(01-03-2020 10:10 AM)ShadyP Wrote:  

(01-02-2020 09:18 AM)formerjmusprinter84 Wrote:  I am seeing two great, evenly matched teams with each slight advantages in some areas.

Both have excellent QB's that can run and pass well and protect the ball.
Both have a fast WR (but advantage to Polk for experience and Polk is a little quicker "out of the blocks") JMU probably has advantage at second WR (Stapleton). NDSU probably has advantage at TE but Dylan Stapleton has been effective. WR's Brown and/or Dean might be a big factor for JMU
Both have an excellent stable of running backs and both use 3 or more backs a game.
NDSU advantage in rushing offense yardage (by 40 yds per game), JMU in passing offense (by 35 yds per game)
Total offense, 5 yard advantage NDSU
Scoring offense - slight advantage JMU
JMU advantage in first downs offense and fist downs allowed defense
Slight advantage to JMU on 3rd down conversion %
Both D's are great (JMU #1, NDSU #2 in FCS) but JMU has advantage in run game D by about 70 yards. NDSU in Pass D by about 70 yards (but not sure they have faced receiving corps as good as JMU)
Scoring defense, slight advantage NDSU
Just about even at KO return coverage and on KO returns
NDSU advantage in turnover margin

No wonder the line is hovering close to even.

My prediction:
JMU - 31
NDSU - 21

I think JMU will look to start fast by passing the ball to loosen up the NDSU tight run defense....similar to the 1st quarters vs UNI & Weber

I think JMU starts with running the ball since NDSU's rush defense is not their strength and their pass defense is one of the best in the nation...