JMU @ UR

[BDKJMU]

I know we have a "Who is coming to RICHMOND" thread, but I don't see a JMU @ UR thread, so I thought I'd start one.

Great news on Gerrin Griffin, even if he doesn't (I doubt he will) play against UR:
http://www.whsv.com/sports/headlines/30533084.html

[StrikeJMU]

I just wanna say thank you Comcast SportsNet in advance for showing this game. If JMU loses however, I reserve the right to blame Comcast for the loss.

[Pitz]

Any predictions on who will have more fans there?

[StrikeJMU]

well seeing that Richmond is at home.....JMU.

[alexale23]

WHOSE COOKIN and who wants to feed me

[AppStateold299]

Go JMU! Good luck to you

[slostang]

This has to be the game of the week in the FCS. Should be a great game.

[Eight Legger]

Unless JMU brings 10,000 people to this game, UR will have more fans in attendance. Joking aside, we are not that pathetic a fan base to not bring a great turnout to this game. And I don't expect JMU to have THAT many fans. Probably 5,000 or 6,000. It should be a fun environment.

[StrikeJMU]

JMU girls always provide for a great atmosphere/view.

[JmuSkinsfan]

I know too many students to count that are driving down Friday night to stay at home in Richmond or at friends' houses to go to the game. I'd guess that maybe 1,000 - 2,000 JMU students are gonna be at the game ... not counting Alums

[JMU2004]

Sold out our allotment of 3k, got another 750 and sold those. Most JMU fans will just buy through UR, so 5-7k is fair.

[StrikeJMU]

What is Richmond's kicker like?

[Tribe4SF]

What is Richmond's kicker like?

Howard is an accurate kicker with range well into the 40s. He's 6-9 on FGs this year, with a long of 41. Interestingly, all three of his misses have been blocked.

[StrikeJMU]

Wouldn't be surprised to see a field goal/punt block for JMU this weekend if Richmond is prone to a breakdown on their special teams line. That is how we started out the scoring on Hofstra last weekend, returning a punt block for a TD. Thats the kind of big emotional play that Richmond really can't afford.

[Eight Legger]

We're not prone to blocked kicks...UVA blocked two from short range against us because their line was bigger and able to get through. Howard has been one of the most accurate kickers we've ever had at UR during his time here.

[Tribe4SF]

Wouldn't be surprised to see a field goal/punt block for JMU this weekend if Richmond is prone to a breakdown on their special teams line. That is how we started out the scoring on Hofstra last weekend, returning a punt block for a TD. Thats the kind of big emotional play that Richmond really can't afford.

I would agree with you there, and that's why I found that stat interesting. UR needs to control the tempo of this game to win. I think they need to be mistake free, and if things get going to fast, they may be in trouble.

[Tribe4SF]

We're not prone to blocked kicks...UVA blocked two from short range against us because their line was bigger and able to get through. Howard has been one of the most accurate kickers we've ever had at UR during his time here.

Agreed about Howard being accurate. He's a good weapon in a game like this. The blocks are concerning though, whether against UVA or not. Also had one blocked against Towson.

[StrikeJMU]

Agreed about Howard being accurate. He's a good weapon in a game like this. The blocks are concerning though, whether against UVA or not. Also had one blocked against Towson.

Agreed. With most people claiming this game should be relatively close, it could very well come down to the kicking game and the last thing you want in the back of your mind is the image of three blocked kicks, JMU should at least look into it. Then again, even I don't trust JMU kicking a 30 yard field goal, so we might need to borrow your kicker.

[JmuSkinsfan]

Agreed. With most people claiming this game should be relatively close, it could very well come down to the kicking game and the last thing you want in the back of your mind is the image of three blocked kicks, JMU should at least look into it. Then again, even I don't trust JMU kicking a 30 yard field goal, so we might need to borrow your kicker.

Well, in Stannard's defense, he has hit on all the XPs this year and has hit on many FGs. He knocked that 40+ yarder against UMass which surprised me. Even though we were up 28-10 at the time, I remember being extremely worried kicking a field goal that long. He nailed it ... so maybe we aren't THAT bad at kicking.

[StrikeJMU]

ok, maybe not THAT bad. (still unwatchable) But when it comes to dependability at a clutch moment, its not a post I would like to lean on.

[JMUSaxMRD]

Can't wait for the game, should be a blast! Unfortunately I won't get to meet any of you guys as I will be with the band and we have two high school band competitions we are playing at that day, 1 at 1:00 PM in Richmond and the other later that night up in Northern Virginia.

[JmuSkinsfan]

Can't wait for the game, should be a blast! Unfortunately I won't get to meet any of you guys as I will be with the band and we have two high school band competitions we are playing at that day, 1 at 1:00 PM in Richmond and the other later that night up in Northern Virginia.

You know, I never went to any of the Oakton Classics when I was there from 2001-2005. Kind of regret that in hindsight ... especially since the MRDs apparently make a lot of appearances there...

[JmuSkinsfan]

ok, maybe not THAT bad. (still unwatchable) But when it comes to dependability at a clutch moment, its not a post I would like to lean on.

I kinda agree there. But at the same time, I have been pleasantly surprised this year compared to past years. Then again, we haven't needed FGs in clutch situations ... but so far so good xnodx

[Grizzaholic]

As a few previous posters have stated, this will be the Game of the Week. I just have a little hunch here that JMU will be upset this weekend and the top of the FCS polls will go nuts once again.

[Eight Legger]

You know, I never went to any of the Oakton Classics when I was there from 2001-2005. Kind of regret that in hindsight ... especially since the MRDs apparently make a lot of appearances there...

I'm willing to overlook your affiliation with JMU since I also went to Oakton a few years before you....xthumbsupx

[spdram]

The blocked kicks took place early in the season with a new staff and new techniques being used. Not saying it couldn't happen but that problem seems to be fixed.

[BDKJMU]

Dukes Eyeing Payback
http://www.dnronline.com/sports_details.php?AID=32049&CHID=3&sub=

[ur2k]

Ok, now that we've gotten most of the other crap out of the way let's talk some x's & o's.

What are the keys to the game for JMU?

For UR - it's obviously about containing Landers and using our d-ends to keep him off the edges where he can do real damage. Our corners should be good enough to cover the wideouts one-on-one and let the rest of the d concentrate on containment.

On the offensive side of the ball - UR has to establish the run and keep pressure off of Ward. If they can do that - UR has the ability to score a lot of points. Hopefully the coaches' decision to start a true frosh over Josh Vaughan last week has lit a fire under his a$$.

[Dukie95]

Sorry of this doesn't fit into the X's and O's category...but here goes..

I read the parking regulations and I get that all the street parking on the west side of the stadium is off-limits (I guess those folks just yelled louder than the ones on the other side, or they have more money, but I digress)

It lists the open streets on the east side, but it only lists the east-west streets like Grant, French, Condy, etc. It doesn't list the north-south streets like S. Belmont Ave and Huxley.

Does anyone know if those are open, too?

I won't be setting up a tailgate, so I was planning on just going there first even if the pay lots are still open...

[JmuSkinsfan]

Ok, now that we've gotten most of the other crap out of the way let's talk some x's & o's.

What are the keys to the game for JMU?

For UR - it's obviously about containing Landers and using our d-ends to keep him off the edges where he can do real damage. Our corners should be good enough to cover the wideouts one-on-one and let the rest of the d concentrate on containment.

On the offensive side of the ball - UR has to establish the run and keep pressure off of Ward. If they can do that - UR has the ability to score a lot of points. Hopefully the coaches' decision to start a true frosh over Josh Vaughan last week has lit a fire under his a$$.

Actually, Landers has done a lot of his damage this year up the middle. He usually starts out looking to run outside but cuts it back up and gets a good chunk of yards wherever the fewest defenders are.

[JmuSkinsfan]

I'm willing to overlook your affiliation with JMU since I also went to Oakton a few years before you....xthumbsupx

Oh no, the hated Eight Legger is a Cougar?! xsmiley_wix What year, if you don't mind me asking?

[Eight Legger]

Oh no, the hated Eight Legger is a Cougar?! xsmiley_wix What year, if you don't mind me asking?

I'll just say mid-90s and leave it at that before I feel even older....

[ur2k]

Sorry of this doesn't fit into the X's and O's category...but here goes..

I read the parking regulations and I get that all the street parking on the west side of the stadium is off-limits (I guess those folks just yelled louder than the ones on the other side, or they have more money, but I digress)

It lists the open streets on the east side, but it only lists the east-west streets like Grant, French, Condy, etc. It doesn't list the north-south streets like S. Belmont Ave and Huxley.

Does anyone know if those are open, too?

I won't be setting up a tailgate, so I was planning on just going there first even if the pay lots are still open...


Not sure which streets are off-limits but all of them that are have 'no parking on game day' signs. It's pretty easy to tell when you are in the area.

[BDKJMU]

He won't play against UR, but thats trivial compared to what could have happened.

JMU's Griffin OK After Scare
http://www.dnronline.com/sports_details.php?AID=32082&CHID=3&sub=

[BDKJMU]

RTD: ANTICIPATING BIG FANFARE
Spiders playing at home, but Dukes expect large turnout of supporters
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/football.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-10-08-0048.html

[BDKJMU]

RTD: Will JMU have more supporters at Saturday's game in UR's stadium?
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-10-07-0189.html

[JmuSkinsfan]

Haha even the home town UR paper is beating the dead horse xlolx

And why didn't any UR fans mention that Kevin Grayson will miss the game? That is a pretty big deal!

[GannonFan]

And why didn't any UR fans mention that Kevin Grayson will miss the game? That is a pretty big deal!

I agree - I had no idea Grayson was out with a shoulder injury. I may have to ammend my pick now. xnonox

[jus10asu]

Yeah I figure I could look for the answer...but is this game televised where I can get it in G'Boro?

[jus10asu]

Ok you don't have to answer...I looked. Do you guys not use sports south any up there?

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Haha even the home town UR paper is beating the dead horse xlolx

And why didn't any UR fans mention that Kevin Grayson will miss the game? That is a pretty big deal!

Re: Grayson, You apparently know more than I know. What is your source?

[mcveyrl]

Re: Grayson, You apparently know more than I know. What is your source?

I'm not trying to be smart, but why did you take off that you were at practice yesterday and implied that he was looking like he was a "go"?

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

I'm not trying to be smart, but why did you take off that you were at practice yesterday and implied that he was looking like he was a "go"?


Because I was lying. He's maimed.

[mcveyrl]

Because I was lying. He's maimed.

xlolx xlolx xlolx

Somehow, I don't know that I can take your word for that...

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Nothing but honesty here.

Grayson is outstanding but we are plenty deep at WR. The game is going to be won in the trenches.

[mcveyrl]

Nothing but honesty here.

Grayson is outstanding but we are plenty deep at WR. The game is going to be won in the trenches.

If he's really hurt that does stink for you guys, but Ward can get the ball to just about anybody.

I agree with you about the trenches, too. Grayson or no Grayson, if we can't get to Ward, we'll be in trouble.

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

Ok you don't have to answer...I looked. Do you guys not use sports south any up there?

Nope. VA and to the North is Comcast country. CSN and CN8 are our affiliate networks that carry games.

[BDKJMU]

RTD: Will JMU have more supporters at Saturday's game in UR's stadium?
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-10-07-0189.html

That is the correct 2007 average attendance according to the NCAA statistics. http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2007/Internet/attendance/IAA_AVGATTENDANCE.pdf
Of course, this year JMU is averaging 16,134. http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/2008/Internet/attendance/FCS_AVGATTENDANCE.pdf

[elon77]

U of R 24, JMU 21. Also I predict ODU will stay undefeated for another week. Go Monarchs. Also go Elon.

[spdram]

Coach said last night Grayson would likely play but still a game time decision.

[Turfwar]

Yeah I was thinking the same, Landers biggest runs of the year were up the middle.
I think for JMU to win all they need to do is not turn the ball over like last year, and to pass on 1st downs and / or at least have 12-15 pass attempts in the game. Studying the App. State vs. Richmond film is a big plus here.
I think for Richmond to win, they need to create turnovers and to create some big runs. Richmond is a da#m good team, and I really think this game is worth the investment of going.

It will be a great battle, I am very excited. I do think JMU pulls away in the end. Anyhow everyone have a safe trip down.

[smcwildcat]

im thinking jmu and finnally they will get a home playoff deserved game

[URMite]

Haha even the home town UR paper is beating the dead horse xlolx

And why didn't any UR fans mention that Kevin Grayson will miss the game? That is a pretty big deal!

I'm going to reverse the order on those 2 points.

Grayson went out on the 1st 2nd half drive against Nova (and probably reduced the odds of a TD over a FG at the time as well). No one knows if he will play (and I think the coaches want to keep it that way) They have listed him as 2nd string on the 2 deep. Although he is our most experienced (and reliable) receiver, unlike most recent years we are 6 deep at WR this year with interchangable talent. Plus since a majority of our passes are 15-30 yds, TEs & RBs are viable targets as well.
[That should be a good scouting report without giving Mickey any new intel xsmiley_wix ]

As for the T-D, do they ever give a truly positive article to a FCS team?
As for the crowd makeup xdeadhorsex alert! ,

Whenever we play a team from VA there is always a large contingent of visitors. That is a function of the stadium. We have always had 2-3k students and a small alumni base. Even if we had 15k fans (something that wasn't too far fetched in the 80s before the administration decided to alienate Locals, Alums, & our Religious affiliation - Baptists...that's another thread), we could still sell 7k tickets to opposing fans. My 1st 5 yrs as a fan we did just that. 2 out of 5 yrs 3 of 5 home games were (VMI - with mandatory student attendance, W&M - long time rival, and VA Tech - large I-A school). The Tech games actually had 2 or 3 rows of people standing behind the visitors side.

Sometimes with big crowds there are 35-40% visitors but not more than that unless you count neutral locals. As for enthusiasm, that I will grant you. Not that we don't have a core of diehard fans who can match anyone person for person, we just can't match the numbers. It doesn't help that you have a high % of your male alumni age 25-50, while we have a high % of our local alumni age 40-70. Not to mention how things have been run at times...in 2004 we offered free tickets but only to JMU alumni xeekx xoopsx...for years officials and even Law enforcement have told fans to "Sit down and shut up" or be escorted out, mainly on our side xnonono2x. So I'm not sure condemning our fans is accurate. I think we will see in a couple of years whether this is a school decision or a city admin one. I say "We" but since UR will only be providing 5 visitor tickets at the new stadium, JMU may never know the answer. xwhistlex

[BDKJMU]

Same Genes - JMU, UR Share Recruiting Pool
http://www.dnronline.com/sports_details.php?AID=32158&CHID=3&sub=

[BDKJMU]

Tough talk and intensity
Dukes' Daniels fires up team, mixing wit with goals for game
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/football.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-10-10-0096.html

[BDKJMU]

Ward steps forward
UR junior quarterback seeks to carry the Spiders on his back, like Hightower did last season
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/colleges.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-10-07-0048.html

[alexale23]

thats not going to happen hightower is playing in the the nfl.
Ward will never see an nfl snap