JMU (3-1) @ UD (3-1) Game Thread: CAA game of the week

[SunCoastBlueHen]

A special thanks to 93hen and BDKJMU for providing timely game updates that allowed me to follow the game from Snooks Bayside bar and grill.

[93henfan]

I thought about leaving for a brief flicker of a moment when it was 19-7 late 3rd. I'm glad I stayed...

...even though the MF'ing JMU team bus decided to come in the gawdamn exit. The police had to block off the lot exits to the main thoroughfare to let this stupid purple bus swim upstream. Sat for 15 minutes watching that stupid purple shitmobile go the wrong way.

I still hate JMU.

[Ivytalk]

I thought about leaving for a brief flicker of a moment when it was 19-7 late 3rd. I'm glad I stayed...

...even though the MF'ing JMU team bus decided to come in the gawdamn exit. The police had to block off the lot exits to the main thoroughfare to let this stupid purple bus swim upstream. Sat for 15 minutes watching that stupid purple shitmobile go the wrong way.

I still hate JMU.

Mickey's revenge.

[93henfan]

I thought about leaving for a brief flicker of a moment when it was 19-7 late 3rd. I'm glad I stayed...

...even though the MF'ing JMU team bus decided to come in the gawdamn exit. The police had to block off the lot exits to the main thoroughfare to let this stupid purple bus swim upstream. Sat for 15 minutes watching that stupid purple shitmobile go the wrong way.

I still hate JMU.

Mickey's revenge.

I did not notice any white visor on the field last night. They did have to drag him back to the sideline once in the 4th Q, but he remained visored the entire incident.

[bluehenbillk]

93 I just missed the JMU bus thing - got out as it was coming in, I didn't get why they didn't have it go down the road we come in before the game by the Bob?

I was very impressed by JMU's Robertson, if there is a better LB in the CAA I haven't seen it. I felt bad for Birdsong, the Dukes WR are either poorly coached or lazy. Every time he started scrambling last night there were guys standing still giving up on their routes. Number 2 if I remember right was the prime offender, wouldn't want him on my team.

Right on that neither running game ever got on track, special team play really helped UD last night.

Did anyone see a replay on the goal line sack as to was it a safety or a good call? I'll say this - there wasn't a ref anywhere in position to get the call right? The linesman was close to 10 yards upfield - no way he could've properly spotted it either way.

Disappointed there were only 18k there- attendance issues longer but glad to get the win.

[BDKJMU]

93 I just missed the JMU bus thing - got out as it was coming in, I didn't get why they didn't have it go down the road we come in before the game by the Bob?

I was very impressed by JMU's Robertson, if there is a better LB in the CAA I haven't seen it. I felt bad for Birdsong, the Dukes WR are either poorly coached or lazy. Every time he started scrambling last night there were guys standing still giving up on their routes. Number 2 if I remember right was the prime offender, wouldn't want him on my team.

I haven't watched the game recording yet, but I was pretty sober and this is what I saw.

Sometimes it was the JMU's WRs stopping after 3-4 seconds of route running as you pointed out. #2 you mentioned is JMU's 2010 Rivals 4 star transfer from UVA. Rivals as you know misses the mark on some. He did have a med redshirt in 2011, but he has probably underachieved.....

But sometimes Birdsong didn't see a 2nd or 3rd open receiver- I specifically remember a couple of times Scott was open in the flat and Birdsong was just looking downfield & didn't see him. He's got an arm and decent accuracy & wheels & size, but that's not enough. He needs to get better at not staring down the primary and seeing 2nd & 3rd options. The pick to the LB, he probably didn't even see him. All that should come to him with experience as the game slows down for him. 1st and 2nd yr QBs (true Fr rFr, So) rarely excel. Heineke was a rare exception.

Roberston is a beast. Was no fluke he was the CAA defensive POY last yr. The other JMU starting LB is rFr Gage Steele, who's playing very well. The coolest name for an LB I think I've ever heard.

Kerr is also a beast. Probably the top interior DL in the CAA.

[BDKJMU]

I forgot to mention before the game. I think there were 5 former Maryland players starting on defense that game.
2 for JMU:
-rJr OLB/SS #1 Titus Till (he started at MD in 2011, for JMU 2012-this season (was injured part of season).
-rJr safety #21

3 for UD?
-Kerr
-Hawkins
-LB Mackall?
And isn't there a 4th on UD's 2 deep defense?

If they stay healthy Kerr, Hawkins, and maybe Till should make from 1st-3rd team All CAA (I know Hawkins already has). Its worked out for both teams that Randy Edsall is an azz. My brother is a former HS coach and umpire in CT and is familiar with him. Apparently he wasn't very popular at UCONN. Have heard other people state similar.

[HenZoneNation]

Rowson #23 a safety. Hawkins has taken a step back, but Kerr is a legit NFLer. He is really fun to watch and when we are able to get a pass rush and he doesn't get double teamed every play, you saw the type of havoc he can reek.

[bandl]

Did anyone see a replay on the goal line sack as to was it a safety or a good call? I'll say this - there wasn't a ref anywhere in position to get the call right? The linesman was close to 10 yards upfield - no way he could've properly spotted it either way.

Disappointed there were only 18k there- attendance issues longer but glad to get the win.

bluehenbilk, I was watching the game on Comcast Sportsnet...when Birdsong was hit he was standing about a foot in front of the goal line, and then he was knocked into the end zone.

[Dukie95]

Holy shit, BDK...had no idea you were updating this thread and you were sitting right behind me. When did you find the time between all the screaming?

[GannonFan]

93 I just missed the JMU bus thing - got out as it was coming in, I didn't get why they didn't have it go down the road we come in before the game by the Bob?

I was very impressed by JMU's Robertson, if there is a better LB in the CAA I haven't seen it. I felt bad for Birdsong, the Dukes WR are either poorly coached or lazy. Every time he started scrambling last night there were guys standing still giving up on their routes. Number 2 if I remember right was the prime offender, wouldn't want him on my team.

I haven't watched the game recording yet, but I was pretty sober and this is what I saw.

Sometimes it was the JMU's WRs stopping after 3-4 seconds of route running as you pointed out. #2 you mentioned is JMU's 2010 Rivals 4 star transfer from UVA. Rivals as you know misses the mark on some. He did have a med redshirt in 2011, but he has probably underachieved.....

But sometimes Birdsong didn't see a 2nd or 3rd open receiver- I specifically remember a couple of times Scott was open in the flat and Birdsong was just looking downfield & didn't see him. He's got an arm and decent accuracy & wheels & size, but that's not enough. He needs to get better at not staring down the primary and seeing 2nd & 3rd options. The pick to the LB, he probably didn't even see him. All that should come to him with experience as the game slows down for him. 1st and 2nd yr QBs (true Fr rFr, So) rarely excel. Heineke was a rare exception.

Roberston is a beast. Was no fluke he was the CAA defensive POY last yr. The other JMU starting LB is rFr Gage Steele, who's playing very well. The coolest name for an LB I think I've ever heard.

Kerr is also a beast. Probably the top interior DL in the CAA.

I don't think Birdsong missed a lot of open guys, I just don't think those guys got open very much. UD's defense is not a very good pass defense and I was a bit shocked to see how close our guys were to WR's running patterns - guys just weren't getting open downfield for Birdsong. A lot of the sacks were coverage ones as he had time - guys just didn't come free. I thought #10 was good - tall, not fast - but other than him I didn't think anyone else on JMU got separation. The big pass plays came on either that TE type just getting free in the seam or on, like you said, guys haning out in the flats. Downfield there just wasn't much to be had against, like I said, a questionable pass coverage defense.

[BDKJMU]

Holy ****, BDK...had no idea you were updating this thread and you were sitting right behind me. When did you find the time between all the screaming?

All the darn TV timeouts.....

[93henfan]

Holy ****, BDK...had no idea you were updating this thread and you were sitting right behind me. When did you find the time between all the screaming?

All the darn TV timeouts.....

Sorry-assed JMU fans don't even come around to the home tailgates. Weak, IMHO.

[BDKJMU]

All the darn TV timeouts.....

Sorry-assed JMU fans don't even come around to the home tailgates. Weak, IMHO.

Well if UD would open the tailgate lots more than a lame 4 hrs before the kickoff....

[93henfan]

Sorry-assed JMU fans don't even come around to the home tailgates. Weak, IMHO.

Well if UD would open the tailgate lots more than a lame 4 hrs before the kickoff....

Excuses.

[BDKJMU]

Play of the game. 3rd qtr JMU up 19-14, punting from their own 30, 51 yd punt to UD's 19. JMU false start, re punt, punt blocked, followed by JMU personal foul. UD ball 1st & 10 on JMU 15. 66 yd swing & 7 point swing as UD scores TD a few plays later......

.....JMU's special teams not ok. Both teams missed FG, JMU also missed XP. With the punt block UD had the better special teams. I didn't think that would be the case after what had happened in the JSU/UD game, and JMU's special teams had been decent during the 1st 4 games.

special team play really helped UD last night.

I forgot to mention the short JMU punt for back of endzone, good UD return to JMU's 15. 2 UD TD drives starting at JMU's 15 yd line. I don't blame JMU's defense for that. Gave up one long TD drive 2nd half to a very good UD offense. I blame special teams.

Some on JMU board are blaming lack of halftime offensive adjustments. But JMU offense had long opening 3rd qtr drive that stalled in redzone, followed by missed short FG. Another loing 3rd qtr drive followed by made short FG. Were moving the ball 3rd qtr (not the 4th though).

Special teams play of the 2 teams was the biggest difference IMHOP.

[BDKJMU]

I haven't watched the game recording yet, but I was pretty sober and this is what I saw.

Sometimes it was the JMU's WRs stopping after 3-4 seconds of route running as you pointed out. #2 you mentioned is JMU's 2010 Rivals 4 star transfer from UVA. Rivals as you know misses the mark on some. He did have a med redshirt in 2011, but he has probably underachieved.....

But sometimes Birdsong didn't see a 2nd or 3rd open receiver- I specifically remember a couple of times Scott was open in the flat and Birdsong was just looking downfield & didn't see him. He's got an arm and decent accuracy & wheels & size, but that's not enough. He needs to get better at not staring down the primary and seeing 2nd & 3rd options. The pick to the LB, he probably didn't even see him. All that should come to him with experience as the game slows down for him. 1st and 2nd yr QBs (true Fr rFr, So) rarely excel. Heineke was a rare exception.

Roberston is a beast. Was no fluke he was the CAA defensive POY last yr. The other JMU starting LB is rFr Gage Steele, who's playing very well. The coolest name for an LB I think I've ever heard.

Kerr is also a beast. Probably the top interior DL in the CAA.

I don't think Birdsong missed a lot of open guys, I just don't think those guys got open very much. UD's defense is not a very good pass defense and I was a bit shocked to see how close our guys were to WR's running patterns - guys just weren't getting open downfield for Birdsong. A lot of the sacks were coverage ones as he had time - guys just didn't come free. I thought #10 was good - tall, not fast - but other than him I didn't think anyone else on JMU got separation. The big pass plays came on either that TE type just getting free in the seam or on, like you said, guys haning out in the flats. Downfield there just wasn't much to be had against, like I said, a questionable pass coverage defense.

Some JMU people have bitched about the WR coaching for years. But Mickey isn't going to fire the WR coach- the one on the sideline in the wheel chair:
http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.db ... EASON=2013" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Dukie95]

I don't think Birdsong missed a lot of open guys, I just don't think those guys got open very much. UD's defense is not a very good pass defense and I was a bit shocked to see how close our guys were to WR's running patterns - guys just weren't getting open downfield for Birdsong. A lot of the sacks were coverage ones as he had time - guys just didn't come free. I thought #10 was good - tall, not fast - but other than him I didn't think anyone else on JMU got separation. The big pass plays came on either that TE type just getting free in the seam or on, like you said, guys haning out in the flats. Downfield there just wasn't much to be had against, like I said, a questionable pass coverage defense.

Some JMU people have bitched about the WR coaching for years. But Mickey isn't going to fire the WR coach- the one on the sideline in the wheel chair:
http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.db ... EASON=2013" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Third rail

[BDKJMU]

Some JMU people have bitched about the WR coaching for years. But Mickey isn't going to fire the WR coach- the one on the sideline in the wheel chair:
http://www.jmusports.com/ViewArticle.db ... EASON=2013" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Third rail

Yep.

[89Hen]

I thought Birdsong played well. He was getting knocked around pretty good in the second half.

[BDKJMU]

Well, that sucks. Usually for a full tailgate I want to be parked a minimum of 4 1/2 hrs before the game.

1/2 hr for set up:
-portable L shaped bar with umbrella & 4 bar folding bar stools.
-32 inch LED TV using deep cycle marine battery, power inverter, over the air digital antenna with booster.
-20 foot telescoping flag pole
-Whichever of my 3 grills I bring
-folding table

-3 hrs for tailgate

-1/2 hr for cleaning and packing everything up

-1/2 hr (give or take depending how close am parked) for a last drink, getting to stadium, bathroom on way, getting to seats.

That = 4 1/2 hrs. My avg tailgate for a night game with decent weather is getting to lot around 6 hrs before game. I know tailgating isn't as big in the northeast, but opening lots only 4 hrs before kickoff is small time lame..

Well you can tell that story to the guys at the gates on Saturday. Yes, they literally have the lots blocked off until 4 hours before kickoff until they let people in. If you're parking behind the baseball field or behind the ice arena you want to allocate that full 30 minutes to walking to the stadium, going through the queue to get in & then taking a leak before kickoff.

Postgame the lots are open 2 hours , they normally kick people out of the single game lots first.

You weren't lying. Buddy and I pulled up about 2:45 and asked one of the cops if this was where I turned to get to the single game weather permitting lot. He didn't even say yes. Just started barking out not till 3 o'clock, need this pull in area clear, go get in line behind the one other vehicle that was waiting...Guy was a prick. By the time I did 2 U turns in traffic to get in line was about the 10th vehicle. Yep, they didn't open till 3 PM almost on the nose.

[BDKJMU]

I did my whole set up- 20 ft telescoping flagpole with JMU and Jr flags, bar set up, TV, grill, 5x7 JMU carpet, the whole 9 yds. I expected to be able to to get a double digit # of over the air channels with my digital antenna with booster. After all, even in Harrisonburg get about a 1/2 dozen give or take depending on weather, and in major metro areas has been double digit in decent weather. Well, I could only get a couple of channels. The Notre Dame-OK game on NBC would flicker up ocasionally, but that's it. So I'm standing there dicking with the TV & antenna, wondering what is wrong with the signal when a UD tailgater next to me (Charlie?- engineering prof, very nice guy) pointed over to a hill in the distance and said that was Iron Hill, something about more Iron there than anywhere else in DE, and that was my problem- it interferes with signal Said there was an expression "radio free Newark". At 1st I thought he might have been pulling my leg, but another UD fan parked on the other side of us confirmed it. You UD posters ever heard of this?

[bluehenbillk]

I did my whole set up- 20 ft telescoping flagpole with JMU and Jr flags, bar set up, TV, grill, 5x7 JMU carpet, the whole 9 yds. I expected to be able to to get a double digit # of over the air channels with my digital antenna with booster. After all, even in Harrisonburg get about a 1/2 dozen give or take depending on weather, and in major metro areas has been double digit in decent weather. Well, I could only get a couple of channels. The Notre Dame-OK game on NBC would flicker up ocasionally, but that's it. So I'm standing there dicking with the TV & antenna, wondering what is wrong with the signal when a UD tailgater next to me (Charlie?- engineering prof, very nice guy) pointed over to a hill in the distance and said that was Iron Hill, something about more Iron there than anywhere else in DE, and that was my problem- it interferes with signal and that was my problem. Said there was an expression "radio free Newark". At 1st I thought he might have been pulling my leg, but another UD fan parked on the other side of us confirmed it. You UD posters ever heard of this?

I can confirm that - the only clear signal I've seen is when people have brought their own dishes to the parking lot.

[YoUDeeMan]

"Radio free Newark" is no joke....been that way forever.

Iron Hill is appropriately named.

[BDKJMU]

Highlights: 1st 2 minutes Maine @ UR, then JMU @ UD:
http://www.caasports.com//mediaPortal/p ... art=94.343" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Expanded highlights
http://www.caasports.com//mediaPortal/p ... d&start=-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Stephon Roberts #27 CAA defensive player of week for 2nd week in a row. 16 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 1 INT. Monster game, even in a loss:
http://www.caasports.com//mediaPortal/p ... 2&start=-1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;