After an emotionally draining loss against Boise State, the Hokies will return to practice over the next few days to prepare for an in-state battle against JMU on Saturday. James Madison is relegated to the FCS so if the Hokies were to play any team on just five days rest, JMU is probably the best option.
The Dukes will be a top 10 FCS team this year but they’re not quite back to the level they were a few years ago when they won a National Championship. They have enough talent on both sides of the ball to contend against the Hokies but it would take a major tank job on Tech’s part for the Hokies to lose this game.
Below we will examine a few topics and issues that you’ll want to watch for this Saturday.
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- Watch for JMU to use both of their quarterbacks in this game. Senior Drew Dudzik started this past Saturday against Morehead State for the Dukes and finished the game 8 for 15 with 189 yards passing and two touchdowns. He did throw an INT but thanks to Morehead State being terrible, that turnover didn’t cost him. James Madison has a talented sophomore in TJ Thorpe backing up Dudzik. Thorpe is a scrambler and could potentially be a better option against the Hokies defense.
- For Hokie fans, look for Ryan Williams and Darren Evans to get back on track this Saturday. The Virginia Tech rushing attack was non-existent against Boise State but with the Hokies having better overall athletes, I have a feeling there will be a few more holes available for our running backs to run through this weekend.
- Look for redshirt freshman J.R. Collins to get his first career start. Chris Drager injured his knee against Boise State and it appears that injury will keep him out for this game. Reports indicate that the injury isn’t serious but it will likely keep him out of action for at least a week.
- Watch out for JMU deep threat Kirby Long out at wide receiver. Long had 127 yards receiving on just three catches last Saturday. Obviously, I don’t expect there to be a repeat this Saturday, especially with Long lining up against Rashad Carmichael half the time but he could provide a big play or two if the Hokies secondary doesn’t locate him before every play.
- Look for this game to be sloppy in the early going before the Hokies take control in the 2nd quarter. Tech plays very well during short weeks so I’m not expecting there to be a let down but I wouldn’t be shocked to see this game stay close for a quarter or so. Although, the last time Tech played on just five days rest, they dominated a higher ranked Clemson team back in 2006.
- Finally, expect freshman phenom Logan Thomas to see his first collegiate action at quarterback sometime in the 2nd half. Thomas didn’t see any playing time against Boise State but I have a feeling that was by design. No need for a freshman to see action on that big of a stage. However, this Saturday expect number three to be on the field at some point in this game.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thorpe’s out six weeks with a hyperextended left knee he suffered against Morehead.
One of my friends that goes to JMU told me that, just didn’t know the severity of the injury. That helps us out I guess. One less thing we have to worry about.
it would take a major tank job on Tech’s part for the Hokies to lose this game.
are you physic?
Haha sadly, no. I really thought we would come out a little more focused than we did.