Posted by SuckaFish
Before each game we’ll give Five Reasons to Be Concerned, Five Reasons to Feel Good, and The Absolutely 100% Guaranteed Prediction.* As always, we start with the bad stuff.
1. Um, Did You See What Happened Last Week?
It was not pretty. We will not be watching film this week. Let’s look forward.
2. James Madison Is Very Good
Sure, they play in Division 1-AA (it’ll always be that to me) but they will not be intimidated. As always, they’re ranked in the top 10. In the last five years the Dukes have been in the playoffs four times and won a national championship.
3. They Are the Defending CAA Champs
Last year JMU was 8-0 in the CAA and was ranked #1 in the country headed into the playoffs. So what? Last week the CAA went 2-0 against the ACC. Richmond went to Duke and won 24-16. William and Mary traveled to Charlottesville and beat Virginia 26-14. Really? Maryland needs to win to save face for the ACC?
4. Our Offensive Line Just Got Worse
Of all the problems last week, the offensive line was the worst. And now starting left tackle Bruce Campbell is out for the JMU game with turf toe. Paul Pinegar will most likely take his spot. Last week Pinegar was the right tackle and he was beaten repeatedly. Now he’ll be at the most important spot on the line.
5. Recent History Does Not Inspire Confidence
Just last year Maryland lost to Middle Tennessee State. Seriously. And that was the week after they struggled to beat Delaware 14-7. In ’06 the Terps beat W&M by 13 and stopped Florida International in the red zone on the final play to escape with a 14-10 win. The ’05 season started with a 3-point win over Navy. In 2004 they beat Northern Illinois 23-20 and in 2003 they lost to NIU 20-13 in OT. Of course, in three of those five seasons the Terps went on to win a bowl game.
* Guarantee not valid in Utah or anywhere else
Route 1 to Lot 1 