SpiderNation.com - Q&A with the JMU Dukes

October 5, 2009

Spidernation Staff

SpiderNation: What are the offensive strengths and weaknesses that the SpiderNation should look for from the JMU Dukes this week? Corwin Acker and Jamal Sullivan look to be making noise on the offensive side, can you tell us something about their style of play?
JMU has been streaky on offense, showing bursts of a strong offense at times, but sputtering often behind a few new Offensive Linemen. Our 2 QB system has been viewed by most by most JMU fans as a failure, only furthering this lack of cohesiveness. Dudczik is a better passer and more polished QB, but Thorpe is probably a better athlete. Mickey Matthews seems convinced in using both at least so far. Corwin Acker is a home run hitter, but has shown some inconsistency. Jamal Sullivan is recovering from a bruised patella, and his status is questionable for Richmond , but most likely he's back for his game after the Hofstra debacle.
SpiderNation: What are the defensive strengths and weaknesses that the SpiderNation should look for from the JMU Dukes this week?
Clearly our Defensive line is the strength here, with mixed results from our young linebackers. The cornerbacks have been burned on occasion and would probably be considered our weak link. When the defense plays to its capability, it is a very competent corp.
SpiderNation: Who are the play makers for the Dukes on both sides of the ball that should cause the SpiderNation concern this week? How is Griff Yancey doing on the defensive side? Do you expect to use 2 QB's and what should we see from each?
On the offensive side, TE Mike Caussin has been the go-to receiver, especially when Dudczik is in the game. They seem to have a comfort level together. All three of our tailbacks are compentent, but Sullivan get's the tought yards, and will be needed against Richmond for a win. Many have view Caussin as having pro level potential. Sam Daniels and Arthur Moats are the leaders on the defensive side of the ball.
Griff is doing ok - still learning a lot as the transition is much more difficult at the collegiate level. He makes some "rookie" mistakes, but does some nice things as well.
Contrary to what all JMU fans would like to see, Richmond can probably count on seeing both QB's play. As noted above, most JMU fans would like to see that end save maybe a "wildcat" formation with Thorpe on occasion.
SpiderNation: It looks like you have been running about 3 to 1 thus far this season, do you expect that to continue this weekend? How would you describe the running style of each of your QB's?
Weather has played into that factor in terms of play calling with both Liberty and Hofstra being sloppy; the former being an absolute mess. We actually threw quite a bit against Maryland and VMI with good success. If the weather is even questionable, count on JMU running even if Richmond loads the box. Mickey seems to play things close to the vest in tough situations, which to many JMU fans dismay has hurt us a bit on offense. Thorpe is probably a bit more athletic than Dudczik, but Drew can surprise people a bit with his strength. Neither at this point is where Rodney Landers was last year.
SpiderNation: There has been a lot of talk about JMU moving up to FBS football with the stadium expansion, do the fans think this is realistic and where would JMU go? What would have to happen to allow this to occur?
There has been a lot of separation between Duke fans on where we are headed. Honestly, most think we will head to FBS, but not in the near term. We have to finish the upgrades, then fill our new stadium. Unlike UofR, JMU does not have deep pockets, so it really boils down to dollars and sense. JMU has a fairly young fan base, but it is growing by leaps and bounds, it would be natural to move up to FBS considering the growth of the school, but only when the right combinations of timing and conference came calling. JMU would join the ACC or Big East next year, but would be hesitant to join the MAC or C-USA due to travel requirements. In the end we realize that schools like Uof R and W&M won't be going FBS most likely, and those rivalries are what our football team has been built upon - do we forgo those to move up? Are we committed to growing a football team and # of scholarships when we are already imbalanced in terms of male v female scholarships due to student makeup? Is the idea of forgoing playoffs for a lackluster bowl palatable to JMU fans/administration? All of these are tough questions, with no easy answers. In the near term, JMU is focused on being the best FCS program in the nation.

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