Friday, November 16, 2007

Will JMU Football Be Playing Next Week?

First things first: The Dukes need to handle Towson tomorrow in what should be a foregone conclusion. Towson (3-7, 1-6) plays tough defense, led by senior linebacker Brian Bradford, but still ranks ninth against the run. JMU needs to win so don't expect Coach Mickey Matthews to hold back with leading rusher, quarterback Rodney Landers. Landers ran for a school quarterback rushing record of 172 yards last week against William & Mary. Landers can also hand off to redshirt-freshman Griff Yancey and senior Antoinne Bolton who have emerged as weekly 100-yard backs in recent weeks. The Dukes put up 55 points last week and have that capability again this week with the return of L.C. Baker and Mike Caussin to the passing game.

Bolton will join tight end Marvin Brown and wide receiver/punt returner L.C. Baker on senior day from the offensive side of the ball. From the defensive side, d-linemen John Baranowsky and Hassan Abdul-Wahid, linebacker Justin Barnes, and d-backs Tony LeZotte and Nick Adams will likely play their last home game at Bridgeforth.

LeZotte has anchored the defensive secondary for 48 straight starts and will try to make his 49th a win to help the Dukes earn an at-large in the NCAA tournament.

"You never know what could happen with the playoffs and stuff," LeZotte said. "I'm gonna enjoy it and try not to think about it. [But] It's senior day its definitely gonna be a crazy time, my family's been around for eight years now, with my brother [Matt LeZotte '04) playing before. It's wild that its all windin' down and comin to an end."

If the Dukes win and a bunch of crazy stuff happens they could still win an automatic bid, but they will most likely have to wait til Sunday's selection show to find out. My prediction is JMU big. Final Score- 49-10.

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