Game-day blog: Three keys for the JMU-UNH game

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – Today’s game at Cowell Stadium could have major implications on the Division I-AA playoff picture.

New Hampshire could all but lock up a berth with a win over No. 13 JMU. The Dukes, meanwhile, need this win even more. Of  their final three games, a road win over UNH would be the most impressive to the selection committee and will keep them off that razor sharp edge of playoff elimination. Win today, and an eight win season and a home playoff game are very reachable.

Lose today, and JMU will play the final two weeks with its back against the wall as it tries to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.


Here are three keys to today's game...

1) How will JMU’s reconfigured offensive line – minus two starters – fare against Brian McNally and UNH’s defensive front?

A year ago, Matt Krout was playing right tackle and matched up with McNally, now the CAA’s co-leader in sacks with 6 ½. This season, Krout had been JMU’s right guard. That is, until the injury decimation that was the Old Dominion game.

Now, with both tackles – A.J. Scott and Josh Wells – out for the year, Krout is back at tackle and two redshirt freshmen – Matt Williams and Matt Cunningham – are in at right guard and left tackle.

Perhaps more of a concern than pass blocking, JMU has made its hay this year by running the football. With running back Dae’Quan Scott (shoulder) a game-time decision today and the line dealing with its issues, will JMU be able to rush the ball effectively against a UNH defense that hasn’t been very stout against the run this season?

2) Can JMU generate enough pass rush to disrupt New Hampshire’s potent offense?

The Wildcats are second in the CAA in scoring, piling up points and yards out of their no-huddle, spread option attack. Quarterback Kevin Decker – a senior in his first season as a starter – has been lighting the league up.

The Dukes need to pressure Decker to disrupt the timing of the UNH offensive machine. Senior defensive end D.J. Bryant (knee) and freshman defensive end Sage Harold (hamstring) are both game-time decisions, potentially big losses for a defensive front already playing the season without its two starting tackles.

JMU needs to pressure Decker and – equally important – it must tackle well in the open field.

3) Will New Hampshire continue its trend of making the one or two key plays that decide close games?

The Wildcats have had five of their eight games decided one score or less. Their record in those games? 5-0.

Meanwhile, JMU’s two conference losses have come by a combined four points. Last weekend, they gave up a prayer of a Hail Mary touchdown on fourth down and had a kick blocked in a 23-20 loss to Old Dominion.

The Dukes need to make some clutch plays – on offense, defense or special teams – to get themselves into the thick of the playoff hunt. 

For updates during the game, follow me on twitter @mikeabarber