Game day blog: JMU at North Carolina

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – A lot of things will have to go right for James Madison to pull another upset of a I-A opponent. All week, the coaching staff has stressed limiting turnovers and penalties and not allowing North Carolina’s offense to hit any big plays. Accomplishing those goals will keep the game close.

But to win, JMU will need new quarterback Justin Thorpe to play well, its offensive line to slow down the Tar Heels’ daunting front four, and will need its linebackers and defensive backs to gang tackle North Carolina’s ball carriers.

Here are the three things to watch during today’s game.

1) Can JMU’s offensive line block North Carolina’s imposing defensive front?

Led by senior defensive end Quinton Coples – a potential Top 5 NFL draft pick – the Tar Heels’ defense is led by its front four. If JMU can’t block Coples and Co., they won’t be able to run the ball, control the clock and shorten the game. They’ll be relying on new starting quarterback Justin Thorpe's passing and an unproven group of receivers to win the game. And that could be a formula for getting blown out.

But the Dukes have a bigger, stronger and more experienced line than last season. If that group blocks well and the play-calling can keep the Tar Heels off balance with some quick passes and some roll-outs, JMU will have a shot to keep things close.

Thorpe is fast and new running back Dae’Quan Scott is even faster. If the front five can keep the Tar Heels out of the backfield, Thorpe or Scott might be able to break off a big run. A year ago, it was Jamal Sullivan’s 77-yard touchdown that ignited the upset of Virginia Tech.

2) Which new quarterback will play better, especially when it comes to limiting turnovers?

JMU and UNC both open the season with new quarterbacks who played their high school ball in the state of Virginia. JMU’s Thorpe (Varina High in Richmond) has a big edge in experience, having started for the Dukes in 2009. But former West Springfield Bryn Renner has a big-time arm and teammates say he’s played well in preseason camp.

Renner has a strong receiving corps, a hulking offensive line and tailback Ryan Houston to help him in his transition. Thorpe will hope to use his speed and athleticism to capture the edge running the option with Scott. He also impressed coaches and teammates with his passing ability this preseason.

3) Will JMU’s defense be as good against UNC as it was a year ago in Blacksburg?

In the Dukes’ 21-16 upset of Virginia Tech last year, JMU’s defenders swarmed to the football to gang tackle the Hokies’ star runners, Ryan Williams and Darren Evans. It will likely take a similar effort to keep UNC’s Ryan Houston and the Heels' offensive line from taking the game over by pounding it on the ground.

JMU has a fast and athletic defense, but it’s lacking in size. Senior defensive tackle Nick Emmons (knee) won’t play today and junior tackle Sean O’Neil is a game-time decision. Linebackers Stephon Robertson, Pat Williams and Vidal Nelson will need to  turn in huge games.

If the Dukes' D swarms to the ball and keeps UNC off schedule and behind the chains, JMU will have a shot to pull another shocker. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt if someone wearing purple could come up with a big turnover.