James Madison 2016 FCS Football Playoff Capsule

 
James Madison Dukes
CAA
 
James Madison has had another solid season. However, the Dukes have lost their opening game in the last two playoffs and this group has the potential to put an end to that little streak. Coach Mike Houston has stepped in and done a very good job and even exceeded expectations during the regular season.
 
2016 Record: 10-1, 8-0
Coach: Mike Houston
 
Big Wins: 11/5 at Richmond (47-43), 11/12 at Villanova (20-7)
Bad Losses: 9/17 at North Carolina (28-56)
 
Strengths:
The Dukes win games by keeping the ball on the ground and avoiding turnovers. Running back Khalid Abdullah is the main ground force. He rushed for 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns during his senior season. But when Abdullah needs a break, Cardon Johnson is more than capable of carrying the load. Quarterback Bryan Schor can do some damage with his legs too. Schor is also a very efficient passer and completed 73.2 percent of his pass attempts for 2,026 yards and 18 touchdowns, with just three interceptions. There are not many teams who can move the chains more effectively and efficiently than James Madison. Because of the strong ground game it is rare that this team gets in tough third down situations. They keep the ball, manage the clock and wear down the opposing defense.
 
Weaknesses:
The JMU defense has had some issues this year though. The team gives up a ton of yards through the air. That is in part due to the fact that the Dukes often take a lead and the only way for the opposition to catch up is by throwing the ball. But most times the opposition does have quite a bit of success. Players like Raven Greene, Rashad Robinson and Jimmy Moreland will make some big plays in the secondary, but they will get beat every once in a while too. A more consistent pass rush would help the secondary, but Simeyon Robinson can only do so much.
 
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Khalid Abdullah, RB, 1,300 yards
Passing: Bryan Schor, QB, 2,026 yards
Receiving: Brandon Ravenel, WR, 514 yards
Tackles: Brandon Hereford, LB, 83
Sacks: Simeyon Robinson, DL, 4.0
Interceptions: Raven Greene, S, 5
 
2016 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 290.6 (5th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 213.7 (58, 3)
Total Offense: 504.3 (3, 1)
Scoring Offense: 46.2 (2, 1)
Rushing Defense: 135.5 (37, 3)
Pass Defense: 229.4 (76, 12)
Total Defense: 364.9 (44, 7)
Scoring Defense: 24.4 (37, 7)
Turnover Margin: 1.40 (4, 1)
Sacks: 1.50 (91, 8)
Sacks Allowed: 0.90 (9, 1)
 
Recent Playoff Appearances:
 
2015    Second Round  Lost to Colgate
2014    First Round      Lost to Liberty
2011    First Round      Defeated Eastern Kentucky
2011    Second Round  Lost to North Dakota State
2008    First Round      Defeated Wofford
2008    Quarterfinals     Defeated Villanova
2008    Semifinals         Lost to Montana
2007    First Round      Lost to Appalachian State
2006    First Round      Lost to Youngstown State
2004    First Round      Defeated Lehigh
2004    Quarterfinals     Defeated Furman
2004    Semifinals         Defeated William & Mary
2004    Championship   Defeated Montana
1999    First Round      Lost to Troy
1995    First Round      Lost to Appalachian State
1994    First Round      Defeated Troy
1994    Quarterfinals     Lost to Marshall
1991    First Round      Defeated Delaware
1991    Quarterfinals     Lost to Samford
1987    First Round      Lost to Marshall
 
*all team stats through 11/12