Umass @ JMU

[umassfan]

Before all this ASU talk... JMU has a big game vs UMass at their place. Let the talk begin.:D

[JMUSaxMRD]

How good is/was Holy Cross?

[mcveyrl]

My guess is a lot of points will be scored. Coen will probably pick apart our secondary and we will probably mix the run and pass again this week.

Team with the ball last wins.

[JMU-MRD-DAD]

Exactly........next up is UMASS.

An opening loss to Duke and a butt whipping of NC Central really does not give me much to go on except the fact that JMU should be a competitive squad this year.

Simply put.....Huge game for both teams, but a must win for the home team as you must win at home in this league.

UMASS is off to a great start but I'm looking for a close game next week. Landers and company need to be sharp for this matchup.

Go Dukes

[umassfan]

Exactly........next up is UMASS.

An opening loss to Duke and a butt whipping of NC Central really does not give me much to go on except the fact that JMU should be a competitive squad this year.

Simply put.....Huge game for both teams, but a must win for the home team as you must win at home in this league.

UMASS is off to a great start but I'm looking for a close game next week. Landers and company need to be sharp for this matchup.

Go Dukes

UMass teams have had issue with Landers style QBs in the past. We are currently having issues wraping up guys when making tackles. If JMU is soft in the DB area, unless you put pressure on Coen, it will be a long day. Coen has yet to be sacked this season.

[Old Cage]

Coen threw for 395 and three of our DB's were All-CAA pre-season first team.

We will throw. You better be able to run.

Should be fun. It's great that it is on tv.

[PantherRob82]

I'd have to go with JMU at this point. Single digit game.

[ericsaid]

35-17 JMU wins.:D

[HensRock]

I think UMass will be able to control the ball on offense. And on defense, the Minutemen have the talent in the secondary to load the box and force Landers to try to beat them with his arm.

Therefore, I'll go with UMass in this one.

[Col Hogan]

35-17 JMU wins.:D

I'm not predicting a win...but I will say, UMass will score a bit more than 17...

I say it will be a good offensive game, with each team in the 30's at minimum...

I'll also be there for this one...xthumbsupxxthumbsupx

[19Duke97]

I like JMU because it's at home, but I think it will be a highly competitive game. I think both teams could put 40 on the board. However, if JMU has a strength on defense, it IS their backs and safeties. No offense to holy Cross, but if they can put 42 on UMass's D, I think JMU can run against them, and don't think Landers can't pass the football, he is more than capable.

[dukesfan74]

Landers is a better passer than most give him credit for. He is good enough to keep the D honest and then use his legs

[bluehenbillk]

I'll say JMU by 10ish.

[phillyAPP]

Landers is a better passer than most give him credit for. He is good enough to keep the D honest and then use his legs

Are tickets available ? and what time is the game ? I think i might drive 3 hours to JMU 2 weeks in a row !!

[RichmondDuke]

It's a sell-out, no tickets available through the ticket office. Though, I'm sure you could find some if you asked around caazone.com.

But beware, two straight weekends taking in all the sites on JMU's campus may have you changing your avatar. xsmiley_wix

[EmeryZach]

JMU 49 - UMass 28

Going to be a very long day for the UMass Defense. I have no confidence in them at all. Landers will own us. And if it is a really hot night UMass will lose by even more.

I'll be there, so I hope UMass plays better than I think, but I've watched every down this season and I am not thrilled at what I have seen at all. I do not trust this team. You know I will be rooting hard for them though in the stands. Should be a fun trip.

[Old Cage]

EZ - Get back on your meds! We will be fine. Give the new guys on D a chance to learn.

When we won a national championship with Whip coaching, his famous line was "If we hold 'em to 50, we'll be fine". Our first four opponents put up 112 against us. We were three and one and getting better as we went.

[EmeryZach]

EZ - Get back on your meds! We will be fine. Give the new guys on D a chance to learn.

When we won a national championship with Whip coaching, his famous line was "If we hold 'em to 50, we'll be fine". Our first four opponents put up 112 against us. We were three and one and getting better as we went.

I know, I skipped them this weekend.

[Kymermosst]

I'd feel better about JMU if we'd done a better job tackling at HC.

I do think our guys are going to get fired up and start to click this week. Coach knows that we're not going to make it by sheer luck in Harrisonburg. The UMass fans are what pulled them through yesterday and we won't have that benefit next week.

I expect it to be a long few days at practice but a whole new UMass defense on Saturday.

That said, I still don't think it'll be enough. I had worries about this game all along and I don't think we can get rid of all of the bugs that fast. Should be a high scoring game, our offense will make it look good, but in the end JMU gets the win at home 45-38.

[Henwatcher]

JMU wins this one EASILY.

[Turfwar]

Bridgeforth Stadium wins this for JMU, the guess is about 13 points.

[crusader11]

It's hard to fault a coach who consistently has winning seasons and regular trips to the playoffs, but the amount of stupid penalties (offsides, pass interferences, and personal fouls) that UMASS committed against Holy Cross is a sign of a very undisciplined team; a direct reflection of the coaching staff. Now, pass interferences is not on the coach, as he obviously cannot control how a defender plays the ball and receiver but personal fouls and offsides certainly are.

UMASS must have committed at least 4 or 5 personal fouls which prolonged several of Holy Cross' drives. The thing that really surprised me about this was I never saw Coach Brown get in the players' faces about these penalties. Certainly, the secondary and defense could use a little work, but so does the attitude of the players and how they play the game. I truly think this will inhibit UMASS' success this year.

[umassfan]

It's hard to fault a coach who consistently has winning seasons and regular trips to the playoffs, but the amount of stupid penalties (offsides, pass interferences, and personal fouls) that UMASS committed against Holy Cross is a sign of a very undisciplined team; a direct reflection of the coaching staff. Now, pass interferences is not on the coach, as he obviously cannot control how a defender plays the ball and receiver but personal fouls and offsides certainly are.

UMASS must have committed at least 4 or 5 personal fouls which prolonged several of Holy Cross' drives. The thing that really surprised me about this was I never saw Coach Brown get in the players' faces about these penalties. Certainly, the secondary and defense could use a little work, but so does the attitude of the players and how they play the game. I truly think this will inhibit UMASS' success this year.


You must not know Don Brown teams then. This isnt a new issue. Has been from day one. He states that he will live with those flags because he will not ask his players to not give 100 %

[GannonFan]

UMass has always had problems with option based teams - heck, URI used to give UMass fits despite being a pretty poor team. UMass's D is just flat out terrible right now, and while JMU can't pass (the earlier poster touting Landers' passing ability just isn't right - Landers is a decent passer assuming it's a flanker screen type pass - other than that he's unreliable), they can run the ball. I don't think JMU's defense is anything to write home about so Coen will have some real gaudy stats, but in the end UMass's inability to handle the rushing game will doom them. I think JMU by 2 TD's.

[crusader11]

Is hitting a player out of bounds or going offsides OK because the player is thought to be going 100%? It's fairly obvious UMASS is a team with a wealth of talent, but little discipline.

[GannonFan]

You must not know Don Brown teams then. This isnt a new issue. Has been from day one. He states that he will live with those flags because he will not ask his players to not give 100 %


That's just a weird philosophy - there are plenty of teams that give the 100% effort but also play smart and avoid the dumb stuff. It's not as if they are mutually exclusive.

[umassfan]

That's just a weird philosophy - there are plenty of teams that give the 100% effort but also play smart and avoid the dumb stuff. It's not as if they are mutually exclusive.

You would have to understand his style of D to understand the penelty issue. You cant really say too much because the success under him has been great at UMass and NU as well.

[Kymermosst]

Don Brown has come out and said on several occasions that he will not tell his players to "play safe." He'd rather have the guys out there being aggressive and going for it all game and not holding back because something is borderline and they're afraid there could be a penalty.

I didn't go out to Holy Cross yesterday, but I was at the Albany game opening night and I've been to plenty of games. I've seen calls made against UMass that were highly questionable and many of those out of bounds hits you mention are guys who have fully committed to the hit before the ball carrier gets out of bounds. Sometimes we get called for it, sometimes we don't. And sometimes that ball carrier stays in and that committed hit is what ends the play.

Obviously it would be great if we could cut back on the penalties and not spot the other team 100 yards in every game. But if my choices are spot the yards, play aggressive and win, or reduce the penalties, play more reserved, and hope, I'll take the former. Thankfully our team has been good enough to overcome that far more often than not.

[minuteman65]

To be fair,one of the late hit calls was absolutely ridiculous. The UMass defender wrapped up the ball carrier and drove him out of bounds, then held on to him so as to not go down. The refs apparently thought hugging the ballcarrier was worthy of a penalty.

[KAUMASS]

Hey guys,

Don't forget last year....we didn't exactly smoke HC and Colgate in the first two games either. We have played two very good football teams the last two weeks which have prepared us well for JMU. Holy Cross and Albany would be solid CAA teams this year. JMU struggled against Duke with a bunch of turnovers and they smoked an average D2 team. I don't know what to expect from JMU. Neither team has probably shown everything in their arsenal, as we both have played non-conference games. This game has the potential to be a classic. I also wouldn't be surprised to see either team take it hard on the chin. Can't wait to watch it!!!

[appfan2008]

I think JMU looks sluggish early on due to looking ahead but will sneak out a win... good luck to both teams...

[JmuSkinsfan]

NCCU is FCS ... but they did just move up a couple years ago

[appstate38]

Simply put Game of the Week: Lots of offense maybe 41-31 range for a final score. My guess is that with UMASS being higher ranked they would be a slight favorite, but they are on the road. I don't think the loser of this game will be given a death sentence but they will have to regroup quickly. My pick JMU!

[WrenFGun]

I think people claiming JMU in a blowout are a bit crazy. These are two flawed but talented teams, and I expect a barnburner. JMU needs this, because if not, their season could be over fast, so I'll pick them to win.

[BDKJMU]

Hey guys,

Don't forget last year....we didn't exactly smoke HC and Colgate in the first two games either. We have played two very good football teams the last two weeks which have prepared us well for JMU. Holy Cross and Albany would be solid CAA teams this year. JMU struggled against Duke with a bunch of turnovers and they smoked an average D2 team. I don't know what to expect from JMU. Neither team has probably shown everything in their arsenal, as we both have played non-conference games. This game has the potential to be a classic. I also wouldn't be surprised to see either team take it hard on the chin. Can't wait to watch it!!!

NCCU isn't D2. Are I-AA (2nd yr since leaving D2) although they probably aren't any better or even as good as the avg D2 team. They lost their 1st game to Div 2 Fayetteville State I think it was.

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

JMU appeared to be practicing everything they were afraid to try in Durham. 1st play from scrimmage was a pass attempt and there was an almost sarcastic cheer from the home crowd.

One thing I've noticed - Scotty McGee - He has got to be one of the best returners in the country. He returned the first NC Central punt for a TD, the opening kick of the 2nd half at Duke for 70 yrds, and just looks like a natural out there. You YSU Penguin friends will remember his return for a TD in the playoffs a couple years ago as a freshman. He is one of the intangibles that gives JMU a big boost.

I am not sure how high scoring this will be. JMU's D is better than people realize. Duke had to grind away and get 4th down conversions to score 31, and they also had a couple short fields off of turnovers. What needs to change is SACKS. If JMU starts sacking QBs, the Dukes will be scary good. Last week they got a couple, but should have had 6 or 7 sacks. Sacks and Turnovers are the keys to the game for JMU.

For UMass - it's all about creating turnovers. They are not great on D, but the talent is there to take the ball away on any play. This will be a tough test for the turnover prone Dukes. UMass' QB Coen is somewhere between solid and exceptional, likely the best passer in the CAA IMO. They need to wear down JMU and win the ball control game, just like Duke did 2 weeks ago.

[Jackman]

I have no idea what to expect from this game. JMU blew out a barely FCS team but crapped the bed against a barely BCS team. Who knows what they really are. UMass suddenly can't stop anyone from moving the ball, even though they only lost a couple players from last year's highly ranked defense. Is this their real level or have they been sandbagging it against small conference opponents? I wouldn't be surprised if JMU ran them off the field, but I wouldn't be surprised if UMass stopped them cold. No possible outcome to this game would surprise me. Only after this game will we know anything definite about either team.

[Oldhen]

JMU protects the ball, Matthews mixes up the playcalling, they should win at home. Coen should put up some #'s for UMass, but I don't think he'll be on the field enough to make a difference unless JMU puts it on the ground or up for grabs regularly... and they're capable of doing that...

[Maroon&White]

I have no idea what to expect from this game. JMU blew out a barely FCS team but crapped the bed against a barely BCS team. Who knows what they really are. UMass suddenly can't stop anyone from moving the ball, even though they only lost a couple players from last year's highly ranked defense. Is this their real level or have they been sandbagging it against small conference opponents? I wouldn't be surprised if JMU ran them off the field, but I wouldn't be surprised if UMass stopped them cold. No possible outcome to this game would surprise me. Only after this game will we know anything definite about either team.


Couldn't agree more, I have absolutely no idea what to expect. Could be a blowout either way, or could come down to the last possesion. I don't know what to expect from UMass, nevermind JMU.

I know the defense isn't as bad as they've looked the past two weeks vs. Albany and Holy Cross. I thought their performance against Albany was due to them being too pumped up for the game and just over playing everything. Second half they seemed to calm down and played a lot better. The Holy Cross game showed they do have big problems in the fundamentals, mainly tackling. The defense and special teams are all of a sudden terrible tacklers. How this happened I don't know. Everyone is overrunning the ball and when trying to tackle are just using their body and not wrapping up. I couldn't keep track of how many times HC players just bounced off the defender when the UMass guy just tried to knock them over instead of really tackling them. Special teams play and tackling should be a big emphasis during practice this week.

[Dukie95]

I have no idea what to expect from this game. JMU blew out a barely FCS team but crapped the bed against a barely BCS team. Who knows what they really are. UMass suddenly can't stop anyone from moving the ball, even though they only lost a couple players from last year's highly ranked defense. Is this their real level or have they been sandbagging it against small conference opponents? I wouldn't be surprised if JMU ran them off the field, but I wouldn't be surprised if UMass stopped them cold. No possible outcome to this game would surprise me. Only after this game will we know anything definite about either team.


Well said...nothing to do but wait for Saturday. I have no idea what to epxect.

This feels like JMU's real opener as I think Mickey's been using his "Don't give UMass any video" playbook for two weeks.

[BDKJMU]

I think people claiming JMU in a blowout are a bit crazy. These are two flawed but talented teams, and I expect a barnburner. JMU needs this, because if not, their season could be over fast, so I'll pick them to win.

Who has claimed JMU wins in a blowout?

Sure JMU needs this win, but even if JMU loses, their season isn't over. Their season wouldn't be over till they got a 4th loss. 8-3 JMU is in, 7-4 their out. UMass would have a shot with the 4th loss b/c they'd be 8-4 with an all Div I schedule. If UMass loses they're likely staring at 2-2 after playing @ Texas Tech on Sept 20th, and would still have to play (ranked):
UD
UR
@ UNH

JMU needs this win. UMass needs this win almost as much as JMU.

[BDKJMU]

JMU appeared to be practicing everything they were afraid to try in Durham. 1st play from scrimmage was a pass attempt and there was an almost sarcastic cheer from the home crowd.

One thing I've noticed - Scotty McGee - He has got to be one of the best returners in the country. He returned the first NC Central punt for a TD, the opening kick of the 2nd half at Duke for 70 yrds, and just looks like a natural out there. You YSU Penguin friends will remember his return for a TD in the playoffs a couple years ago as a freshman. He is one of the intangibles that gives JMU a big boost.

I am not sure how high scoring this will be. JMU's D is better than people realize. Duke had to grind away and get 4th down conversions to score 31, and they also had a couple short fields off of turnovers. What needs to change is SACKS. If JMU starts sacking QBs, the Dukes will be scary good. Last week they got a couple, but should have had 6 or 7 sacks. Sacks and Turnovers are the keys to the game for JMU.

For UMass - it's all about creating turnovers. They are not great on D, but the talent is there to take the ball away on any play. This will be a tough test for the turnover prone Dukes. UMass' QB Coen is somewhere between solid and exceptional, likely the best passer in the CAA IMO. They need to wear down JMU and win the ball control game, just like Duke did 2 weeks ago.

McGee's ko return against Duke was for 60 yards, not 70.

Punt return for TD was 38 yards. McGee did have 99 yard kick return for TD @ YSU in 1st round of playoffs in 06' and 100 yard ko return for TD against Towson last game of regular season last season.

06':
"his 34.1-yard kickoff return average is the best season for a Duke with 10 or more returns... his 99-yard return tied for the then-longest in team history and was its best since 1996."

07: "averaged 30.3 yards on 18 kickoff returns but didn't play the NCAA minimum of games to be among the national leaders... his 100-yard KO return for a TD vs. Towson is the longest KO return in team history"
averaged 30.3 yards on 18 kickoff returns but didn't play the NCAA minimum of games to be among the national leaders... his 100-yard KO return for a TD vs. Towson is the longest KO return in team history.

http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=71031&SPID=8113&DB_OEM_ID=14400&ATCLID=795363&Q_SEASON=2008

Actually, since Ramsey quit the team last week (JMU backup corner, I heard he was coming back) that means a lot more reps for McGee at corner, mening he won't be as freah for punt returns as he otherwise would be. I always thought it was generally preferable to have a receiver due your punt returns (as L.C. Baker did last 2-3 seasons) since the defense will have just been on the field and the offensive players will be rested and to have a DB do the kick returns (as McGee has done the last 2 seasons) since the offense will be getting ready to go on the field.

McGee certainly looks like not only JMU's best return man, but along with Rogers of UR, one of the top 2 in the CAA. But is McGee THAT much better than Kerby Long and others that he needs to be returning punts too in addition to kickoffs?

[Old Cage]

How does the loss of Holloman change the equation?

http://www.whsv.com/sports/headlines/28000729.html

[BDKJMU]

JMU: UMass Crucial
http://www.dnronline.com/sports_details.php?AID=31235&CHID=3&sub=

JMU RB Situation: Has 1/2 doz good backs. 4 with prior to 07' starting or significant playing experience. Behind Holloman there hasn't been a clearcut #2 as a # of them have apparently done very well:
1. Holloman: doubtful
2a Sullivan : maybe
2b: Yancey: playing (last season's leading rusher)
2c: Rose: still out
5a: Acker: playing: (Temple transfer looked impressive in mop up work against NCCU
5b: Noble: redshirting after playing as a true freshman last season

Likely will see 2 backs against UMass. So could see
-Holloman/Yancey
or
-Yancey/Sullivan
or
Yancey/Acker

[mcveyrl]

The talk about Holloman sounds a lot like the Landers talk before the ASU playoff game last year.

My guess is that he'll play, but if not, WHAT WAS HE DOING PLAYING AGAINST NCCU!?!?!?

If I had to pick, I'd rather have Holloman against UMass than ASU. If we win this game, the ASU game becomes less important.

[EmeryZach]

Leaving to head down to JMU now. Should be a good game. Let's hope the rain stays away.

[mcveyrl]

Leaving to head down to JMU now. Should be a good game. Let's hope the rain stays away.

We're leaving at 8 in the morning (4 hour drive).

Safe travels! Here's hoping for a good game, too.

[mcveyrl]

TAILGATE NEWS:

UMASS and JMU fans welcome. We will be in one of the lots by the convocation center. Either A, B, or E. We'll have a cornhole board, 4 kids and my son will be wearing a number 11 jersey.

Come by and say hey. Can't promise any extravagant food, but we'll play some cornhole and you can have a beer!

[SideLine Shooter]

Should be a great game. I really hope they both lose. xnodx

[bluehenbillk]

Should be a great game. I really hope they both lose. xnodx

You could root for injuries. xwhistlex

[B&G]

I'll take JMU in this one. I think if they had a better showing against Duke, then people would be picking them overwhelmingly. I tend not to hold a bad day against a bad BCS against a good FCS team. Home field advantage is the difference in this one. As for JMU looking ahead and coming out sluggish? I highly disagree. This is a conference game against a tough team. That'd be like App looking past Georgia Southern. It would never happen.

[Kymermosst]

Any new news on Holloman? Maybe I missed it, but last I heard he was still Doubtful for the game tomorrow.

EDIT: Nevermind, I just found this: http://www.whsv.com/sports/headlines/28258239.html

Holloman probably won't even suit up...

[Grizaholic17]

I am curious to see the Dukes play. And I am choosing them to win only because they are 3 of 5 at home against UMASS and the Minutemen had a tough time with Holy Cross last weekend. I don't expect it to be much of a nail biter. But I hope it is.

[LacesOut]

I'm torn on this one. Split right down the middle.

I don't like either teams, but yet I like both teams. So maybe I'll go with JMU, as they have better uni's. Yeah, JMU by a FG. Just hold on to the damn ball!

[Grizaholic17]

I'm torn on this one. Split right down the middle.

I don't like either teams, but yet I like both teams. So maybe I'll go with JMU, as they have better uni's. Yeah, JMU by a FG. Just hold on to the damn ball!

I personally think these look pretty sweet.

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/umas/sports/m-footbl/auto_wide/2272496.jpeg



Better than these I think.

http://www.nmnathletics.com.edgesuite.net/pics21/400/RU/RUTOCQIIKOXPCET.20080909125342.jpg

[WrenFGun]

IMO, if JMU loses this game they are in must-win mode in week four against App State. Falling to 1-3 still having to play 'Nova, UD and Richmond would not bode well for JMU, IMO.

[Old Cage]

I just checked three online betting sites to see if any had a line.

The only one that does - BetUS.com - has UMass as a five point favorite.

[DrG]

That's surprising, because the Sagarin ratings - which these services generally use to set lines on FCS games - have UMass as a 2-point favorite, if you factor in the 3-pt. home field advantage for JMU. Even as a UMass fan, I would say anybody that could get JMU plus 5 should jump on it. I had been hoping JMU might be looking ahead to the App game, but that won't be the case as this is pretty close to a must-win for them.

[mcveyrl]

That's surprising, because the Sagarin ratings - which these services generally use to set lines on FCS games - have UMass as a 2-point favorite, if you factor in the 3-pt. home field advantage for JMU. Even as a UMass fan, I would say anybody that could get JMU plus 5 should jump on it. I had been hoping JMU might be looking ahead to the App game, but that won't be the case as this is pretty close to a must-win for them.

Not to get too much in the betting specifics, but I agree the Sagarin analysis above is spot on. The only thing I can see that would affect that is both team's offense. +5 is only good if the margin is less than a touchdown. I think both teams will score touchdowns and not so many field goals. My guess is the line took that into effect and thinks the margin will be a touchdown, making +5 the sucker bet...

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY!

[Umass74]

Remember the point spread is not the relative strength of the teams. It's the adjustment the book has to make to attract equal bets on both sides.

Teams with fanatic fans who always bet their team have to give more points to attract opposite bettors, and thus screw themselves.

[Black Saturday]

I'll take JMU in this one. I think if they had a better showing against Duke, then people would be picking them overwhelmingly. I tend not to hold a bad day against a bad BCS against a good FCS team. Home field advantage is the difference in this one. As for JMU looking ahead and coming out sluggish? I highly disagree. This is a conference game against a tough team. That'd be like App looking past Georgia Southern. It would never happen.

Did you see Duke's second effort?

[SideLine Shooter]

You could root for injuries. xwhistlex

I don't like to do that. Everybody needs to stay healthy.

[Col Hogan]

Leaving to head down to JMU now. Should be a good game. Let's hope the rain stays away.

Stop by the UMass Alumni Association tent...I'll be starting there to get some food...but I'm going to be wondering all around the place...

I'll leave Northern VA about 9AM...about a two hour drive...


TAILGATE NEWS:

UMASS and JMU fans welcome. We will be in one of the lots by the convocation center. Either A, B, or E. We'll have a cornhole board, 4 kids and my son will be wearing a number 11 jersey.

Come by and say hey. Can't promise any extravagant food, but we'll play some cornhole and you can have a beer!

And I hope to enjoy one of those beers with you, mcveyrl...xthumbsupx

[BDKJMU]

Looks like Holloman ain't playing. I did notice him getting tackled twice by the turf last week, at least one of them would have been a sure TD. Sullivan is a beast though- as long as he holds on to the ball!
http://www.dnronline.com/sports_details.php?AID=31362&CHID=3&sub=

[BDKJMU]

Will Coen Keep His Head?
http://www.dnronline.com/sports_details.php?AID=31361&CHID=3&sub=

[Col Hogan]

Will Coen Keep His Head?
http://www.dnronline.com/sports_details.php?AID=31361&CHID=3&sub=

Simple answer is YES...

[JMUSaxMRD]

It is GAMEDAY! Guess who is psyched?! THE BAND!!!

MRD's practice 830-1030 at Bridgeforth

Warmup 2:00-2:45ish Eagle Hall Courtyard

2:45 play for JMU Duke Club

3:00ish parade into stadium

3:15ish Pregame!

3:30 THE DUKES TAKE ON UMASS (AND WIN!!!)

Guys this game is going to be awesome! It is going to be close, and the 2nd best game of the season (until the playoffs (hopefully)). I can't wait! (Oh yah can't wait for the best game of the season next weekend!)

GO DUKES!!!

[Screamin_Eagle174]

It is GAMEDAY! Guess who is psyched?! THE BAND!!!

MRD's practice 830-1030 at Bridgeforth

Warmup 2:00-2:45ish Eagle Hall Courtyard

2:45 play for JMU Duke Club

3:00ish parade into stadium

3:15ish Pregame!

3:30 THE DUKES TAKE ON UMASS (AND WIN!!!)

Guys this game is going to be awesome! It is going to be close, and the 2nd best game of the season (until the playoffs (hopefully)). I can't wait! (Oh yah can't wait for the best game of the season next weekend!)

GO DUKES!!!

Have fun out there man. I marched the quints/tenors here at EWU for two years... gotta love jammin' out at the tailgaiting. The only reason I quit was because it was killin' my back. Well, that and I couldn't drink during tailgaiting... xbawlingx or the game... xbawlingx xbawlingx

[Sam Adams]

Massachusetts will win the football game.

[vaughtdj]

Massachusetts will win the football game.


Write it down: JMU WILL WIN!

[dennisdent]

Lets hope the fans win with a great game!

About time to make the drive from NoVA to JMU.

[umassfan]

Write it down: JMU WILL WIN!

Do you use pencil cuz I use pen! :D

[hvsader]

How good is/was Holy Cross?

Maybe a little off topic, but I was asked this very question by a couple of UMass fans as we walked to our cars after the Holy Cross game. Of course the only valid answer at the time was ... "well they just lost to #4 UMass by 3 points in the last second of the game"

[Col Hogan]

Well, I'm here at JMU...it is hot and humid...its going to be an issue...which team has prepared better (water) will benefit...

I'll post occasionally during the game...

I've already met mcveyrl and his family as we walk around the tailgaters...

I'm at the UMass alumni tent right now, enjoying a beer and some good food...

[Old Cage]

Live UMass blog from the field:

http://umassathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091308aaa.html

[Col Hogan]

National Anthem has been played...awaiting the teams...

[Skjellyfetti]

Landers looks really good so far.

[vaughtdj]

what a run by sullivan! the instant replay really shows the tough running into the endzone

JMU 7 Umass 0

[umassfan]

we better score alot of points today

[vaughtdj]

coen doesnt thorw it far enough, 4th down

[vaughtdj]

mcgee runs the punt back to the umass 42

[umassfan]

Not too good loosing the center to start the game.... this could get ugly

[vaughtdj]

landers with a 27 yard run

[Jackman]

Okay, the way we're playing on defense and kick coverage, I don't want to see us punting on 4th & 1 ever again.

[vaughtdj]

landers with a scramble and TD!

[Skjellyfetti]

Wow... Way too easy for JMU to score.

[vaughtdj]

jmu up 14 to 0 and still hasnt passed yet.

[umassfan]

Wow im speachless how ****ty we look.

[vaughtdj]

umass establishing the run game

[vaughtdj]

umass 3rd and short

[vaughtdj]

umass 1st down and knocking on the door...

[Skjellyfetti]

good call on that screen.

[vaughtdj]

coen avoids the blitz with a drop off screen, 3rd and short

[vaughtdj]

umass gets a tough 1st down

[vaughtdj]

coen does his best landers impression on the scramble... and gets barely a yard.

[Jackman]

Ducasse has his weekly penalty out of the way.

[vaughtdj]

coen rushed, 4th down, what will they do

oh snap coens shaken up

[vaughtdj]

umass gets the fg,

JMU 14 UMass 3

[minuteman65]

Vlad ****ing Ducasse. How this guy is still a starter just boggles my mind. I swear, I played with some morons on the O-line in high school, and I don't think they even committed as many penalties as this guy. Inexcusable. Killed us in the BC game last year, destroys at least one drive a game.

[vaughtdj]

mcGee with another great return and good field position

[vaughtdj]

sullivanjsut looked like shawn johnson running the ball there. 1st down jmu

[vaughtdj]

tumblin and cartwheels and whatnot haha

[umassfan]

why cant we ****ing tackle... this boggles my mind

[minuteman65]

I don't know if UMass will even be in my Top 25 this week.

[alexale23]

still very early
umass gettin run all over
JMu ant even pass the ball yet

[minuteman65]

I shudder to think how many TT will put up against us.

[vaughtdj]

third and 8 for jmu at the umass 40 or so... timeout JMU

[Jackman]

Gotta hold on 3rd & 8.

[minuteman65]

BOOM

That's how you play defense.

[vaughtdj]

jmu converts the 4th and long wow

[vaughtdj]

boom?

[vaughtdj]

frankly even i was suprised landers converted that...

[alexale23]

BOOM that how u convert 4th downs

[minuteman65]

boom?

Sorry, I got excited that we actually made a tackle.

[vaughtdj]

jmu 2nd and goal. pounding the ball again

[alexale23]

TDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDddddddddDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[minuteman65]

I'm thinking 63-10?

[vaughtdj]

landers with another keeper... and TD.

JMU 21 UMass3

[alexale23]

RUnning game hard to beat today

[vaughtdj]

umass offense needs to do something here before the half is over.

[umassfan]

BOOM

That's how you play defense.

you happy we played D for 1 play?

[vaughtdj]

umass has another 3 and out... coen was rushed again

[minuteman65]

you happy we played D for 1 play?

Yeah, I assumed that we could handle 4th and 9...

Can't even play offense. xnonono2x

[alexale23]

Punt time baby
Im a little dissapointed in umass QB thought he could throw better

[Jackman]

UMass 3 and out. Last chance, defense. Show some signs of life.

[umassfan]

wow we look bad on both sides of the ball... i dont even wana watch this.

[minuteman65]

WOW... two straight plays of less than 20 yards!

[vaughtdj]

jmu with a 3 and out, will punt to umass

[umassfan]

im shocked we stoped them... ill be really shocked if we score on this drive

[alexale23]

dam nice run

[Jackman]

Nelson to the 1!

[minuteman65]

NELSON to the 1!

[vaughtdj]

nelson breaks away... umass 1st and goal at the one

[vaughtdj]

you guys ahve a better run game than i thought...

[minuteman65]

TD UMASS

[vaughtdj]

nelson finally gets the TD...

JMU 21 UMass 10

[alexale23]

yeh nelson looks good.

[umassfan]

We just need to figure out our D and special teams... but i dont expect that any time soon.

[alexale23]

JMU gotta answer

[alexale23]

they never pass the dam ball

[alexale23]

playin to conservative you got 2 minutes left in half u gotta go for some points

[minuteman65]

playin to conservative you got 2 minutes left in half u gotta go for some points

With UMass's defense, they don't need to pass.

[Skjellyfetti]

Anyone know how many yards Landers has so far? Seems like he's close to on pace to break Armanti's QB rushing record.

[alexale23]

yeh baby TDDDDDDDDDD I wanna see more throws SPREAD EM OUT

[minuteman65]

Are you serious?!

[Jackman]

Apparently they can do whatever they want. :(

[whitey]

Landers can throw imo.

[umassfan]

when its bad its bad its raining and pouring like crazy for umass today

[vaughtdj]

landers drops a bomb on the them ohh baby... he dropped a bomb on them...

[vaughtdj]

JMU 28 UMass 10

[alexale23]

Anyone know how many yards Landers has so far? Seems like he's close to on pace to break Armanti's QB rushing record.

I think hes got around 120 not sure



PICK BABY

[jmu_duke07]

Landers can throw imo.

When JMU is hot... Then they are hot! But, to bad it works the other way as well

GO JMU!

[minuteman65]

How much worse can it get?!

[alexale23]

when its bad its bad its raining and pouring like crazy for umass today

IT IS POURING TODAY

[minuteman65]

This is horrible.

[vaughtdj]

fg for JMU! wow what an end to the half!

JMU 31 UMass 10

[umassfan]

Everything is going JMUs way today.

[Jackman]

Really hard to believe that we returned 8 starters to the defense that led the CAA last season. But it looks like the crappy UMass defense that showed up in the first two games is what we really are.

[ASU_MBA]

i hope for our sake UMass is overrated.....if not next Sat. might be a long day......

[umassfan]

i hope for our sake UMass is overrated.....if not next Sat. might be a long day......

JMU looks to be playing at the top of their game today. I expect them to roll over App next week at home.

[JMUFortier]

JMU looks to be playing at the top of their game today. I expect them to roll over App next week at home.

Last year was a back and forth struggle. Both teams will be pumped and I don't expect this much of a halftime lead against ASU. I am surprised about this lead to tell you the truth.

[Tod]

Wow, JMU!! xeekx xeekx xeekx

[ASUG8]

JMU looking good - too good.

I'm starting to get even more worred about 9/20. Good looking team, Dukes.xthumbsupx

[alexale23]

I think Mickey is gonna need to pass more next week to throw asu D off.

[Col Hogan]

Defense & Special Teams have killed us so far...and Coen's INT just crushed spirits...I could see it as they walked off at the half...

The JMU student section was chanting "Over-rated"...they just may be right...

[alexale23]

Umass not lookin like a #3 team top 25 yeah. But JMU as far as Im comcerned is the #2 team in the country ASU #1 of course

[umassfan]

Last year was a back and forth struggle. Both teams will be pumped and I don't expect this much of a halftime lead against ASU. I am surprised about this lead to tell you the truth.

I wouldnt be too suprised... our team looks to be in sleepwalk mode so far this season. The D only lost 4 starters but guess they were very key players because this doesnt even look like the same team.

[BeauFoster]

JMU looks to be playing at the top of their game today. I expect them to roll over App next week at home.

JMU has yet to pick up a weak side blitz. If ASU's corners can actually cover JMU's receivers for more than 3 seconds, Landers will be on his butt if he tries to throw. I also believe that ASU's DEs are 10x quicker than UMass' DEs. I won't predict an ASU win, but I will predict that JMU won't roll over ASU.

[alexale23]

No way Jmu going to roll ASU next week. AE is a game changer kohen has done almost nothing this game. AE will move the ball.

[jmu_duke07]

Goes to show how babied UMASS is in the CAA North!!! xnonox

[alexale23]

HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SECOND HALF

[alexale23]

still pouring

[Jackman]

I reckon the CAA North will score on us too this year.

UMass starts the second half by kicking out of bounds.

[Minuteman2012]

Come on UMass. Defense is looking like shi* again.

BTW is anyone else here living in Amherst or near it? Im actually at UMass right now in my dorm and I cant get the game on TV. Dont we get CN8?

[alexale23]

I mean dam u know the runs coming.

[ERASU2113]

Regardless of what happens next week........how about that talk starts up later in the week?

Beisdes Alex...shouldn't you be on the smack forum?

[alexale23]

dont worry i wll be

[alexale23]

Smack will commence as soon as clock hits 0000

[Jackman]

JMU to punt. UMass D helped by a clipping penalty.

[vaughtdj]

jmu forced to punt

[vaughtdj]

go the cn8 website and you can view it through their live stream

[Jackman]

Offense showing some fire, UMass to the 20.

[vaughtdj]

umasss moving the ball now

[Jackman]

TD UMASS

[vaughtdj]

coen passes for a td... Umass says were not done yet.

JMU 31 UMass 17

[Minuteman2012]

hell yes. nice drive umass

[Jackman]

Offsides on the kickoff. Again. Some more.

[Jackman]

JMU will start on their 30.

[Jackman]

3rd & long coming.

[Minuteman2012]

SACK!!!!! LET'S GO UMASS!!!!

[Jackman]

JMU to punt. Fans booing a bit that JMU didn't pass on 3rd & long.

[alexale23]

mickey need to mix it up teams adjust to run run run run run run run run

[alexale23]

this game far from over

[Minuteman2012]

JMU to punt. Fans booing a bit that JMU didn't pass on 3rd & long.


Looking better. Im watching the game but no audio

[Jackman]

3rd & 10 UMass on their 30.

[Jackman]

False start prevents JMU pick. Still 3rd down.

[Jackman]

Punting.

[Minuteman2012]

sooo close. nice pass

[alexale23]

MCGEEEEEEEEEEE

[Jackman]

Punt coverage does their usual terrible job, JMU deep in UMass territory.

[vaughtdj]

coen is jacked again and overthrows. umass punts and...

mcgee almost runs it back again!

[alexale23]

WE NEED TO ANSWER HERE

[umassfan]

we fill bad lanes on special teams. I dont think I have ever seen a special teams play this bad... and I mean ANY team

[Jackman]

JMU 1st & goal on the 1.

[vaughtdj]

wow what a run!

[alexale23]

LANDERS GOING TO RUN IT IN AGAIN

[alexale23]

YANCEY TDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[umassfan]

WOW that D was so weak... I could have made that run

[vaughtdj]

jmu responds with a td run by yancey...

JMU 38 UMass 17

[Jackman]

JMU TD
38-17

[Jackman]

The problem with any hope of a UMass comeback, is that then we're forced to play kick coverage.

[vaughtdj]

The problem with any hope of a UMass comeback, is that then we're forced to play kick coverage.

haha

[umassfan]

The problem with any hope of a UMass comeback, is that then we're forced to play kick coverage.

And Defense

[alexale23]

cohen lookin better

[Jackman]

Unless JMU has abandoned defending the run, we need to stand & throw. Not gonna get enough time to catch up the way we're playing D.

[Jackman]

1st & goal UMass on the 2.

[Jackman]

TD - JMU 38-24

And now we have to kickoff...

[Jackman]

Kickoff out of bounds.
Could be worse, I guess.

[alexale23]

huge 3rd down conversion on 3rd and 3

[vaughtdj]

landers is sucha beast...

[Jackman]

End of 3 quarters.
JMU 38-24
Dukes with the ball on about the UMass 38.

[dgreco]

End of 3 quarters.
JMU 38-24
Dukes with the ball on about the UMass 38.

making a comeback

[umassfan]

making a comeback

No our offense showed up but the D and Special teams are still MIA

[Jackman]

We've had our chances, keep screwing up.

[Jackman]

WRAP YOUR ****ING ARMS WHEN YOU TACKLE

[vaughtdj]

landers looks like tebow, and i mean that seriously

[alexale23]

DID SOME1SAY BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTT

[dgreco]

No our offense showed up but the D and Special teams are still MIA

hopefully they get their **** together then.

[vaughtdj]

dukes knocking on the door (again)

[vaughtdj]

landers is freezing the DEs

[Jackman]

D has been in position to make plays in the 2nd half. They're just not making them.

[jmu_duke07]

landers looks like tebow, and i mean that seriously

Most likely a better runner but still lacks the passing...

[Jackman]

3rd & goal, need a stop.

[alexale23]

I hear a QB SNEAK COMIN

[UNH_BLUE]

Wow. The UMASS D is like butter.

[alexale23]

nope TD YANCEY AGAIN

Any1 know if holloman playin next week

[whitey]

Nice 6 or 7 minute drive right there ending in the TD.

[vaughtdj]

TD Dukes!

JMU 45 UMass 24

[umassfan]

Most likely a better runner but still lacks the passing...


He didnt do very much vs Duke so lets not go that far

[Jackman]

Maybe we should have been doing onsides kicks.

[alexale23]

Wow. The UMASS D is like butter.

Really you should know that Holy Cross put up 40 on you what you expect from JMU

[umassfan]

Wow. The UMASS D is like butter.

Its looking sorta like the UNH D but we are playing JMU not URI

[whitey]

Maybe we should have been doing onsides kicks.

That strategy works for me in Madden sometimes.

[alexale23]

I smell a pick coming soon

[Jackman]

Announcer clearly hasn't seen the UMass defense in the first 2 games.

[UNH_BLUE]

Its looking sorta like the UNH D but we are playing JMU not URI

Your D doesn't look at all like New Hampshire.

At least when someone ran into a UNH defender, UNH took him down.

JMU is just bouncing off of your team's alligator arms.

[umassfan]

Cant stop VICTOR CRUZ

[Jackman]

Coen to Cruz long TD, 45-31

I say kick onsides.

[umassfan]

If our offense played any kind of first half this would be a shootout

[Jackman]

Straight kickoff, good tackle. JMU on their 25.