#4 James Madison at #13 Massachusetts GAME THREAD

[JMU Duke Dog]

It is almost kickoff in Amherst! This will be quite an interesting game.

[ChickenMan]

Just checked CN8... no game yet... what's up???

[JMU Duke Dog]

Just checked CN8... no game yet... what's up???

CN8 is experiencing technical difficulties and is showing a sports show on Tyrone Willingham until it is fixed.

[TexasTerror]

0-0, 13:18 1Q

[JMU Duke Dog]

It sounds as if both teams are slipping and sliding all over the place. Neither team had the full pregame warmups due to the conditions.

[JMU Duke Dog]

Lots of early penalties committed by the Dukes on offense.

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU 3rd and 8 on the UMass 40
UMass Timeout - 2 remaining in the half

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass stops the drive
Nick Englehart punts and is a fair catch
Clint Kent commits a personal foul by not seeing the fair catch signal
UMass starts their drive in the biggest mud pit on the field
10:52 left in the 1st

[bkrownd]

Muuuddddd! YES!

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass fumbles and recovers
3rd and 5 for UMass

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass drops the pass
Umass 4th Down

[JMU Duke Dog]

Baker loses ground on returning the punt
Blockers could not gain any traction
Weather is definitely playing a factor today
JMU will start from the JMU 20

[JMU Duke Dog]

Alvin Banks up to the JMU 32
1st Down!

[JMU Duke Dog]

3rd and 4 for the Dukes

[JMU Duke Dog]

Rascati overthrows due to wet football and UMass pressure
High snap go over Englehart's head
Nick Englehart stayed calm and got if off
UMass starts at the UMass 47

[JMU Duke Dog]

Second timeout UMass
5:59 left in the 1st

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass now on JMU's 34

[JMU Duke Dog]

3rd and 10 for UMass from JMU 34
UMass calls its final timeout of the first half
4:34 left in the 1st

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU TD!!!!!!!!!!!

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU intercepted it to take it back 70 yards for the TD

[JMUfan2008]

who has the #1 defense here?

[alexale23]

YES

[blur2005]

Akeem Jordan, who went to my high school, with a 70-yard INT TD return!

XP good

JMU 7
UMass 0

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU 7 UMass 0
4:21 left in the 1st

[bkrownd]

What happened to our quagmire? Why didn't the mud make a tackle? grrrr

[alexale23]

dam tv

[JMUfan2008]

Akeem Jordan, who went to my high school, with a 70-yard INT TD return!


yeah...I went to Turner Ashby, so we had to play against him...not good for us...

[blur2005]

yeah...I went to Turner Ashby, so we had to play against him...not good for us...
Yeah, he was a fricken monster at RB. 2001 AP Group AA Player of the Year, with over 2000 yards rushing in route to a Divisiion 3 state championship.

[JMU Duke Dog]

The game can now be watched online at http://ne.cn8.tv/channel/article.asp?lArticleID=4665&lChannelID=644&subhead=cn8live

[JMU Duke Dog]

End of 1st Quarter
JMU 7 UMass 0

[blur2005]

End of the 1st quarter

JMU 7
UMass 0

[bkrownd]

New Hampshire spanking Rhody 28-0 in the first quarter???

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU had a shot at a touchdown
UMass defender fell down
Pass went incomplete

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU punts
UMass will start around the UMass 31

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass punts
JMU will start this drive from the JMU 37

[blur2005]

JMU punts from the UMass 45 or so. Fair caught at 15.

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU punts
UMass will start their drive from the UMass 10

[ChickenMan]

CN8 fee now working... the field is already a MESS!

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass punts
Ball bounces hits a JMU player and bounces away
UMass recovers at the UMass 45

[blur2005]

Punt hits JMU player who wasn't looking, and the ball is recovered by UMass at the UMass 44.

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass 3rd and 23
UMass gets a pass out to around midfield
Flag

[JMU Duke Dog]

6 on the Offensive Line for UMass Penality
UMass 3rd and 28
6:00 left in the half

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass punts
JMU will start their drive at the JMU 24

[blur2005]

UMass punt lands at the 24 and does not move. Went *plop* and died there.

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU punts
UMass will start their drive from the UMass 27

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass completes its longest pass play of the day
UMass 1st and 10 at the JMU 45
1:55 left in the half

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass 3rd down at the JMU 42

[JMU Duke Dog]

Defensive pass interference on JMU

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass 1st and 10 at the JMU 37
39 seconds left
Worst part of the field too

[JMU Duke Dog]

Pass knocked down
2nd and 10
36 seconds

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU INTERCEPTION!

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU will run out the clock

Halftime

JMU 7
UMass 0

[blur2005]

Halftime

JMU 7
UMass 0

[alexale23]

Umass field is horrible. You can not even see where the out of bounds line is on parts of the field. It looks worse than at the title game last year.

[JMU2004]

its a friggin disgrace.....

[blur2005]

its a friggin disgrace.....
How's it a disgrace? It's rained non-stop for days in New England. They can't help it.

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass QB injured and out indefinitely

[JMU Duke Dog]

Day will play for Cohen

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU punts
UMass will start their drive at the Umass 25
10:48 left in the 3rd

[JMUfan2008]

UMass QB injured and out indefinitely

this is why we were saying playing on this type of field isn't good, injuries happen when the field is like this, so I better not hear any "whining" from UMass players

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass pass gets them down to the JMU 15

[blur2005]

Huge catch by Smalls, who races down to the JMU 16. Apparently there was a missed hold on UMass, but oh well, that happens on every play.

[blur2005]

Holding, then a I missed something. It's 2nd and 20 and the 25.

[blur2005]

3rd and 8 at the 14.

[blur2005]

Playaction, Day throws to the endzone, overthrown incomplete.

[JMU Duke Dog]

4th and 8
Go for it or not?

[blur2005]

UMass will be going for it because where the kicker would kick it is a giant mudbowl.

[blur2005]

Incomplete pass on 4th down. JMU takes over...whew.

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU punts
UMass will start their drive at the UMass 43

[blur2005]

UMass is apparently changing QBs. Baylark runs to the JMU 39 on the first play after the punt.

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass rushes to the JMU 39

[blur2005]

UMass down to the JMU 25, 1st and 10

[SeattleGriz]

What a mess of a field. Where are all the fans? Stands look pretty empty.

[blur2005]

Four yard gain by Baylark down to the JMU 21.

[blur2005]

2nd and 6, playaction with Day back in? Completed down to Humpkins inside the JMU 2 yard line.

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass 1st and Goal from the JMU 1

[blur2005]

End of the 3rd quarter, UMass looking at a possible touchdown

JMU 7
UMass 0

[JMU Duke Dog]

Day coming in has ignited the offense of UMass

End of 3rd Quarter

JMU 7
UMass 0 (about to score)

[JMU Duke Dog]

Blaylark TD for UMass

[blur2005]

TD UMass by Baylark.

Extra point is...good.

JMU 7
UMass 7

Well, it's turning into the close one most of us predicted.

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU needs to do something on offense or by the way things are going UMass will win

[blur2005]

Kick return by Bransford to the JMU 40.

[blur2005]

JMU needs to do something on offense or by the way things are going UMass will win
Very true. Offense is anemic.

[blur2005]

2nd and 6, Banks stopped in the backfield.

[JMU Duke Dog]

Very true. Offense is anemic.

...and the UMass offense is doing quite well with Day in as the QB

[blur2005]

Rascati completes it to Tahir Hinds, but he was out of bounds. JMU will punt.

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU will punt

I know it is muddy...
BUT COME ON OFFENSE!

[blur2005]

Englehart booms it, UMass PR tackled right at the 20 where he caught it.

[blur2005]

JMU will punt

I know it is muddy...
BUT COME ON OFFENSE!
The UMass defense has come to play. Luckily, ours has as well.

[JMU Duke Dog]

I think UMass will win if they continue to have the offensive momentum advantage. COME ON DUKES!!!

[blur2005]

2nd and 3, Baylark gets a yard or so. It'll be 3rd and short.

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass will punt
GOOD STOP JMU D!

[blur2005]

Stopped short!

[blur2005]

Snapper drops the football, JMU recovers the football at the UMass 28!!

[JMU Duke Dog]

Something happens
JMU has the ball in UMass territory

[blur2005]

UMass holding again. It's 3rd down. Rascati throws it deep, completes it, but Bransford couldn't corral it, and was juggling it as he went out of bounds.

[blur2005]

JMU going for it.

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU pass complete then incomplete
4th down for JMU
Looks like JMU will go for it
JMU timeout

[blur2005]

Timeout JMU with 10:43 left in the game.

[Tod]

What's the score? What quarter is it?

[JMU Duke Dog]

Rascati runs for the first down!

[blur2005]

Rascati scrambles forever, then runs for the first down to the UMass 17!! I called that, too, if you recall my prediction on this. Rascati would make a big play late...there ya go.

[89Hen]

Score please.

[blur2005]

Alvin Banks fumbles. Damn. UMass recovers the ball at the JMU 10. Well, I jinxed us.

[JMU Duke Dog]

Banks fumbles at the UMass 8
UMass gets it

[blur2005]

No gain on 1st down for UMass.

[89Hen]

SCORE PLEASE! SOMEBODY, ANYBODY???

[UMass922]

Score please.

7-7

[Tod]

blur, JMU, is this a private conversation? Can you please post the score?

Edit - Thank you.

[blur2005]

It's 7-7

[blur2005]

Day throws deep and overthrows it. Day was under heavy pressure.

[bkrownd]

When is DeepThreatWR going to come through with the big bomb?

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass punts and gets a UMass bounce through the mud

[blur2005]

Deep punt, L.C. Baker lets it go as it was a "whirlybird," as Mike Shickman put it, spinning awkwardly, no reason to risk the fumble. JMU will try to get it going from the UMass 35 with 8:16 remaining.

[blur2005]

Rascati gains 7 up to around the 42.

[blur2005]

2nd and 3, Rascati hands off to Fenner, who doesn't make it to the line of scrimmage.

[bkrownd]

This better not go OT, I need to get to bed. ...zzzZZZzzZZzzzzZZzzz...

[blur2005]

3rd and 3

Alvin Banks crushed back at the 39. JMU will have to punt.

[blur2005]

UMass returns it to the JMU 26.

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU will punt
UMass will start their drive from the UMass 26

6:36 left in the 4th
Tied 7-7

[JMU Duke Dog]

3rd and 1 for UMass

[blur2005]

3rd down and a length of a football. UMass player down.

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass LG Matt Austin is down

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass is stopped by JMU

[blur2005]

Hand-off and Baylark is hit behind the line of scrimmage by Chris Johnson! UMass will have 4th and 1. They'll punt.

[blur2005]

It's raining again apparently.

[bkrownd]

Does it look like this yet?

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/dailypix/2005/Oct/08/FPI510080353AR_b.jpg

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass punts
JMU will start their drive at the JMU 10

COME ON JMU OFFENSE!

[blur2005]

Wow, UMass sticks it at the JMU 10. Dang. As Mike Shickman put it, "The greens are sticking today."

[SeattleGriz]

Umass punter has completely reversed field position. Two really good punts in a row.

[DaGriz]

what's the score?

[JMU Duke Dog]

Umass punter has completely reversed field position. Two really good punts in a row.

Yes he has done a good job for them today.

[blur2005]

Playaction, Rascati hit at the 6 for a sack.

[blur2005]

what's the score?
7-7

[JMU Duke Dog]

Rascati gets sacked
2nd and 14 from the JMU 6
4 minutes left in the game
Tied 7-7

[UMass922]

what's the score?

7-7 still.

[blur2005]

2nd and 14, Rascati hands it off to Banks, AB gets it to the 13.

[blur2005]

3rd and eight, Rascati cannot turn the corner and is hit at the JMU 11. This is not good.

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU runs again........do we not pass at all now?
JMU will punt

[blur2005]

Good snap, Englehart has a horrible punt. The ball is now at the JMU 38. Oh dear Lord.

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass will start their drive at the JMU 38
2:05 left in the game

STOP THEM JMU D!

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass 2nd and 6
1:30 left

[blur2005]

Baylark gets to the JMU 34.

[blur2005]

Day throws it away.

[JMU Duke Dog]

Day throws out of bounds
3rd and 6 for UMass
1:18 left

[UMass922]

If UMass pulls this out, the difference will have been the punting game.

[blur2005]

Overthrown AGAIN by Day. It'll be 4th down.

[JMU Duke Dog]

Day overthrows
UMass 4th and 6 from the JMU 34
1:14 left in the game
UMass will go fot it

[blur2005]

Going for it on 4th down.

Day completes it but it appears short of the first.

[JMU Duke Dog]

What will the spot be?

[blur2005]

Well, he got a good spot, it looked like he was down at the 30, spotted at the 28.

[JMU Duke Dog]

Refs helped out UMass with the spot

[blur2005]

First down UMass...wow, what a bad spot. Well, can't do anything about it.

[blur2005]

44 seconds left, Baylark stopped for no gain on first. Timeout.

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass Timeout
2nd and 12 for UMass at the JMU 30
0:44 Left
Tied 7-7

[blur2005]

Day is hit, incomplete.

[JMU Duke Dog]

Day incomplete
Might have been a fumble?
UMass 3rd and 12
0:39 Left
Tied 7-7

[blur2005]

Day being chased, screen to Cobbs, brought down at the 23.

[blur2005]

Isai Bradshaw is down.

[blur2005]

25 seconds left. UMass trying to decide what to do.

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass 4th Down

[blur2005]

It will be a 41 yard FG attempt.

[blur2005]

Dukes trying to freeze the kicker. Timeout.

[JMU Duke Dog]

JMU Timeout
13 seconds left
UMass will kick

[JMU Duke Dog]

the career longest for the UMass kicker is 31
will he hit the miracle?

[blur2005]

Freshman kicker, who is actually Italian apparently, moved here when he was 14.

[blur2005]

The kick is good.

[blur2005]

Wow, nice kick.

JMU 7
UMass 10.

Special teams won this game for UMass. Their punter was a machine.

[mainejeff]

Wow.....tough loss for JMU.....I picked the Dukes to win a close game :( .

[JMU Duke Dog]

UMass wins

[UMass922]

Wow.

[blur2005]

Well, I guess all we can do is whine about field conditions ;)

[blur2005]

Probably not even time for JMU to get a play off after the kick.

[blur2005]

Kicked deep, Hawkins dropped at the 35, and will have 4 seconds for a hail mary.

[bkrownd]

I think I wet my boxers while hitting the reload button...

[mainejeff]

I think that you will see numerous athletic depts. in the Northeast re-examining their turf issues in the off-season.......

[blur2005]

That Alvin Banks fumble was huge. We really should've gotten points there.

[JMUDukes99]

I only saw the 2nd half, but all of the borderline calls by the refs seem to have gone UMass's way. Even the CN8 Commentators have said as much. I guess that's why they call it homefield advantage.

[blur2005]

I think I wet my boxers while hitting the reload button...
Looks like you get to go to sleep a happy man.

[JMU2004]

That Alvin Banks fumble was huge. We really should've gotten points there.


funny you should mention that.....it cleary WAS NOT a fumble.....the refs made a lot of questionable calls against us today

[blur2005]

I only saw the 2nd half, but all of the borderline calls by the refs seem to have gone UMass's way. Even the CN8 Commentators have said as much. I guess that's why they call it homefield advantage.
Don't bitch, we should've played better. I mean, that spot that set up the eventual field goal was huge, but that's just the way things go. If Banks doesn't fumble, and we score a TD, it would've been 14-7, and UMass would've had to score a TD. No one's fault but our own inability to get ANYTHING going offensively.

[mainejeff]

JMU and UMass should both make the playoffs.

[blur2005]

JMU and UMass should both make the playoffs.
Yeah...about that. JMU needs to win the rest of their games I think to be ensured a playoff spot. 8-3 would be cutting it close.

[blur2005]

Hats off to the UMass defense. A good performance. The Minutemen special teams, though, played incredibly considering the special teams. Gogol was the game MVP.

[UMass922]

Another shutout for the UMass D.

Am I correct that, with the JMU INT return for a TD today, the UMass offense has now surrendered more points than the UMass defense this season?

[mainejeff]

You can lose 1 more......6-2 in the A-10 and 8-3 overall gets you a playoff spot.

Luckily for you guys, Coastal Carolina has proved to be a good football team.

[blur2005]

You can lose 1 more......6-2 in the A-10 and 8-3 overall gets you a playoff spot.

Luckily for you guys, Coastal Carolina has proved to be a good football team.
True I guess.

[blur2005]

Another shutout for the UMass D.

Am I correct that, with the JMU INT return for a TD today, the UMass offense has now surrendered more points than the UMass defense this season?
:) I believe that is correct. Wow.

[JMU Duke Dog]

I know it was difficult conditions but our offense needs to wakeup. UMass defense was good but our offense could not produce when necessary.

[blur2005]

Well, to get techical, the offense has surrendered 18 points, and the defense has given up 18. Extra points go against the D. ;)

[bkrownd]

Looks like you get to go to sleep a happy man.

sounds like the Minutemen got the slight edge in lucky bounces this time. I was dreading the thought of OT. Now the Goophers have to get their helmets out of their arses and take Paul Bunyan's axe from Bucky!

[WMTribe90]

Not so sure about JMU getting in at 8-3 with wins over DII LH and DSU.

[JMU Duke Dog]

Not so sure about JMU getting in at 8-3 with wins over DII LH and DSU.

JMU probably lost out on hosting a playoff game today and will have the possibility of missing the playoffs altogether with another loss. JMU needs to see what went wrong today and refocus and get motivated to beat Delaware next weekend.

[blur2005]

JMU probably lost out on hosting a playoff game today and will have the possibility of missing the playoffs altogether with another loss. JMU needs to see what went wrong today and refocus and get motivated to beat Delaware next weekend.
I'd agree with you, except if JMU goes the rest of the way without losing, goes 9-2 (7-1), considering our attendance, we might get to host a game. But I'm not holding my breath.

[UMass922]

Well, to get techical, the offense has surrendered 18 points, and the defense has given up 18. Extra points go against the D. ;)

Heh. Well, if we really want to get technical, extra points and field goals are scored against special teams, not against the defense . . . in which case UMass has given up 18 points on offense, 12 on special teams, and 6 on defense. ;-)

In any case, whatever way you slice it, the UMass defense has allowed just one touchdown in six games. It's certainly not the way the Minutemen were winning games in the Whipple era, but I'll take it.

[blur2005]

Heh. Well, if we really want to get technical, extra points and field goals are scored against special teams, not against the defense . . . in which case UMass has given up 18 points on offense, 12 on special teams, and 6 on defense. ;-)

In any case, whatever way you slice it, the UMass defense has allowed just one touchdown in six games. It's certainly not the way the Minutemen were winning games in the Whipple era, but I'll take it.
I'd take it.

[Kosty]

That was just a great defensive battle by both teams. We got a couple breaks that we don't normally get, and I think that helped, but the special teams absolutley won us this game. Koegel was huge punting and the freshman Cuko came up with probably the biggest kick of his short career. Good luck to the Dukes for the rest of the season. Maybe we'll meet again in the playoffs.

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

My hat is off to Umass getting it done.

Having said that, what a joke of a game. Field, calls, playcalling, etc. I wanted to blow up this computer I was watching it on.

Mostly I am disappointed in the JMU offensive coordinator for the playcalling. I really didn't think the Umass D was overwhelming. Very good, but not as good as the stats tell. Weather games like this have inflated the numbers on D for Umass.

W&M is struggling at NU, so maybe another "upset" is brewing in New England.

Again, good job Umass. I don't like whining. This would be a different game on a real field, but hey, none of our schools are that well equiped anyhow. Even the championship was played on a piece of pooh field.

My game ball would go to Mr. Day, the senior QB coming in and playing consistently enough to get the job done for the Minutemen.

Playoff picture is now as clear as the mud on your field! :rolleyes: IMO we can't lose another one... I am not yet convinced we're not the best team in the A-10.

[ChickenMan]

The field was a disgrace... worse than UD's... but I don't blame UMass for playing there... they got a home game and a win... ;)

[bkrownd]

sounds like the Minutemen got the slight edge in lucky bounces this time. I was dreading the thought of OT. Now the Goophers have to get their helmets out of their arses and take Paul Bunyan's axe from Bucky!

DAM THA FRICKEN GAD DAMM DAMMIT!!!! :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SNOT!

I'm going to go burn something...something large and building-shaped...

[UMass922]

Weather games like this have inflated the numbers on D for Umass.

Very true.

[umassfan]

Ok so now I will have to hear about the weather, flight delays, refs calls, field spots, and again the weather.... Lets just put it this way... it was a ugly weather game for both and the better team(today) won. Your so called great rushing attack and offense got only 6 first downs and only 2 in the second half. That right there is why you lost the game. End of story... all you can blame is yourself... do not blame weather, refs or anyone else but your offense.

Great game by UMass. Our special teams won the game. We have the best punter in the A10 and he showed why today. Lets get some Black Bears.

[mainejeff]

Cosgrove may be willing to give you a forfeit win. I'm actually going to be in Maine next weekend, and I don't even know if I want to witness that massacre.

[umassfan]

Cosgrove may be willing to give you a forfeit win. I'm actually going to be in Maine next weekend, and I don't even know if I want to witness that massacre.


Our offense will be rough still... we lost another OLineman today to injury... that means 3 of our starting 5 are out.

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

Maine Jeff - I watched us beat you 38-2 and us lose 10-7 to Umass:

You have a great shot at the upset in Maine!!! Trust me, they are not that great, and Maine is no easy pushover at Orono.

Should be interesting to see who starts at QB for the Minutemen next week.

Go Bears! ;)

[JMU Duke Dog]

Ok so now I will have to hear about the weather, flight delays, refs calls, field spots, and again the weather.... Lets just put it this way... it was a ugly weather game for both and the better team(today) won. Your so called great rushing attack and offense got only 6 first downs and only 2 in the second half. That right there is why you lost the game. End of story... all you can blame is yourself... do not blame weather, refs or anyone else but your offense.

Great game by UMass. Our special teams won the game. We have the best punter in the A10 and he showed why today. Lets get some Black Bears.

Congrats on your win, but have you read any of the JMU posts? JMU's offense blew JMU's chances to win. There was also some questionable coaching as JMU seemed like they refused to run any passing plays at crucial times in the second half.

[saint0917]

I can't believe I missed this game. I was at work getting ready to go to the game when my wife called and said our basement is under water. So I've been pumping out water and cleaning up the basement for the last 6 hours. It sounds like it was a good game. :( :( :bawling: :bawling:

[umassfan]

Maine Jeff - I watched us beat you 38-2 and us lose 10-7 to Umass:

You have a great shot at the upset in Maine!!! Trust me, they are not that great, and Maine is no easy pushover at Orono.

Should be interesting to see who starts at QB for the Minutemen next week.

Go Bears! ;)
Just a side note for you JMU fans... Coen left the game because he was injured on a late hit... he got a concusion and was puking on the sidelines.

[JMU Duke Dog]

Just a side note for you JMU fans... Coen left the game because he was injured on a late hit... he got a concusion and was puking on the sidelines.

We know. CN8 was televising the game.

[JALMOND]

Interesting comments from the JMU fans. Reminds me of the comments from the Griz fans after the championship game last year. The winners won and the losers lost only because of the field conditions and referee calls. The point that was hammered to me last year is the same that I will say here, you both played on the same field. UMass is the better team today (congrats to the UMass fans).

From the sounds of it, it was a hard fought defensive game. The weather you all have been having in the NE virtually neutralized both offenses. Hats off to UMass for the win.

[JMU Duke Dog]

Interesting comments from the JMU fans. Reminds me of the comments from the Griz fans after the championship game last year. The winners won and the losers lost only because of the field conditions and referee calls. The point that was hammered to me last year is the same that I will say here, you both played on the same field. UMass is the better team today (congrats to the UMass fans).

From the sounds of it, it was a hard fought defensive game. The weather you all have been having in the NE virtually neutralized both offenses. Hats off to UMass for the win.

I have not said that the weather or the calls caused JMU to lose today. JMU lost because the offense could not produce and playcalling was questionable in the second half as JMU would not attempt a passing play when the running game was obviously not working. JMU had a chance to win today in Amherst and the offense did nothing to help out the defense. Now JMU's losing streak at UMass will be extended to at least either 2008 or 2009 as these two will not meet again in the regular season until those future seasons. What a shame to squander away a chance of victory by not passing every once in awhile.

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

Stat of the game, Rascati 2-4 in the second half. One completion was a 20yard completion on the last play of the game- that is, a meaningless play.

That means, effectively, JMU decided to throw only 3 times in the 2nd half. One was a controvesial incompletion (not Rascati's fault). With a player like Rascati, giving up like that was suicide. We should have passed and kept the D off balance. When they load up 8-9 players in the box, running up the middle in the mud is not the answer, not matter who the D is. Rascati does not throw stupid INTs, so maybe this coaching staff will one day believe in him a little more in such situations.

I hope this makes the UMass fans happy that I am not blaming the field.

By the way, this mud was not the same as torn up sod. Similar, tough to get footing, but the mud slows everything, whereas you can at least RUN on the sod.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the W&M upset by NU... Tribe is down by 7. 1:49, 1st and 10 tribe at the NU 25... :mad:

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

Check that :eek: Tied game

[umassfan]

Coach Matthews on the field conditions:
It wasn't my decision, but I asked them to consider it. I think it's really sad we played on that field. These are two football teams, but I've been here on a beautiful day and it's still wet. They need to take up a collection and get a new field. That did not help, but they beat us in the fourth quarter

[umassfan]

The funny thing is now after the game... it is pure blue skys and sunny. :cool:

[JMUfan2008]

I'm not saying the field or the playcalling lost it for JMU. I'm saying that if we played on any other field with better playing conditions we would have won the game (not that it matters now). But, since we played on that field, UMass outplayed us. All I can say is, I hope if we make it to the playoffs we play CCU and UMass...that would make me happy :D

[umassfan]

I'm not saying the field or the playcalling lost it for JMU. I'm saying that if we played on any other field with better playing conditions we would have won the game (not that it matters now). But, since we played on that field, UMass outplayed us. All I can say is, I hope if we make it to the playoffs we play CCU and UMass...that would make me happy :D
I said all game that I would love a rematch even say for the NC against the Dukes... it was a good game... Good luck JMU and hope to see you in the playoffs.

[eaglesrthe1]

I'm not saying the field or the playcalling lost it for JMU. I'm saying that if we played on any other field with better playing conditions we would have won the game (not that it matters now). But, since we played on that field, UMass outplayed us. All I can say is, I hope if we make it to the playoffs we play CCU and UMass...that would make me happy :D


I'm not saying...I'm just saying. Well, sounds to me like you're saying... :rolleyes:

[Umass74]

Well, I was there. Some thoughts:

1. JMU's defense is very, very good. Loads of speed at LB

2. It did not rain any where near what it rained last week.

3. The UMass defense still has only given up one TD all year.

4. Lets hope we play again in the second round of the playoffs...

The field should be frozen by then :)

P.S. That was a great kick by Cuko :) :) :) :) :)

[JMU Duke Dog]

4. Lets hope we play again in the second round of the playoffs...

The field should be frozen by then :)

If that occured then that would be the closest JMU has ever been to having an ice hockey team. :D

Enjoy the win by staying dry and warm and good luck to you all with the remainder of your season.

[Umass74]

Thanks DukeDog:

I mean it. Your defense is a load. And I think defense wins championships.

You need to take care of business against the Hens next week.

We need win at Maine next week.

Then, Think Snow at McGuirk...

[Umass74]

Anyone have a tape of the game?? If so, PM me.

I'll pay for the tape and for s&h... :)

[umassfan]

Anyone have a tape of the game?? If so, PM me.

I'll pay for the tape and for s&h... :)
It will be on the umass site later....

[dwtime]

Thanks DukeDog:

I mean it. Your defense is a load. And I think defense wins championships.

You need to take care of business against the Hens next week.

We need win at Maine next week.

Then, Think Snow at McGuirk...

Let me rephrase that for you Umass74:

you need a win at Maine next week.

Then think Santo at McGuirk! ;)

[Umass74]

UMass-UNH should be a great game. UNH should bring lots of fans. I live in the great Granite State and make the drive down to UMass each home game.

Wildcat fans can make it once.

I still want a tape of the JMU game... :)

[Sam Adams]

Just back from partying in Amherst post game. We had sun and blue skies late this afternoon in the valley. Should be one hell of a party scene tonight in beautiful Amherst as UMass sits alone atop the A10 North after a great win against the defending national champions.

Observations:

1) The field was totally playable. It was muddy but that is football, I have seen games played in much more severe conditions and frankly that is part of the game. If the JMU coach wants to whine about some mud and rain then he had best hike up his skirt so that he doesn't get wet skipping over a few puddles.

2) Related matter: Liam Coen the UMass Starting QB was not injured due to field conditions as some JMU fans tried to imply. He got hit in the head on a late hit that was not called and he suffered a concussion - vomiting etc.

3) The JMU defense did a great job but credit to UMass for moving the ball in the second half with the power run game and timely passing.

4) Christian Koegel the UMass punter was HUGE!

5) The UMass Defense shut JMU down. Period. End of Story. That big offensive line for JMU was sucking wind in the 4th quarter and they were getting beat off the ball - hence the huge sacks by UMass in the 4th.

6) Cuko!!! Cuko!!! Cuko !!! 41 ydr from the mud to win the game.

7) JMU fans were pretty full of themselves during the first half when it was 7-0...Screaming at UMass players, mocking, strutting, lots of showboating early on...but not so much screaming and cat calling when they were staring at the ground, loading on the busses to go back to Virginia. Meanwhile UMass was getting ready for a PARTEEEEE !!!!! :D :D :D :D xprost2x xprost2x

[colgate13]

Keep winning UMass... We like to see that in Hamilton!

[Maroon&White]

Keep winning UMass... We like to see that in Hamilton!

I know I'd like to see UMass win in Hamilton :)

[Maroon&White]

Let me rephrase that for you Umass74:

you need a win at Maine next week.

Then think Santo at McGuirk! ;)

The same Santos that last year was 16-32 for 98 yds, 1 TD and 3 INT's? The same Santos that was sacked 2 times? The same Santos UMass chased out of last years game by the second quarter? The same Santos that will be going up against the best pass D in the country?

Sure, I'll take that :)

First beat the Black Bears though :)

[JMU Duke Dog]

The same Santos that last year was 16-32 for 98 yds, 1 TD and 3 INT's? The same Santos that was sacked 2 times? The same Santos UMass chased out of last years game by the second quarter? The same Santos that will be going up against the best pass D in the country?

Sure, I'll take that :)

First beat the Black Bears though :)

It will be very interesting to see how high octane pass happy New Hampshire does against the UMass defense.

[Maroon&White]

It will be very interesting to see how high octane pass happy New Hampshire does against the UMass defense.

I'm predicting Ihedigbo to get back into form and pick up 2 sacks, while the secondary picks off a few. UNH certainly throws the ball down the field a lot, so ample opportunity to. 2 for James and 1 for Freeman. No score prediction here though.

[bkrownd]

Coach Matthews on the field conditions:
It wasn't my decision, but I asked them to consider it. I think it's really sad we played on that field. These are two football teams, but I've been here on a beautiful day and it's still wet. They need to take up a collection and get a new field. That did not help, but they beat us in the fourth quarter

The man is saying bad stuff about McGuirk??? Get a rope! :mad:

[JMU Duke Dog]

The man is saying bad stuff about McGuirk??? Get a rope! :mad:

:eek: UH OH!

[bkrownd]

Isn't this about the 4th season in a row that the Minutemen beat a #4 ranked team at home? Those always seem to bounce their way somehow. That Villanova game 3-4 years ago was especially freakish....

edit - OK, I was remembering these previous upsets:
2002: #2 Maine and @ #4 Villanova
2003: #4 Villanova
2004: #4 Colgate

[JMU Duke Dog]

Isn't this about the 4th season in a row that the Minutemen beat a #4 ranked team at home? Those always seem to bounce their way somehow. That Villanova game 3-4 years ago was especially freakish....

I know JMU does not have a recent history of playing extremely well when ranked really high. Just look at this weekend at UMass, earlier this season at Coastal Carolina, and during the regular season in 2004 against William & Mary. The Dukes play best as underdogs or when underestimated.

[JMUfan2008]

I know JMU does not have a recent history of playing extremely well when ranked really high. Just look at this weekend at UMass, earlier this season at Coastal Carolina, and during the regular season in 2004 against William & Mary. The Dukes play best as underdogs or when underestimated.

unfortunately very very true, well, could be fortunate as long as we make it into the playoffs

[Sam Adams]

I think you'll have a tough road to the playoffs. UD, UR WM and Nova coming up. 1 more loss and you guys are road pizza. I'd say you get picked off by 1 of those teams.

[blur2005]

I no longer care about the fact JMU lost this game...BECAUSE UVA UPSET FLORIDA STATE!!!! I HAVE TO SAY RUSHING THE FIELD WAS AWESOME!!

[ChickenMan]

I no longer care about the fact JMU lost this game...BECAUSE UVA UPSET FLORIDA STATE!!!! I HAVE TO SAY RUSHING THE FIELD WAS AWESOME!!


:eek: :eek: :bang: