The Maine bench storms the field as shocked JMU fans look on following the successful 2-pt conversion/win in OT against the Dukes, 25-24.

HARRISONBURG, Va. – In a game that pitted two coaches—Maine’s Jack Cosgrove and James Madison’s Mickey Matthews—known primarily for their preparation and game management skills, but both also possess the cunningness and confidence of a riverboat gambler, going against the grain of conservatism and pulling off a few trick plays that can turn the balance of the game.

With James Madison striking first in overtime to take a 24-17 lead, Maine wasted very little time on their possession in an attempt to continue the game.  In three plays they scored and only needed the extra point to push the game in to a second overtime period.

As the writers covering the game, the alums/fans/students cheering for their beloved schools, and the players participating, dropped their guard to take a deep breath in anticipation for more football, Maine Coach Jack Cosgrove was ready to head back to Orono, Maine.  The riverboat gambler from the north went “all in” and shocked everyone with the first and only trick play of the game.

With senior reserve quarterback Christopher Treister lined up behind center (TE Justin Perillo) five yards back, eight players shifted to Treister’s left near the James Madison sideline.  There was a lone receiver to his right.  The game was going to end no matter what on the first and only trick play of the game.

“We had prepared for that play 10-15 times in practice,” Dukes LB Stephon Robertson said after the game.  “We had it covered just the way we prepared for it.  They just made a play and got in.”

Maine back-up QB Chris Treister's game winning two-point conversion frame-by-frame.

Triester took the snap from center and rolled to his right.

“Chris had several options on that play.  He could have shoveled the ball to Pushaun (Brown) who cut across the middle from the left.  He could have passed it to the receiver, or passed it to the center. He took the final option and ran it in,” Cosgrove explained after the game.

As he approached the goal line, Triester leaped with a determined reckless abandon.  With a Dukes defender clipping the upper part of his body, Triester spun like a helicopter blade several feet in the air, ultimately landing in the end zone.  The gutsy call provided Maine with a 25-24 victory.

When asked why he ran a trick-play in overtime instead of continuing the game?  Cosgrove responded very emphatically with a question of his own, “Why not?”

Victory loves preparation, and the Black Bears were extremely prepared to pull off a play that made the ESPN Top Ten “Plays of the Day”.    

The timing was perfect, the formation was difficult to defend, and the decision to make the call was extremely risky.  Still, all eleven players were prepared to line-up properly and carry out the play as it was designed.

The game did not start off well for Maine as James Madison RB Jordan Anderson (26 att. For 216 yards and 1 TD) busted through the middle of the Black Bears defense for an 80-yard scamper electrifying the 24,000 plus fans—most wearing pink for breast cancer awareness.

Dukes RB Jordan Anderson may be the best back-up runningback in the country. His 216 yards rushing against a solid Black Bears defense will surely attest to that.

Maine would battle back and tie the score at seven halfway through the second quarter when QB Warren Smith (28 of 40 for 295 yards and 2 TDs) tossed a 5-yard touchdown strike to WR Maurice McDonald (9 rec. for 67 yards and 1 TD).

The Dukes jumped back ahead three minutes later on a 4-yard run by RB Dae’Quan Scott (14 att. for 71 yards and 1 TD).

Back came the Black Bears as they tied the score 14-14 right before the half on a Terrel Walker (8 att. for 33 yards and 1 TD) 4-yard run.

James Madison’s defense against the run was nothing short of spectacular.  They held the CAA’s leading rusher, Pushaun Brown to 58 yards rushing for the entire game.  Brown has averaged over 100 yards rushing a game this season.

James Madison coach Mickey Matthews was pleased with his defense’s effort against the run, but the same couldn’t have been said when discussing the pass defense, “We are not very good against the pass.  We played poor pass defense in the second half against William & Mary, and we played poor again today.”

In the second half both teams played somewhat reserved football waiting for the other to make a critical mistake.  It would never happen, as each team managed to kick field goals which led to the 17-17 end of regulation score.

The two teams are so evenly matched.  The only difference being, Maine moves the ball via the air, while JMU takes the ground approach.

I wouldn’t be shocked if these two teams saw each other again in December and played another overtime game in the playoffs.     

Worth Mentioning:  Following the game, JMU Coach Mickey Matthews could not stop talking about the performance of Maine QB Warren Smith.  At one point Matthews said, “He should receive consideration for the National Player of the Year.”

To view all the photos by CAAZone.com from the game, please visit this link:

(Note:  The photos are not for sale and can only be used by CAAZone.com unless permission has been granted)

http://sportsspotlight.smugmug.com/College-Sports/Football/Maine-JMU-CAA-FB-2011/19427794_LvrczV#1519572062_qXbBzQC