Game-Day Blog: Three Keys For The JMU-ODU Game

NEWPORT NEWS – Old Dominion has proven to be a legitimate contender in the Colonial Athletic Association in its first year in the league. But the Monarchs’ three CAA wins have come against teams – UMass, Rhode Island and Villanova – with a combined 7-15 record.

A win today against James Madison would be ODU’s most impressive this season.

Of course, JMU’s three CAA wins are against teams – William & Mary, Richmond and Villanova – with a combined 8-15 record. So a win over the Monarchs would be equally solid for the Dukes.

Here are three things to watch for in today’s JMU-ODU game.

1) Can JMU’s defense avoid giving up the kind of big plays that have been the trademark of the Old Dominion offense this season?

The Dukes have struggled some with their pass defense this season, especially on third downs. They given up five touchdown passes of 20 yards or more this season.

Old Dominion has made a living putting up points from far out, scoring 10 touchdowns of over 20 yards, six off passes and four on long runs.

Expect to see plenty of nickel packages from the JMU defense today. Safety Jakarie Jackson is back from a hamstring injury and both he and Ryan Smith should be on the field together against ODU’s wide-receiver loaded formations.


If JMU can generate the kind of pass rush with its four down linemen that it did in battering Richmond 31-7 (sacking UR QB Aaron Corp seven times in the game), the Dukes will be able to drop seven defenders into coverage on passing downs.


But if the Dukes need to turn to blitzing, and leave their corners isolated in man-to-man all game, ODU quarterback Taylor Heinicke could be in for another big day.

2) It isn’t just on offense that the Monarchs are making big plays. Can JMU avoid a special teams’ disaster?

Old Dominion has returned two punts for touchdowns, recovered two onsides kicks and blocked five kicks (four punts and one field goal) already this season. Those are the kind of plays that can turn a game, especially in bad weather, which is what’s called for today in Norfolk.

In the Monarchs three years of existence, they’ve displayed a Virginia Tech-esque knack for specials teams play, blocking a total of 17 kicks in that time.

JMU has had some iffy moments this year when it comes to punt protection and its kick coverage has been less than stellar. With the extra week (coming off a bye), the Dukes surely spent some time shoring up their protections. And if they didn’t, ODU will find a way to exploit that.

3) How will the forecasted rain affect both teams’ game plans?

JMU shouldn’t have to alter what it does much if it rains heavily, as is expected here in Norfolk. The Dukes have played two games in the rain this season – wins over William & Mary and Richmond. In both games, they piled up rushing yards while throwing for under 80 yards.

Of course, that’s basically the same approach the Dukes use when the sun’s shining.

ODU, on the other hand, is a pass-happy attack that could be muted by heavy rains. And facing JMU’s defense – the best in the CAA against the run – rushing the ball might not be a viable option.

The Monarchs may have a better chance trying to chuck it through the rain.

For updates during the game, follow @mikeabarber on Twitter.