses in FBS.
I'm looking for 250+ rushing yards from the Dukes in what should be a barn burner of a game. ECU actually had more snaps per game in 2016 than JMU did. Has anyone seen an Over-Under line? It has to be pretty high.
I think the game is essentially a pick'em at this point - as far as I can tell anyway. I haven't seen an O/U posted but my guess is that this will be a bit lower scoring than we think. If the line was in the 47 range I think I'd take the under. I'm preparing myself for a bit of an offensive hangover as we try to get the new pieces to come together. I think our defense will be solid, and if we are able to run the ball as you suggest, that will limit possessions and kill clock.
This is why I rarely bet on college sports, by the way - especially in Week 1. Given my track record, it'll probably by 65-63.
Last year, ECU's D had 2 relative strengths: low pass completion percentage and stopping runs for little to negative gains. They were otherwise terrible and had trouble preventing big plays. That would seem to play into the strength of this year's JMU rushing attack, which has the speed to bust some big plays.
It also sounds like ECU will be switching base defenses, going to a 4-2-5. We practice against that formation, so that should help. I wish we had Kloo to put some pressure on the LBs making reads off the snap. And maybe the extra DBs will help ECU limit long gains; although, Connelly notes that the dbs that played last year were torched frequently so maybe more playing time to that unit is not the best way to go.
On offense, it sounds like they are also breaking in some new receivers. They were a passing team last year, but maybe they try to wear down our front with their rushing attack. Given the normal FCS/FBS discrepancy between the quality and quantity of big bodies, it's probably not a bad way to go.
Looking forward to seeing the team back in action, even if It means a spate of purple on purple violence. Go Dukes!
I always fear the deep pass when we go up against FBS wide receivers. Our guys get used to FCS speed and often then go up against an FBS wide out and get caught off guard. Though it's more of a mental thing that our corners and safeties need to prepare themselves for.
(08-28-2017 10:22 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote: I always fear the deep pass when we go up against FBS wide receivers. Our guys get used to FCS speed and often then go up against an FBS wide out and get caught off guard. Though it's more of a mental thing that our corners and safeties need to prepare themselves for.
I hear you. Maybe I should be more worried about it, but our secondary is fairly deep and experienced, so I'm not quite as worried about that as I normally would be against a FBS team.
I read something earlier this summer about how the new defensive trend was to rotate DBs to keep them fresh. This is to counteract the offensive strategy of bringing in your backup wideouts to run constant go routes in order to wear out the starting DBs. With FBS teams, I'm always worried about their depth wearing us down by the 4th quarter. I guess this is why our defensive backfield depth has me feeling good.
The JMU Sportsblog podcast just reminded me of Charles Tutt's injury, so maybe I shouldn't feel so good about corner depth. On the bright side, they also reminded me of the numerous Big 10 (hat tip to the Sportsblog) transfers in the front 6, so maybe it balances out
(08-28-2017 09:08 PM)Hart Foundation Wrote: ECU was atrocious against the run last year and have added a few new transfer players. The Dukes were a dominant run team last year and have some big shoes to fill on the right side of the O-Line.
While ECU has the depth advantage I don't think they will be able to substitute during a drive with JMU's hurry up no huddle attack.
I just saw ECU's official 2 deep chart. They might be one of the smallest defenses in FBS.
I'm looking for 250+ rushing yards from the Dukes in what should be a barn burner of a game. ECU actually had more snaps per game in 2016 than JMU did. Has anyone seen an Over-Under line? It has to be pretty high.
I think the game is essentially a pick'em at this point - as far as I can tell anyway. I haven't seen an O/U posted but my guess is that this will be a bit lower scoring than we think. If the line was in the 47 range I think I'd take the under. I'm preparing myself for a bit of an offensive hangover as we try to get the new pieces to come together. I think our defense will be solid, and if we are able to run the ball as you suggest, that will limit possessions and kill clock.
This is why I rarely bet on college sports, by the way - especially in Week 1. Given my track record, it'll probably by 65-63.
Take this for what it's worth. Got this off the 247ECU board. And the guy that posted it, he does (or at least did) post on our board occasionally:
"So as most on here know, earlier this summer 5Dimes had a line on the game with JMU as a 3.5 point favorite and it moved out to as much as a 5.5 point favorite. I personally placed two separate bets on each line taking ECU and the points. They have kept my bet on there despite not listing the game for several weeks now.
I was talking about this to one of my co-workers who actually bets through a bookie so he asked him to check and see if there are any lines out there and he said that from what he's seeing JMU is still favored as of right now 1 to 1.5 points with the over/under on the total being between 56 and 57."
(08-28-2017 09:08 PM)Hart Foundation Wrote: ECU was atrocious against the run last year and have added a few new transfer players. The Dukes were a dominant run team last year and have some big shoes to fill on the right side of the O-Line.
While ECU has the depth advantage I don't think they will be able to substitute during a drive with JMU's hurry up no huddle attack.
I just saw ECU's official 2 deep chart. They might be one of the smallest defenses in FBS.
I'm looking for 250+ rushing yards from the Dukes in what should be a barn burner of a game. ECU actually had more snaps per game in 2016 than JMU did. Has anyone seen an Over-Under line? It has to be pretty high.
I think the game is essentially a pick'em at this point - as far as I can tell anyway. I haven't seen an O/U posted but my guess is that this will be a bit lower scoring than we think. If the line was in the 47 range I think I'd take the under. I'm preparing myself for a bit of an offensive hangover as we try to get the new pieces to come together. I think our defense will be solid, and if we are able to run the ball as you suggest, that will limit possessions and kill clock.
This is why I rarely bet on college sports, by the way - especially in Week 1. Given my track record, it'll probably by 65-63.
Take this for what it's worth. Got this off the 247ECU board. And the guy that posted it, he does (or at least did) post on our board occasionally:
"So as most on here know, earlier this summer 5Dimes had a line on the game with JMU as a 3.5 point favorite and it moved out to as much as a 5.5 point favorite. I personally placed two separate bets on each line taking ECU and the points. They have kept my bet on there despite not listing the game for several weeks now.
I was talking about this to one of my co-workers who actually bets through a bookie so he asked him to check and see if there are any lines out there and he said that from what he's seeing JMU is still favored as of right now 1 to 1.5 points with the over/under on the total being between 56 and 57."
(08-28-2017 10:22 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote: I always fear the deep pass when we go up against FBS wide receivers. Our guys get used to FCS speed and often then go up against an FBS wide out and get caught off guard. Though it's more of a mental thing that our corners and safeties need to prepare themselves for.
I hear you. Maybe I should be more worried about it, but our secondary is fairly deep and experienced, so I'm not quite as worried about that as I normally would be against a FBS team.
I read something earlier this summer about how the new defensive trend was to rotate DBs to keep them fresh. This is to counteract the offensive strategy of bringing in your backup wideouts to run constant go routes in order to wear out the starting DBs. With FBS teams, I'm always worried about their depth wearing us down by the 4th quarter. I guess this is why our defensive backfield depth has me feeling good.
Interesting observation. Hadn't thought of such a plan. Certainly would help the squad with a third more players to wear down the FCS guys, especially in the heat. Let's hope the forecast keeps trending towards cooler weather.
DE: 6'6" 275
DE: 6'4" 257
DE: 6'4" 243
DE: 6'2" 230 (Speed-rush specialist)
Our secondary has 3 NFL prospects that will be on the field at the same time Saturday.
SS: 6'4" 204 (6'4" for a safety is almost unheard of in CFB)
FS: 6'0" 200
Pirate (Rover): 5'9" 192 (Best player on the defense... people likely laughed at Tyrnn Mathieu, too.)
What you're seeing here is a shift in the way we play defense. Under Ruffin McNeill, we had our fair share of 6'0" 315lbs guys... we had short, stout, 300+ guys... and it didn't work out. Now we've gone out and added LENGTH to the front 7. Instead of 6'0"-6'2" & slow being the norm, it's now 6'3"-6'6" and athletic.
DE: 6'6" 275
DE: 6'4" 257
DE: 6'4" 243
DE: 6'2" 230 (Speed-rush specialist)
Our secondary has 3 NFL prospects that will be on the field at the same time Saturday.
SS: 6'4" 204 (6'4" for a safety is almost unheard of in CFB)
FS: 6'0" 200
Pirate (Rover): 5'9" 192 (Best player on the defense... people likely laughed at Tyrnn Mathieu, too.)
What you're seeing here is a shift in the way we play defense. Under Ruffin McNeill, we had our fair share of 6'0" 315lbs guys... we had short, stout, 300+ guys... and it didn't work out. Now we've gone out and added LENGTH to the front 7. Instead of 6'0"-6'2" & slow being the norm, it's now 6'3"-6'6" and athletic.
I can't freaking wait for Saturday.
Sounds like we are playing on Sunday with an NFL opponent, oh well.
But enough of that, what I really am wondering how does one get a reputation of plus 294? What's that all about?
DE: 6'6" 275
DE: 6'4" 257
DE: 6'4" 243
DE: 6'2" 230 (Speed-rush specialist)
Our secondary has 3 NFL prospects that will be on the field at the same time Saturday.
SS: 6'4" 204 (6'4" for a safety is almost unheard of in CFB)
FS: 6'0" 200
Pirate (Rover): 5'9" 192 (Best player on the defense... people likely laughed at Tyrnn Mathieu, too.)
What you're seeing here is a shift in the way we play defense. Under Ruffin McNeill, we had our fair share of 6'0" 315lbs guys... we had short, stout, 300+ guys... and it didn't work out. Now we've gone out and added LENGTH to the front 7. Instead of 6'0"-6'2" & slow being the norm, it's now 6'3"-6'6" and athletic.
I can't freaking wait for Saturday.
Sounds like we are playing on Sunday with an NFL opponent, oh well.
But enough of that, what I really am wondering how does one get a reputation of plus 294? What's that all about?
Because I make excellent points across various boards... and with the exception of game week, I'm incredibly pleasant.
DE: 6'6" 275
DE: 6'4" 257
DE: 6'4" 243
DE: 6'2" 230 (Speed-rush specialist)
Our secondary has 3 NFL prospects that will be on the field at the same time Saturday.
SS: 6'4" 204 (6'4" for a safety is almost unheard of in CFB)
FS: 6'0" 200
Pirate (Rover): 5'9" 192 (Best player on the defense... people likely laughed at Tyrnn Mathieu, too.)
What you're seeing here is a shift in the way we play defense. Under Ruffin McNeill, we had our fair share of 6'0" 315lbs guys... we had short, stout, 300+ guys... and it didn't work out. Now we've gone out and added LENGTH to the front 7. Instead of 6'0"-6'2" & slow being the norm, it's now 6'3"-6'6" and athletic.
I can't freaking wait for Saturday.
Sounds like we are playing on Sunday with an NFL opponent, oh well.
But enough of that, what I really am wondering how does one get a reputation of plus 294? What's that all about?
Because I make excellent points across various boards... and with the exception of game week, I'm incredibly pleasant.
Or... most boards are circle jerks where there's lots of positive affirmation going on.
DE: 6'6" 275
DE: 6'4" 257
DE: 6'4" 243
DE: 6'2" 230 (Speed-rush specialist)
Our secondary has 3 NFL prospects that will be on the field at the same time Saturday.
SS: 6'4" 204 (6'4" for a safety is almost unheard of in CFB)
FS: 6'0" 200
Pirate (Rover): 5'9" 192 (Best player on the defense... people likely laughed at Tyrnn Mathieu, too.)
What you're seeing here is a shift in the way we play defense. Under Ruffin McNeill, we had our fair share of 6'0" 315lbs guys... we had short, stout, 300+ guys... and it didn't work out. Now we've gone out and added LENGTH to the front 7. Instead of 6'0"-6'2" & slow being the norm, it's now 6'3"-6'6" and athletic.
I can't freaking wait for Saturday.
Sounds like we are playing on Sunday with an NFL opponent, oh well.
But enough of that, what I really am wondering how does one get a reputation of plus 294? What's that all about?
Because I make excellent points across various boards... and with the exception of game week, I'm incredibly pleasant.
Pleasant is cool and pretty unique on sports blogs. Good for you!
/
Run game and pace of play vs ECU
![[Image: giphy.gif]](https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7TKnKXMdf5qNtVLi/giphy.gif)