James Madison (7-4) @ Eastern Kentucky (7-4)

Saturday, November 26, 2011 – 12pm

Roy Kidd Stadium, Richmond, KY

Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to do!

When JMU visits Eastern Kentucky tomorrow at Roy Kidd Stadium, the Dukes need to do two things against the Colonels and they shouldn’t have any problems advancing to the second round of the FCS Playoffs.

First and foremost, control the ball! In the Colonels four loses this season they lost the time of possession battle by an average of eleven minutes plus. Opponents were able to run the ball, control the game, and keep their explosive offense off the field.

EKU RB Matt Denham has amassed some remarkable numbers in basically seven full games this season. His play as the feature back starting in game five for the Colonels, turned their fortunes around.

The second important aspect of the game the Dukes must be able to do is contain the Colonels All-OVC RB junior Matt Denham (237 att. for 1,466 yds. 5.3 avg. and 9 TDs). Denham, who was virtually non-factor in the Colonels first four games of the season when they were 1-3, averaged 30 carries and 193 yards per game the final seven (6-1).

EKU head coach Dean Hood, a defensive guru by nature, played his hot hand during the Colonels turnaround and controlled games by giving Denham the ball.

Of the two key components, limiting Denham will be the more difficult task. He will touch the ball over 30 times in this game. JMU’s defense just happens to excel against the run. With a LB trio of Vidal Nelson (shifts to S at times), Pat Williams, and Stephon Robertson, expect the Dukes to contain Denham.

Colonels QB T.J. Pryor (120-219 for 1,511 yards w/ 18 TDs and 7 ints) put up some impressive passing statistics this season, but most of those numbers came against the weaker teams on their schedule.

With a strong, but inaccurate arm at times, Pryor is worth watching in this match-up. JMU has struggled against the pass most of the season. Some of the struggles were a result of injuries, and some of it had to do with their aggressive style of play.

Pryor can run so the Dukes defense must pass rush with discipline. Pryor should only be a factor if the Dukes jump out on the Colonels early and contain Denham.

When he does pass, Pryor’s favorite target is 6’5″ WR Tyrone Goard (38 rec for 604 yds. and 11TDs). A tall receiver with strong hands and the ability to go above most defensive backs to bring down the ball. Goard should be the focus of the Dukes’ defense on obvious passing downs.

As mentioned earlier, it is extremely important for the Dukes to control the clock and wear-down a smaller but highly aggressive Colonels defense.

JMU RB Jordan Anderson is an explosive runner who also has the strength to muscle for tough yards. Although Scott will be the feature back, Anderson will need to contribute considerably against the Colonels.

RB’s Dae’quan Scott (196 att for 1,201 yds. and 11TDs) and Jordan Anderson (145 att for 790 yds. and 7TDs) must consistently gain positive yardage to keep the chains moving while rushing for over 250 yards. Add the running abilities of QB Justin Thorpe to the mix and you have a recipe for success.

If EKU is somewhat successful in limiting the JMU rushing attack and Thorpe is forced to pass more than 20 times, the Dukes could be in trouble.

The Colonels opportunistic defense had 14 interceptions this season and several were returned for touchdowns.

Neither team has excelled on special teams return yards this season. With that said, you would think the units wouldn’t be a factor. This is playoff time folks! You will see plenty of starters for both teams playing on most ST units. I wouldn’t be surprised if a kick or punt return turns the tide in this game.

When everything is said and done, if JMU does the voodoo, that they do, so well (run the ball!), and limit Denham’s effectiveness (they won’t stop him completely) they should handle their business and move on to the second round.