JMU Survives Rhode Trip

For the second straight week James Madison went on the road, and for the second straight week they escaped with a win. It hasn't been pretty for the Dukes after a four game home-stand in September. Although they are riding a six game win streak, some serious questions have arisen.

1.) With an already banged up offense, why was Rodney Landers running the ball on the Dukes' last offensive series?
They already had a 17-point lead and risking further injury to an already bruised wrist could be suicide for the Dukes' season. Mickey Matthews does have a strong back-up in redshirt freshman Drew Dudzik, but he has little experience. Unfortunately, Landers usually accounts for half of the team's total offense. This week against Rhode Island he briefly left the game in the first half nursing his wrist and he had trouble holding the ball fumbling the ball twice. He still ran for 170 and threw for 168 proving that the offense relies heavily on the junior. Maybe when they have that much cushion in the fourth they should think about using Dudzik or just running the ball out with one of the healthier running backs. It wont be every week that they'll be able to run their quarterback 26 times and expect him to stay healthy. A new dominant back needs to assert himself to replace injured starter Eugene Holloman and allow Landers to stay out of harm's way a little more.

2.) Can the defense really continue to give up this many points going into the stretch of the final four CAA games?
The Dukes gave up 27 points to a one-win Rhode Island team and tackled poorly in week seven. Mental lapses this deep into the season and not using the proper technique are not characteristic of a championship-caliber team. Even three-time All-American Tony LeZotte missed two or three tackles against the Rams. The Dukes still have to play the top-two and three ranked offenses in the conference in Richmond and Delaware. Richmond's running back Tim Hightower already has 1,003 yards to lead the CAA. Delaware's Omar Cuff is third with 863 yards and the capability of running for over 200 in a game (Sept. 30 vs. William and Mary, he had 244 yards and seven touchdowns). Towson and William & Mary have struggled this year but have experienced quarterbacks in Sean Schaefer and Jake Phillips. To keep the pressure off Landers and the offense the defense will need to tackle more consistently and not give up as many big plays on what Matthews often refers to as "blown assignments."

3.) How good is this JMU?
Besides the one loss to division 1-A opponent North Carolina the Dukes haven't needed to respond to much adversity. They have been tested against New Hampshire and Northeastern, but even UNH has looked shaky times this season and are in jeopardy of going from a top-5 team to not even making the playoffs. Against Northeastern JMU struggled against Maurice Murray and the rushing attack and surely teams like Delaware and Richmond will look to expand upon what worked for the Huskies. The Dukes have improved against the pass though which could help them when it comes to putting pressure on the run. Offensively, Landers continues to impress opponents with his accuracy with both the short and long ball. Built more like a linebacker than a quarterback he isn't afraid of lowering his shoulders when he tucks it and runs for the first down. Depth at receiver will be key, as a number of freshman and sophomores continue to improve. Tight end Mike Caussin has been reliable on mid-range routes and could prove vital as a possession receiver with big-play threat L.C. Baker trying to overcome nagging hamstring injuries. Healthy though this team appears to be really strong and deep and at this point anything short of a CAA title and berth in at least the NCAA quarterfinals would be a disappointment for the No. 9 ranked Dukes.

Of course all of this is easier said than done, but it will definitely being interesting to see how it all plays out. If you weigh in any differently feel free to express it in my comments.