After the 2016 NC it seems like the CAA and the opponents we matched up against are really not that good.

In 04 playoffs, after Lehigh , all the Qb's went to the NFL and had NFL talent at the skill position. Their defenses were the same.

I expected much more from that UNI team but to be blunt they were terrible and we played down to them. Ben may have some accolades but he is not a top 5 all time JMU Qb. Getting Polk was a blessing.

this is now updated AND i included the 2019 NDSU numbers for comparison. really good comparison since all 5 teams now have exactly 15 games under their belt.

i will have no problem shamelessly bumping this if i need to.

(12-18-2019 11:23 PM)Hotrod829 Wrote:  After the 2016 NC it seems like the CAA and the opponents we matched up against are really not that good.

In 04 playoffs, after Lehigh , all the Qb's went to the NFL and had NFL talent at the skill position. Their defenses were the same.

I expected much more from that UNI team but to be blunt they were terrible and we played down to them. Ben may have some accolades but he is not a top 5 all time JMU Qb. Getting Polk was a blessing.

If he wins the NC this year I think it's tough to leave him off the top 5 list. He'd be only the third qb to do it and has the highest completion percentage/efficiency rating of anyone else. Plus he would have the most wins in a single season of any JMU qb

Good stuff. Offense nearly as good as '16 and defense about on par with '17. With that combo, could be one of the best teams overall we've had.

Forgot how rush heavy we were in '16, even more yards than this year. A good rushing attack really opens up the passing game too. This years rush defense may be the best we've ever had.

(12-29-2019 03:02 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  Good stuff. Offense nearly as good as '16 and defense about on par with '17. With that combo, could be one of the best teams overall we've had.

Forgot how rush heavy we were in '16, even more yards than this year. A good rushing attack really opens up the passing game too. This years rush defense may be the best we've ever had.

The third component, special teams, is not as good as'16. We have some "Rockstars", but as a whole, not as good.

Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers... ball control, ball control, ball control. It's that simple.

Their frosh Walter Payton Award winning QB (VERY likely) has not thrown a INT. This is a key issue - force him into mistakes that other teams have not yet been able to do. JMU can do it, but will the coaches allow for the DBs to take risks, which might otherwise lead to a blown coverage? I'd say probably not - Cignetti uses more disciplined approach. I think JMU will try to use the stout rushing def to force NDSU into uncharacteristic 3rd and long situations, and simply the challenge is to force punts. If I were NDSU, I'd use the pass to set up the run.

For JMU, hold on to the damn ball! JMU does not turn the ball over much, but even in the playoffs there were some fumbles (several we got lucky bounces/calls) and we all remember the DiNucci endzone INT vs. UNI. These mistakes will bury JMU and Cignetti knows it. I expect a very plain game plan on offense honestly. Run the ball, limit DiNucci's passing to when he is most comfortable (short yardage situations with the Bison D stacking the box). I am not sure if the Bison defense will play this way - it all depends on who wins the trenches between our O-line and their D-line. That to me might be the decider for the which team feels more pressure.

Based on what I have seen, JMU is more susceptible to allowing big plays and NDSU is certainly capable of creating them. But JMU this year (usually I feel like it's the Bison's MO) seems to get nice chunk plays, long grinding drives, that suck out the will of the opposing defense. It's truly JMU running the Bison's flavor of football through a spread option scheme. So dominate the line, manage TOP, and stay clean on offense and it will be hard for NDSU's offense, even with their elusive, dynamic QB, to match JMU stride for stride as the game wears on.

This year, JMU is more talented IMO. Are we better coached? I'd like to think so, but the execution by the players will end up telling the tale. I'm always nervous about targeting calls too - wouldn't be surprised if one of our guys does something stupid in this regard with all the hype. You saw it in the CFP games this weekend, and it was a significant turning point in the Clemson vs. OSU game for sure. This is probably the sort of thing, somewhat outside of your control as a coach no matter how much you preach, that would keep me up nights if I were Cignetti heading into the NC title game.

One thing you have to hand to NDSU over their several years of dominance at the FCS level - they never seem to beat themselves. You must earn it. GO DUKES!

(12-29-2019 09:21 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(12-29-2019 03:02 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  Good stuff. Offense nearly as good as '16 and defense about on par with '17. With that combo, could be one of the best teams overall we've had.

Forgot how rush heavy we were in '16, even more yards than this year. A good rushing attack really opens up the passing game too. This years rush defense may be the best we've ever had.

The third component, special teams, is not as good as'16. We have some "Rockstars", but as a whole, not as good.

I’d argue the kicking game (both punting and FG) are better. KO coverage is poor, but JMU’s return game is just as dangerous, if not better.

(12-18-2019 11:23 PM)Hotrod829 Wrote:  After the 2016 NC it seems like the CAA and the opponents we matched up against are really not that good.

In 04 playoffs, after Lehigh , all the Qb's went to the NFL and had NFL talent at the skill position. Their defenses were the same.

I expected much more from that UNI team but to be blunt they were terrible and we played down to them. Ben may have some accolades but he is not a top 5 all time JMU Qb. Getting Polk was a blessing.

The reason they are not that good is because we are getting all of the good recruits. Once you start winning that's what happens.

(12-30-2019 12:34 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers... ball control, ball control, ball control. It's that simple.

Their frosh Walter Payton Award winning QB (VERY likely) has not thrown a INT. This is a key issue - force him into mistakes that other teams have not yet been able to do. JMU can do it, but will the coaches allow for the DBs to take risks, which might otherwise lead to a blown coverage? I'd say probably not - Cignetti uses more disciplined approach. I think JMU will try to use the stout rushing def to force NDSU into uncharacteristic 3rd and long situations, and simply the challenge is to force punts. If I were NDSU, I'd use the pass to set up the run.

For JMU, hold on to the damn ball! JMU does not turn the ball over much, but even in the playoffs there were some fumbles (several we got lucky bounces/calls) and we all remember the DiNucci endzone INT vs. UNI. These mistakes will bury JMU and Cignetti knows it. I expect a very plain game plan on offense honestly. Run the ball, limit DiNucci's passing to when he is most comfortable (short yardage situations with the Bison D stacking the box). I am not sure if the Bison defense will play this way - it all depends on who wins the trenches between our O-line and their D-line. That to me might be the decider for the which team feels more pressure.

Based on what I have seen, JMU is more susceptible to allowing big plays and NDSU is certainly capable of creating them. But JMU this year (usually I feel like it's the Bison's MO) seems to get nice chunk plays, long grinding drives, that suck out the will of the opposing defense. It's truly JMU running the Bison's flavor of football through a spread option scheme. So dominate the line, manage TOP, and stay clean on offense and it will be hard for NDSU's offense, even with their elusive, dynamic QB, to match JMU stride for stride as the game wears on.

This year, JMU is more talented IMO. Are we better coached? I'd like to think so, but the execution by the players will end up telling the tale. I'm always nervous about targeting calls too - wouldn't be surprised if one of our guys does something stupid in this regard with all the hype. You saw it in the CFP games this weekend, and it was a significant turning point in the Clemson vs. OSU game for sure. This is probably the sort of thing, somewhat outside of your control as a coach no matter how much you preach, that would keep me up nights if I were Cignetti heading into the NC title game.

One thing you have to hand to NDSU over their several years of dominance at the FCS level - they never seem to beat themselves. You must earn it. GO DUKES!

Based on stats, Lance struggled against SDSU with only 74 yards passing and really wasnt anything special against UCD. Curious how he is going to do handling the pressure of a big time game against arguably the best defense he's seen all year. I really think he's going to pop his INT cherry early on in the game and we'll have to see how he responds

(12-30-2019 05:23 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(12-29-2019 09:21 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(12-29-2019 03:02 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  Good stuff. Offense nearly as good as '16 and defense about on par with '17. With that combo, could be one of the best teams overall we've had.

Forgot how rush heavy we were in '16, even more yards than this year. A good rushing attack really opens up the passing game too. This years rush defense may be the best we've ever had.

The third component, special teams, is not as good as'16. We have some "Rockstars", but as a whole, not as good.

I’d argue the kicking game (both punting and FG) are better. KO coverage is poor, but JMU’s return game is just as dangerous, if not better.

Not only the KO coverage is poor but the actual kick itself is terrible for our standards. Not sure how that has fallen so far. Why don't we go ahead and let Ratke KO. He did it prior to taking over the FG duty. Though, I'm not convinced Wise isn't doing exactly what the coaches are asking him to do. I feel like our kicking is identical to the days of Mickey kick-offs.

(12-30-2019 01:42 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(12-30-2019 05:23 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(12-29-2019 09:21 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(12-29-2019 03:02 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  Good stuff. Offense nearly as good as '16 and defense about on par with '17. With that combo, could be one of the best teams overall we've had.

Forgot how rush heavy we were in '16, even more yards than this year. A good rushing attack really opens up the passing game too. This years rush defense may be the best we've ever had.

The third component, special teams, is not as good as'16. We have some "Rockstars", but as a whole, not as good.

I’d argue the kicking game (both punting and FG) are better. KO coverage is poor, but JMU’s return game is just as dangerous, if not better.

Not only the KO coverage is poor but the actual kick itself is terrible for our standards. Not sure how that has fallen so far. Why don't we go ahead and let Ratke KO. He did it prior to taking over the FG duty. Though, I'm not convinced Wise isn't doing exactly what the coaches are asking him to do. I feel like our kicking is identical to the days of Mickey kick-offs.

Our coverage has been weak. If Wise could kick it out of the endzone, theres no way the coaches would not have him do that

(12-30-2019 02:19 PM)fishingduke12 Wrote:  

(12-30-2019 01:42 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(12-30-2019 05:23 AM)Longhorn Wrote:  

(12-29-2019 09:21 PM)BleedingPurple Wrote:  

(12-29-2019 03:02 PM)JMURocks Wrote:  Good stuff. Offense nearly as good as '16 and defense about on par with '17. With that combo, could be one of the best teams overall we've had.

Forgot how rush heavy we were in '16, even more yards than this year. A good rushing attack really opens up the passing game too. This years rush defense may be the best we've ever had.

The third component, special teams, is not as good as'16. We have some "Rockstars", but as a whole, not as good.

I’d argue the kicking game (both punting and FG) are better. KO coverage is poor, but JMU’s return game is just as dangerous, if not better.

Not only the KO coverage is poor but the actual kick itself is terrible for our standards. Not sure how that has fallen so far. Why don't we go ahead and let Ratke KO. He did it prior to taking over the FG duty. Though, I'm not convinced Wise isn't doing exactly what the coaches are asking him to do. I feel like our kicking is identical to the days of Mickey kick-offs.

Our coverage has been weak. If Wise could kick it out of the endzone, theres no way the coaches would not have him do that

He kicked it deep into the endzone on a couple occasions before the midpoint of the season. Maybe temps were warmer making the ball travel further and maybe the wind was to his back, but he's definitely kicked it right to the back of it a few times. It looked like to me he was told to place it close to the sideline, like EW had us do, it didn't work so well, then they told him to start putting air under the ball which started making it drop about the 10 - 15 yard-line.

we've had two kickoff's returned for touchdowns this year.
i'm going to guess that is below average nationally as many schools will have zero.

at the same time, our D leads the country in scoring defense.

I'm going to guess HCCC knows what he is doing and is purposely kicking that way knowing our kick coverage isn't great, but that our D is and it can hold the opposing offense to going nowhere.

if we had a ****** defense that was getting wrecked game after game then i'd question the strategy. But when all evidence shows our D can handle the field position its given, then we gotta trust the coaches know more than we do.

(12-30-2019 02:58 PM)Duke Dawg Wrote:  we've had two kickoff's returned for touchdowns this year.
i'm going to guess that is below average nationally as many schools will have zero.

at the same time, our D leads the country in scoring defense.

I'm going to guess HCCC knows what he is doing and is purposely kicking that way knowing our kick coverage isn't great, but that our D is and it can hold the opposing offense to going nowhere.

if we had a ****** defense that was getting wrecked game after game then i'd question the strategy. But when all evidence shows our D can handle the field position its given, then we gotta trust the coaches know more than we do.

Just watched Mississippi State kick it to the 11 yard line Louisville brought it to the 30. Sound familiar?

(12-30-2019 12:36 PM)fishingduke12 Wrote:  

(12-30-2019 12:34 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers... ball control, ball control, ball control. It's that simple.

Their frosh Walter Payton Award winning QB (VERY likely) has not thrown a INT. This is a key issue - force him into mistakes that other teams have not yet been able to do. JMU can do it, but will the coaches allow for the DBs to take risks, which might otherwise lead to a blown coverage? I'd say probably not - Cignetti uses more disciplined approach. I think JMU will try to use the stout rushing def to force NDSU into uncharacteristic 3rd and long situations, and simply the challenge is to force punts. If I were NDSU, I'd use the pass to set up the run.

Based on stats, Lance struggled against SDSU with only 74 yards passing and really wasnt anything special against UCD. Curious how he is going to do handling the pressure of a big time game against arguably the best defense he's seen all year. I really think he's going to pop his INT cherry early on in the game and we'll have to see how he responds

I hope you're right. As much as I want to see an INT, even more I want to see him contained in the pocket and not allowed to run free. If JMU can contain him, I don't think we will allow as many big plays. He is smart with the football and is wise beyond his year in the sense that he seems to know not to force it and live to fight the next series. But no one last forever as a great QB without learning from an INT or two - he's due!

(01-03-2020 06:36 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  

(12-30-2019 12:36 PM)fishingduke12 Wrote:  

(12-30-2019 12:34 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers... ball control, ball control, ball control. It's that simple.

Their frosh Walter Payton Award winning QB (VERY likely) has not thrown a INT. This is a key issue - force him into mistakes that other teams have not yet been able to do. JMU can do it, but will the coaches allow for the DBs to take risks, which might otherwise lead to a blown coverage? I'd say probably not - Cignetti uses more disciplined approach. I think JMU will try to use the stout rushing def to force NDSU into uncharacteristic 3rd and long situations, and simply the challenge is to force punts. If I were NDSU, I'd use the pass to set up the run.

Based on stats, Lance struggled against SDSU with only 74 yards passing and really wasnt anything special against UCD. Curious how he is going to do handling the pressure of a big time game against arguably the best defense he's seen all year. I really think he's going to pop his INT cherry early on in the game and we'll have to see how he responds

I hope you're right. As much as I want to see an INT, even more I want to see him contained in the pocket and not allowed to run free. If JMU can contain him, I don't think we will allow as many big plays. He is smart with the football and is wise beyond his year in the sense that he seems to know not to force it and live to fight the next series. But no one last forever as a great QB without learning from an INT or two - he's due!

It's honestly crazier how he hasnt had a tipped pass INT or some other fluke play. I know at least 1 of Dinucci's INTs was off a tipped ball that was catchable in stony brook

(01-03-2020 07:18 AM)fishingduke12 Wrote:  

(01-03-2020 06:36 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  

(12-30-2019 12:36 PM)fishingduke12 Wrote:  

(12-30-2019 12:34 AM)Yesolitis Wrote:  Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers... ball control, ball control, ball control. It's that simple.

Their frosh Walter Payton Award winning QB (VERY likely) has not thrown a INT. This is a key issue - force him into mistakes that other teams have not yet been able to do. JMU can do it, but will the coaches allow for the DBs to take risks, which might otherwise lead to a blown coverage? I'd say probably not - Cignetti uses more disciplined approach. I think JMU will try to use the stout rushing def to force NDSU into uncharacteristic 3rd and long situations, and simply the challenge is to force punts. If I were NDSU, I'd use the pass to set up the run.

Based on stats, Lance struggled against SDSU with only 74 yards passing and really wasnt anything special against UCD. Curious how he is going to do handling the pressure of a big time game against arguably the best defense he's seen all year. I really think he's going to pop his INT cherry early on in the game and we'll have to see how he responds

I hope you're right. As much as I want to see an INT, even more I want to see him contained in the pocket and not allowed to run free. If JMU can contain him, I don't think we will allow as many big plays. He is smart with the football and is wise beyond his year in the sense that he seems to know not to force it and live to fight the next series. But no one last forever as a great QB without learning from an INT or two - he's due!

It's honestly crazier how he hasnt had a tipped pass INT or some other fluke play. I know at least 1 of Dinucci's INTs was off a tipped ball that was catchable in stony brook

He's had great protection, but he's fixing to get a front row seat at The John and Ron'Dell Show!

I think this game will be tight enough that turnovers will have a huge part in the outcome. NDSU is overdue for a pick, I think we’ll have enough pressure up front that Lance will not only throw one but two.