JMU Could Be Minus Both Starting DTs On Saturday

HARRISONBURG – James Madison will most likely be without both its starting defensive tackles for Saturday’s game at Liberty.

Junior Sean O’Neill will have knee surgery – “major reconstruction,” JMU coach Mickey Mattewhs said after practice Tuesday -- next week and will miss the rest of the season. O’Neill injured his knee during the Dukes’ 14-9 win over Central Connecticut State on Saturday.

Senior Nick Emmons (knee) said he does not expect to play Saturday either, though Matthews said Emmons – who did not practice Tuesday – is “highly questionable.”

“He’s not well yet,” said Matthews, whose 13th ranked Dukes play at No. 22 Liberty on Saturday in Lynchburg. “Obviously Nick’s knee is a more serious injury than we thought.”

Emmons has not played yet this year after having his knee rolled up on by running back Dae’Quan Scott in preseason practice.

Senior Lamar Middleton and sophomore Jordan Stanton will likely start in Emmons and O’Neill’s places.

Matthews said sophomore Bingham Togia and redshirt freshman Anthony McDaniel will see increased playing time and said he is considering moving defensive end Tyler Snow inside.

Snow played defensive tackle near the end of last season because of injuries.

Junior linebacker Jamie Veney (hamstring) is also out for Saturday’s game.