Villanova @ #1 James Madison

[Mvemjsunpx]

Surprised there wasn't a thread already…


Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:

• • • Quarterbacks -- James Madison
      
      Running Backs - (push)
      
      Receivers/TEs - Villanova
      
      Offensive Line - James Madison
      
      
      Defensive Line - Villanova
      
      Linebackers --- Villanova
      
      Secondary ---- James Madison
      
      
      
      Kicking ------ (push)
      
      Punting ------ James Madison
      
      Return Teams - James Madison
      
      Kickoffs ------ Villanova
      
      
      
      
      
      • • Villanova 17-24 James Madison

[dbackjon]

JMU by 10.

Would love to see Nova win though

[sackthatqb]

I think Nova is going to take this game. The Nova defense has the potential to shut down Landers and McGee - and the entire JMU offense. The power of the defense is undeniable; in their last meeting, Nova held JMU to an all season rushing low. Since then, it seems like Nova has strengthened their secondary which is what JMU exploited before. And defense is really what wins games.



For the fans this might be a revenge game, but for the Nova players, it is one more stop on the way to Chatty.

[travelinman67]

JMU by 10.

Would love to see Nova win though

Dunno jon. Got a chance to watch them last year, with most returning this year. Athletically they're fast and hit hard every play. JMU's got a slight edge overall in stats, but their trump card on O has been Holloman's ground game, which is Nova's D strength (as sackthatqb pointed out). They've both picked up steam through the season, and Talley's nobody's fool. He won't be bringing the same game plan he used back in October.
Nova's deficieny may be running a loose zone with a 3-4 front. Landers will poke holes in that all day, and Nova's backs are good enough to keep the corners freed up playing man to man...especially on the long posts...gotta stay within one step or it's over. My gut feeling is that could be the deal breaker for Nova.
JMU's offense is obviously impressive, but this is a VERY close matchup, and I think Nova wants this more.

I'm in the mood for an upset...going with Nova in a nail-biter.

[Mvemjsunpx]

Nova may have a slight advantage on offense & defense, but JMU clearly has the special teams edge & that's why they should squeak by the Wildcats. I hope they don't, of course, but I think they will.