Tag: James Madison

App State is wearing awesome ‘Yosef’ helmets, so it’s another Saturday you pay attention to them

We have a certified uniform battle between App State and JMU this week.

Appalachian State has dominated college football storylines this season.

You remember, right? They scored 40 points in the fourth quarter in a wild Week One game, only to lose 63-61 to North Carolina. The Mountaineers followed that up with a historic win though, going down to College Station, Texas to upset then-ranked No. 6 Texas A&M. And then last weekend – with ESPN’s College GameDay in Boone – App beat Troy on a tipped Hail Mary as time expired.

This weekend, App State hosts James Madison. The Mountaineers are a -6.5 favorite in a game that will stream on ESPN+ at 3:30 p.m. EST. So, it’s not a game that you *need* to pay attention to, right?

Wrong.

App State is wearing all-black uniforms with awesome helmets.

Behold: Yosef.

Any team that’s sporting helmets featuring a bearded man wearing a brimmed hat and smoking a pipe is worth watching.

Back in 2020, they wore white helmets featuring a patriotic Yosef. App State won that game 78-58, so it’s pretty obvious that Yosef has magical offensive powers.

According to App State’s website, its mascot – Dan’l Boone Yoseff from Appalachian – was introduced in 1941. The second “f” in his name got dropped in 1947, for reasons that are unclear. Anyway, the Yosef logo became popular in Boone during the 1970s, and App State reintroduced it to fans around 2012, just a few years before they made the jump to FBS in 2014.

Of course, there’s on-field football reasons you should pay attention to this game too.

James Madison is off to a nice start in their first season of FBS ball with a 2-0 record. In their first FBS game, they beat Middle Tennessee State 44-7. The Dukes followed that up with a 63-7 thrashing of Norfolk State.

This game for JMU will be their first-ever in the Sun Belt conference – you know this as the #FunBelt – but they have plenty of history with App, a fellow former FCS powerhouse. This is the first trip to Boone for JMU since a 2007 FCS playoff game, which App won 28-27 after a key fourth down conversion and fumble recovery. App went on to win its third straight FCS national championship that season (and yes, the Mountaineers’ famous win over Michigan happened at the beginning of that campaign).

App State is 12-4 all-time against JMU, and the two schools are separated by about 265 miles.

JMU is armed with a defense that is No. 1 in the nation in fewest yards allowed per-game (163), and grad-transfer quarterback Todd Centeio, who previously played at Temple and Colorado State. He threw six touchdowns passes in his Dukes’ debut, tying a single-game program record.

And since App State is wearing all-black on Saturday, that of course means the Dukes are wearing all-white. These uniforms are pretty sharp too.

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ESPN’s College GameDay makes their picks for week 4 including ND at UNC

Was it ND or UNC???

The crew of ESPN’s College GameDay headed out to Knoxville, Tennessee for the Top-25 matchup where Tennessee hosts Florida. The panelists of Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard and Pat McAfee were joined by former Volunteer track and field star and current WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Blair, who goes by the ring name Bianca Belair. Here are the games and their picks for this weeks slate.

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James Madison vs Appalachian State Prediction, Game Preview

James Madison vs Appalachian State game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 4 game on Saturday, September 24

James Madison vs Appalachian State prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 4, Saturday, September 24

James Madison vs Appalachian State How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 24
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, NC
How To Watch: ESPN+
Record: James Madison (2-0), Appalachian State (2-1)
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CFN Week 4 Expert Picks | Week 4 Schedule
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James Madison vs Appalachian State Game Preview

Why James Madison Will Win

Okay, James Madison. Just how real are you?

Who leads the nation in total defense? Who leads the nation in run defense? Who leads the nation in tackles for loss per game? Who has yet to turn the ball over?

The Dukes are just 2-0, and one of the wins was against Norfolk State, but they ripped a Middle Tennessee team 44-7 that might just be good enough to go bowling.

Rested with two weeks off, James Madison should bring the offensive balance, and they should bring the energy against an Appalachian State team that has to be a tad bit fried.

Seriously, the North Carolina shootout, and then the Texas A&M win, and then GameDay and the Hail Mary win over Troy – this team has been through a lot, but …

– CFN Expert Picks, Week 4

Why Appalachian State Will Win

The Mountaineers are playing great.

They seemed a bit flat at times against the Trojans, but the defense was great against the run and the offense was able to get a big enough game – helped by that last throw – out of Chase Brice to survive.

The team isn’t beating itself. There has been just one turnover so far, penalties aren’t a problem, and the O is moving the chains.

But …

– 10 Best Predictions Against the Spread

What’s Going To Happen

Look … out.

James Madison might be new to the FBS party, but it’s no joke. It might not be the best team in the Sun Belt, but it’s going to come up with a winning season and annoy all the conference teams that have a shot to do something fun this year.

The Dukes are going to bring the defense that can hold up, and the offensive balance will keep things moving. App State will survive – and it’s not going to take a last second play to do it – but it’s going to be a grind in a fun battle.

– NFL Expert Picks, Week 3

James Madison vs Appalachian State Prediction, Line

Appalachian State 27, James Madison 23
Line: Appalachian State -7, o/u: 58.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
James Madison vs Appalachian State Must See Rating (out of 5): 3.5

College coaches all over America this week are raising awareness and research dollars for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive genetic disorder that takes the lives of young men. Fans can donate to Coach To Cure MD online or by texting the word CURE to 501501 to give $25.

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James Madison vs Norfolk State Prediction, Game Preview

James Madison vs Northern Colorado game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 2 game on Saturday, September 10

James Madison vs Norfolk State prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 2, Saturday, September 10

James Madison vs Norfolk State How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 10
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Venue: Bridgeforth Stadium/Zane Showker Field, Harrisonburg, VA
How To Watch: ESPN3
Record: James Madison (1-0), Norfolk State (0-1)
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James Madison vs Norfolk State Game Preview

Why Norfolk State Will Win

Has the moment worn off?

James Madison was jacked to make its debut in the FBS and as a member of the Sun Belt, and it showed with a phenomenal performance in the 44-7 win over Middle Tennessee.

Can it keep that high level for another week?

Norfolk State is better than it looked in the 55-3 loss to Marshall. It has a much, much stronger rushing attack, it’s going to be great this year at controlling the clock, and go ahead and call it a bad day in Huntington.

However …

– CFN Expert Picks, Week 2

Why James Madison Will Win

The Dukes are going to run and run some more.

Marshall was able to get its backs to the second level way too easily – it ran for 380 yards on the Spartans and averaged close to eight yards per carry. James Madison QB Todd Centeio led the team with 110 yards last week, but the backs were great, the offense balanced, and the offensive line was rolling.

That, and the defensive front swarmed, allowing Middle Tennessee to net just 19 yards on 28 carries. The line was in the Blue Raider backfield all game long, and that’s about to continue.

– Week 2 Schedule, Predictions, Game Preview

What’s Going To Happen

Again, Norfolk State is better than it appeared against Marshall, and James Madison isn’t quite as strong as it looked against Middle Tennessee.

Both parts of the narrative are going to keep going forward, though.

The Duke lines will take over early on, Norfolk State will struggle on third downs, and it’ll be another blowout for both sides.

– CFN Week 2 Predictions

James Madison vs Norfolk State Prediction, Line

James Madison 44, Norfolk State 13
Line: James Madison -37, o/u: 61.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
James Madison vs Norfolk State Must See Rating (out of 5): 1.5

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James Madison vs Middle Tennessee Prediction, Game Preview

James Madison vs Middle Tennessee game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 1 game on Saturday, September 3

James Madison vs Middle Tennessee prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Saturday, September 3

James Madison vs Middle Tennessee How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 3
Game Time: 6:00 ET
Venue: Bridgeforth Stadium, Harrisonburg, VA
How To Watch: ESPN+
Record: James Madison (0-0), Middle Tennessee (0-0)
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James Madison vs Middle Tennessee Game Preview

Why Middle Tennessee Will Win

Can the takeaways continue?

Middle Tennessee might not have always been great last year on either side of the ball, but the defense came up with turnover after turnover, leading the nation with 32.

It was also disruptive in the backfield, the line should be stronger against the run, and for all of the good things about James Madison, pass protection might be a problem early on.

Offensively, Middle Tennessee’s backfield should be able to keep things moving and control the clock a little bit, but …

– Week 1 CFN College Football Expert Picks

Why James Madison Will Win

The Dukes are coming into the FBS world loaded with veterans and good playmakers.

The defensive side might have to replace some of the stars, but the pass rush should be terrific and the secondary will hold up against the Blue Raider receivers.

It’s the other side that should take over right away with a fantastic line needing to get the job done against the Blue Raider pass rushers. Give the James Madison passing game time, and – even with new starters at quarterback and receiver – everything should work.

As long as the Dukes aren’t turning it over, they should be able to feed off of the …

– Week 1 Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Saturday

What’s Going To Happen

Energy.

Everyone is jacked for the start of the college football season, but the James Madison fans getting ready for the move from the FCS world up to the big league are ready to explode.

And the football team is pretty good, too.

Middle Tennessee won’t be any sort of a pushover.

This is a well-coached club with the offensive pieces to make this a four quarter fight, but the James Madison offense will be too effective in the fourth quarter on two good scoring drives to pull out a fun first win.

– All of the CFN Predictions

James Madison vs Middle Tennessee Prediction, Line

James Madison 27, Middle Tennessee 20
Line: James Madison -5.5, o/u: 57.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

– How every college coach does against the spread

James Madison vs Middle Tennessee Must See Rating: 3
5: Gangs of London Season 2
1: Mack & Rita

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James Madison Dukes Preview 2022: Season Prediction, Breakdown, Key Games, Players

James Madison College Football Preview 2022: Team breakdown, season prediction, keys to the campaign, and what you need to know

James Madison Dukes Preview 2022: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the James Madison season with what you need to know and keys to the season.

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James Madison Dukes Preview
Head Coach: Curt Cignetti, 4th year at JMU, 33-5
12th year overall, 100-31
2021 Record: Overall: 12-2, Conference: 7-1
Keys To The Season | Season Prediction, What Will Happen
James Madison Top 10 Players | James Madison Schedule

James Madison Dukes Preview 2022

James Madison isn’t just entering FBS life in the Sun Belt looking to have a good time.

Oh it will – this fan base is jacked for the upgrade to the big-time – but this is a program used to winning lots and lots of games, going to the FCS Playoffs on a regular basis, and doing it all with plenty of big pop to the offense and with a defense that comes in smoking.

And then there’s the obvious X factor – just how quickly can this program adapt, adjust, and be ready for life against the bigger teams with the depth and talent it hasn’t faced in a long time.

The last game against an FBS program was the opener of the 2019 season. It was a good 20-13 loss to West Virginia, and the 24-13 opener loss to NC State in 2018 was tough, but the 2017 powerhouse blew out East Carolina and there’s going to be no fear factor with the parts currently in place.

The team isn’t eligible for a bowl game this year – totally silly, by the way – and there’s no pressure whatsoever in the transition.

This is about adapting, adjusting, and establishing itself as a potential Sun Belt power.

James Madison Dukes Preview 2022: Offense

With seven starters expected back and a whole lot of good new guys from the transfer portal, the offense is going to work. It was No. 1 in the Colonial Athletic Association last year and overall it was 17th in the FCS with one of the nation’s most efficient lower-level passing games.

QB Cole Johnson was the CAA Offensive Player of the Year and now he needs to be replaced, and star receiver Antwane Wells is off to South Carolina, but …

Getting Todd Centeio from Colorado State will be a big help in the thin quarterback situation. Backup Billy Atkins got in a little work last year, but Centeio is a five-year veteran who can run as well as bomb away.

Yeah, the loss of the 83 catches, 15 touchdowns, and 15 yards per catch from Wells hurt, and the Dukes have to replace three of their top four receivers, but Kris Thornton is back after also catching 83 passes for close to 1,100 yards and 13 scores. Getting the 97 catches from Boston College veteran Kobay White helps.

The offensive line will instantly be a factor in the Sun Belt. Four starters are expected back around all-star tackle Nick Kidwell. Overall it has to be a bit better in pass protection, but it’ll bash away for the running game.

The passing game was the star last year, but the O gets back 947-yard back Latrele Palmer and adds another 220-pounder in AJ Davis from Pitt in what should be a good and deep rotation.

James Madison Dukes Preview 2022: Defense

The defense was every bit as good as the high-powered offense, but it loses a whole lot more talent. Last year’s D allowed just 275 yards and 15 points per game with a fantastic pass rush and production everywhere.

The star power losses might be big, but …

The defensive line will still get into the backfield. Pass rusher Bryce Carter is done, but Isaac Ukwu is an all-star end who’s back after making nine tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss. The interior was young and should have a good rotation around veteran Tony Thurston on the nose. However, there’s not a ton of massive bulk inside.

Losing leading tackler Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey to Texas stings. He made 116 tackles with four picks, and the linebacking corps also loses second-leading tackler Kelvin Azanama. This isn’t a deep group for the 4-2-5, and the young backups from last year have to rise up.

The secondary is in better shape – at least it will be in time. Only two starters are back, but Sam Kidd is a terrific all-around safety tied with Chris Chukwuneke as the leading returning tackler with 60 stops. The transfer portal is bringing in the bodies for the rest of the backfield.

Jarius Reimonenq is a veteran all-around defensive back – he’ll be a safety – from Arkansas State, and Deon Jones is a veteran safety who played at Maryland and Boston College.

Keys To The Season | Season Prediction, What Will Happen
James Madison Top 10 Players | James Madison Schedule

James Madison Dukes: Keys To The Season, Top Game, Top Transfer, Fun Stats NEXT

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James Madison Dukes Top 10 Players: College Football Preview 2022

Who are the top 10 James Madison players going into the 2022 college football season?

James Madison Dukes Preview 2022: Who are the top 10 players going into the season?

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James Madison Dukes Preview
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Crystal ball entered in favor of Texas for transfer LB Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey

Could the Longhorns be emerging as the favorite here?

There may be linebacker help on the way for Texas, a team that certainly needs some help on the defensive side of the ball. Continue reading “Crystal ball entered in favor of Texas for transfer LB Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey”

Top LB transfer Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey will visit Texas this week

Tucker-Dorsey could help turn the Texas defense around in 2022.

Football Championship Subdivision All-American linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey is headed to Austin May 23-25 for an official visit. Continue reading “Top LB transfer Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey will visit Texas this week”

College Football Rankings, Season Predictions: Sun Belt Spring Version 2022

Sun Belt spring football rankings and predictions with best and worst case scenarios for every team

Sun Belt college football rankings and predictions with the realistic best and worst case records and quick analysis – the 2022 spring version.

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The Sun Belt just got a whole lot bigger, cooler, and more interesting with a shocking expansion that should take the conference up another level.

FCS powerhouse James Madison gets to join in right away, and Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss were able to leave Conference USA and get in for the 2022 football season.

Here’s the problem – several Sun Belt programs that made strides last year are going to have tougher schedules to deal with. Several teams should be better, but might not have the results to show it.

The rankings are based on how good the teams should be and not the final projected records. Keeping in mind that this all could/might/will change when we make the final calls in August …

– 2022 College Football Schedules By Teams: All 131 Schools