James Madison Dukes
CAA
James Madison has had another solid season. However, the Dukes have lost their opening game in the last two playoffs and this group has the potential to put an end to that little streak. Coach Mike Houston has stepped in and done a very good job and even exceeded expectations during the regular season.
2016 Record: 10-1, 8-0
Coach: Mike Houston
Big Wins: 11/5 at Richmond (47-43), 11/12 at Villanova (20-7)
Bad Losses: 9/17 at North Carolina (28-56)
Strengths:
The Dukes win games by keeping the ball on the ground and avoiding turnovers. Running back Khalid Abdullah is the main ground force. He rushed for 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns during his senior season. But when Abdullah needs a break, Cardon Johnson is more than capable of carrying the load. Quarterback Bryan Schor can do some damage with his legs too. Schor is also a very efficient passer and completed 73.2 percent of his pass attempts for 2,026 yards and 18 touchdowns, with just three interceptions. There are not many teams who can move the chains more effectively and efficiently than James Madison. Because of the strong ground game it is rare that this team gets in tough third down situations. They keep the ball, manage the clock and wear down the opposing defense.
Weaknesses:
The JMU defense has had some issues this year though. The team gives up a ton of yards through the air. That is in part due to the fact that the Dukes often take a lead and the only way for the opposition to catch up is by throwing the ball. But most times the opposition does have quite a bit of success. Players like Raven Greene, Rashad Robinson and Jimmy Moreland will make some big plays in the secondary, but they will get beat every once in a while too. A more consistent pass rush would help the secondary, but Simeyon Robinson can only do so much.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Khalid Abdullah, RB, 1,300 yards
Passing: Bryan Schor, QB, 2,026 yards
Receiving: Brandon Ravenel, WR, 514 yards
Tackles: Brandon Hereford, LB, 83
Sacks: Simeyon Robinson, DL, 4.0
Interceptions: Raven Greene, S, 5
2016 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 290.6 (5th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 213.7 (58, 3)
Total Offense: 504.3 (3, 1)
Scoring Offense: 46.2 (2, 1)
Rushing Defense: 135.5 (37, 3)
Pass Defense: 229.4 (76, 12)
Total Defense: 364.9 (44, 7)
Scoring Defense: 24.4 (37, 7)
Turnover Margin: 1.40 (4, 1)
Sacks: 1.50 (91, 8)
Sacks Allowed: 0.90 (9, 1)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2015 Second Round Lost to Colgate
2014 First Round Lost to Liberty
2011 First Round Defeated Eastern Kentucky
2011 Second Round Lost to North Dakota State
2008 First Round Defeated Wofford
2008 Quarterfinals Defeated Villanova
2008 Semifinals Lost to Montana
2007 First Round Lost to Appalachian State
2006 First Round Lost to Youngstown State
2004 First Round Defeated Lehigh
2004 Quarterfinals Defeated Furman
2004 Semifinals Defeated William & Mary
2004 Championship Defeated Montana
1999 First Round Lost to Troy
1995 First Round Lost to Appalachian State
1994 First Round Defeated Troy
1994 Quarterfinals Lost to Marshall
1991 First Round Defeated Delaware
1991 Quarterfinals Lost to Samford
1987 First Round Lost to Marshall
*all team stats through 11/12
