JMU football hosts Richmond Saturday in an important rivalry game that will help solidify the Colonial Athletic Association as we get another week closer to the FCS Playoffs.
COMPARE: JMU vs. Richmond | Bryan Schor vs. Kyle Lauletta
MORE: JMU SID Chris Brooks Returns to the HERO Sports FCS Podcast
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Game info:
Richmond at No. 1 James Madison
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 11, 3:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, VA
TV: MASN
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Jeff Gimpel
The typical offensive scheme in the CAA is run, run, run, and then play-action. This Richmond offense however, wants to pick you apart through the air using complex passing schemes and route patterns. The Spiders have one of the best quarterbacks in the country and they are not afraid to let him rip it, especially against JMU, a team he’s had a lot of success against the last two seasons.
That being said, this JMU defense is truly special and can combat Richmond’s number one passing attack, with the most efficient passing defense in the country. JMU will also make Richmond completely one-dimensional on offense by taking away their running game and trusting the experience and talent they have in the secondary to shut down the Spiders’ high-flying offense.
I like the matchup for JMU’s offense this week too as it seems they’re extremely close to clicking, and if they do this week, watch out, the Dukes will be even scarier come playoffs. I’m taking JMU this week 34-14 over Richmond.
JMU: 34
Richmond: 14
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Bennett Conlin
I expect JMU to give up more than 14 points for the first time this season, but I'd be stunned if the Dukes don't pick up their 22nd consecutive win. Kyle Lauletta has NFL talent and he'll make a few plays against JMU's defense, but the Dukes aren't going to have any issues moving the ball against the Spiders. JMU pulls away in the second half for a 37-20 win.
JMU: 37
Richmond: 20
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Brian McLaughlin
Well folks, Richmond won't be held to below double digits like JMU's defensive average, but the Spiders will be hard pressed to match James Madison overall. The games the past few years have been hum-dingers, but this one will not have the drama of recent years. Richmond will score the most points of any team on JMU this regular season, but the Dukes will cruise to the win.
JMU: 35
Richmond: 20
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Brian Hansen
I have been looking forward to this meeting for several weeks as we get to see JMU’s immovable object of a defense go up against Richmond’s unstoppable force on offense. Kyle Lauletta is really talented and I’m sure will give JMU the steepest challenge it has had all season.
Additionally, these teams played a fantastic game a year ago with JMU leaving the state capital with a 47-43 victory over their rival. That game was the moment I told myself JMU could win the national championship. It was an incredible performance against a top-six team on the road and JMU kept up the fight against a well-coached team on the road.
I don’t think this year’s game will be as high scoring as last year’s, but I do think JMU’s offense is going to have to look a little better than it has most of the season for the Dukes to come away with the win. I think Richmond will be able to move the ball and score meaning Bryan Schor and the offense will have to match him. Fortunately, Bryan Schor has demonstrated the ability to do that over the last two seasons and I’m looking for the Dukes to come out and put together their most complete game of the season.
JMU: 31
Richmond: 21
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Chase Kiddy
It's rivalry week! JMU-Richmond has been my favorite week of the season for a few years now, partially because it always lives up to the hype. This year should be no different, as Kyle Lauletta gets ready to try to carry the Spiders past a really good Dukes defense.
I'll be pretty surprised if JMU holds Richmond under 15 points, as Lauletta is just too talented to get shut down like that. I'm still picking JMU to win, because the Dukes are a far more balanced team, but I expect this game to be the closest contest JMU plays all year.
JMU: 40
Richmond: 34
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NEXT: Projecting the FCS Playoff Field After Week 10
