:modemman:
Very good QB in Craig Ochs. Ochs started as a true freshman for Colorado. They benefited from playing their last 2 playoff games at home where they have a huge home field advantage. This game is in Chattanooga. JMU is good and played in a much better league(Atlantic 10) than Montana. Both teams have pretty good defenses and like to run the ball. I think the under might be the best call.
Here is an article I stumbled across:
FRIDAY
No. 8 James Madison (12-2) vs No. 7 Montana (12-2), Chattanooga, TN, 8:00
The first meeting between the Dukes and the Grizzlies will be a memorable one for both programs. James Madison advanced to the national championship game for the first time in school history with a 48-34 victory at William & Mary Friday. The Dukes used a punishing running game and opportunistic defense to knock off the Tribe. Maurice Fenner had 117 yards on the ground, and James Madison converted five William & Mary turnovers into 28 points. In the process, the Dukes became the first team to make the title game by winning all three playoff games on the road. James Madison knocked off Lehigh and Furman by identical 14-13 scores in the first round. Montana also used takeaways to pull away in the semifinals. The Grizzlies knocked off Sam Houston State, 34-13, in part by forcing four turnovers that led to 21 points. Montana’s Tuff Harris intercepted two first-half passes to put the Grizzlies in great field position, and Craig Ochs and the offense came back with a solid second half. Montana won its three playoff games at home, and has yet to be tested in the postseason. The Grizzlies walked over Northwestern State (56-7), New Hampshire (47-17) and Sam Houston State. Montana is in its fifth national championship game in the last 10 years, and the Grizzlies are seeking their third championship.
When James Madison has the ball: James Madison’s offense exploded for 48 points against William & Mary, but the Dukes can’t count on that type of production again. What James Madison will need to rely on is another effective effort by the running game. If JMU’s three running backs (Raymond Hines, Maurice Fenner, and Alvin Banks) are all healthy (a big if),the Dukes can throw fresh runners at the Grizzlies front. JMU’s big offensive line, led by Corey Davis and Matt Magerko, needs to win the battle with a deep Montana front for the Dukes to have a chance to gain on the ground. Montana’s Mike Murphy, Blake Horgan and Dustin Dlouhy lead a defensive line that has progressed every week and did an amazing job against a good Sam Houston State offense. Montana has not faced many teams built on the run like James Madison, so the Grizzlies will need to adapt a bit to the JMU offensive philosophy. As always, a five to 10-minute edge in time of possession will be key for the ground-control JMU offense. To keep the Grizzlies defense honest, expect James Madison to try at least one or two passes down the field by Justin Rascati, most likely to speed burner D.D. Boxley. That may have worked earlier in the season against the Grizzlies’ secondary, but Montana has shut down top passing games the last two weeks and will make life tough on Rascati and the Dukes if JMU falls behind early.
When Montana has the ball: The Grizzlies have won six consecutive games and scored at least 34 points in each and every one of those victories. Balance is a key, but Craig Ochs has been the best player in I-AA football since the beginning of November. Ochs is 65-of-91 with nine touchdowns and one interception in the postseason, and that’s without playing much and certainly without throwing much in the fourth quarter. Ochs has completed 74 percent of his passes for 16 touchdown passes and two interceptions in the six-game winning streak. To say the least, JMU has to do something to stop those numbers. The Grizzlies’ offensive line isn’t letting anyone near their prized quarterback. The Dukes average four sacks per game and need to get some heat on Ochs. The JMU front has to make Ochs run for his life and take him out of that comfort zone. JMU will throw some different looks, but might need to blitz and take chances to disrupt the Grizzlies’ offense. Of course, those chances leave for the possibility of big plays by the Grizzlies offense. With Ochs’ escapability and the ability of four capable receivers, blitzing is an even riskier proposition than usual. Ochs will look to hit a deep ball if James Madison tries to bring pressure. JMU stuffed opponents’ running games all season, but with Montana’s passing game working the Dukes will have a challenge to focus on Lex Hilliard, Justin Green and the running game. If Montana can run for even four yards per carry and set up positive down and distance situations, the Dukes could be in trouble. The Grizzlies want to stay out of third and long where James Madison can bring pressure.
Intangibles: The Grizzlies are playing great. There’s no doubt Montana has been the best team in I-AA for the past month and a half. But all that damage was done at home. Chattanooga isn’t exactly a hop, skip and a jump from Missoula, and Montana finished just 2-2 on the road. The Grizzlies need to show the success was helped by the home field but not because of it. Ochs is a big-time player who played in big games four years ago at Colorado. He’s been on the national stage before and knows how to react. Not many Grizzlies remain from the 2001 playoff team, but the winning tradition at Montana leads to great confidence in the spotlight. Reacting to the national championship environment is new for James Madison. The Dukes have never been this far before and can’t allow any of the extra work that comes along with a championship game to affect their planning. James Madison hasn’t been this far, but the Dukes do have experience with playing tough games, and winning, away from home. Montana freshman kicker Dan Carpenter and James Madison counterpart David Rabil (sophomore) could face the biggest moment of their young careers if the game is on the line late.
The Verdict: James Madison has found a way all playoffs. The Dukes didn’t play great against Lehigh, but scored on a fourth and goal and hung on in the second half for a 14-13 win. Same story, different game against Furman when James Madison scored on a fourth-down play in the last minute to secure a 14-13 triumph. Against William & Mary, the Dukes put together a startling offensive effort in a 48-34 win. James Madison knows how to win, and will be very confident in the final minute or two if the game is close. But it won’t be close enough to come down to a final drive. I don’t think it will be a blowout, but Montana will not have to sweat out the final seconds either. Everything is working for Montana right now. The Grizzlies improved slowly throughout September and October and have peaked at the right time at the end of the season. It will be a little tougher away from home, but the strong play will not end just because Montana is on the road. James Madison hangs tough with a good running game and defense, but Montana has too many weapons playing too well right now not to win the game. Grizzlies by 10 for the national championship.
Prediction: Montana 24, James Madison 14
FRIDAY
No. 8 James Madison (12-2) vs No. 7 Montana (12-2), Chattanooga, TN, 8:00
The first meeting between the Dukes and the Grizzlies will be a memorable one for both programs. James Madison advanced to the national championship game for the first time in school history with a 48-34 victory at William & Mary Friday. The Dukes used a punishing running game and opportunistic defense to knock off the Tribe. Maurice Fenner had 117 yards on the ground, and James Madison converted five William & Mary turnovers into 28 points. In the process, the Dukes became the first team to make the title game by winning all three playoff games on the road. James Madison knocked off Lehigh and Furman by identical 14-13 scores in the first round. Montana also used takeaways to pull away in the semifinals. The Grizzlies knocked off Sam Houston State, 34-13, in part by forcing four turnovers that led to 21 points. Montana’s Tuff Harris intercepted two first-half passes to put the Grizzlies in great field position, and Craig Ochs and the offense came back with a solid second half. Montana won its three playoff games at home, and has yet to be tested in the postseason. The Grizzlies walked over Northwestern State (56-7), New Hampshire (47-17) and Sam Houston State. Montana is in its fifth national championship game in the last 10 years, and the Grizzlies are seeking their third championship.
When James Madison has the ball: James Madison’s offense exploded for 48 points against William & Mary, but the Dukes can’t count on that type of production again. What James Madison will need to rely on is another effective effort by the running game. If JMU’s three running backs (Raymond Hines, Maurice Fenner, and Alvin Banks) are all healthy (a big if),the Dukes can throw fresh runners at the Grizzlies front. JMU’s big offensive line, led by Corey Davis and Matt Magerko, needs to win the battle with a deep Montana front for the Dukes to have a chance to gain on the ground. Montana’s Mike Murphy, Blake Horgan and Dustin Dlouhy lead a defensive line that has progressed every week and did an amazing job against a good Sam Houston State offense. Montana has not faced many teams built on the run like James Madison, so the Grizzlies will need to adapt a bit to the JMU offensive philosophy. As always, a five to 10-minute edge in time of possession will be key for the ground-control JMU offense. To keep the Grizzlies defense honest, expect James Madison to try at least one or two passes down the field by Justin Rascati, most likely to speed burner D.D. Boxley. That may have worked earlier in the season against the Grizzlies’ secondary, but Montana has shut down top passing games the last two weeks and will make life tough on Rascati and the Dukes if JMU falls behind early.
When Montana has the ball: The Grizzlies have won six consecutive games and scored at least 34 points in each and every one of those victories. Balance is a key, but Craig Ochs has been the best player in I-AA football since the beginning of November. Ochs is 65-of-91 with nine touchdowns and one interception in the postseason, and that’s without playing much and certainly without throwing much in the fourth quarter. Ochs has completed 74 percent of his passes for 16 touchdown passes and two interceptions in the six-game winning streak. To say the least, JMU has to do something to stop those numbers. The Grizzlies’ offensive line isn’t letting anyone near their prized quarterback. The Dukes average four sacks per game and need to get some heat on Ochs. The JMU front has to make Ochs run for his life and take him out of that comfort zone. JMU will throw some different looks, but might need to blitz and take chances to disrupt the Grizzlies’ offense. Of course, those chances leave for the possibility of big plays by the Grizzlies offense. With Ochs’ escapability and the ability of four capable receivers, blitzing is an even riskier proposition than usual. Ochs will look to hit a deep ball if James Madison tries to bring pressure. JMU stuffed opponents’ running games all season, but with Montana’s passing game working the Dukes will have a challenge to focus on Lex Hilliard, Justin Green and the running game. If Montana can run for even four yards per carry and set up positive down and distance situations, the Dukes could be in trouble. The Grizzlies want to stay out of third and long where James Madison can bring pressure.
Intangibles: The Grizzlies are playing great. There’s no doubt Montana has been the best team in I-AA for the past month and a half. But all that damage was done at home. Chattanooga isn’t exactly a hop, skip and a jump from Missoula, and Montana finished just 2-2 on the road. The Grizzlies need to show the success was helped by the home field but not because of it. Ochs is a big-time player who played in big games four years ago at Colorado. He’s been on the national stage before and knows how to react. Not many Grizzlies remain from the 2001 playoff team, but the winning tradition at Montana leads to great confidence in the spotlight. Reacting to the national championship environment is new for James Madison. The Dukes have never been this far before and can’t allow any of the extra work that comes along with a championship game to affect their planning. James Madison hasn’t been this far, but the Dukes do have experience with playing tough games, and winning, away from home. Montana freshman kicker Dan Carpenter and James Madison counterpart David Rabil (sophomore) could face the biggest moment of their young careers if the game is on the line late.
The Verdict: James Madison has found a way all playoffs. The Dukes didn’t play great against Lehigh, but scored on a fourth and goal and hung on in the second half for a 14-13 win. Same story, different game against Furman when James Madison scored on a fourth-down play in the last minute to secure a 14-13 triumph. Against William & Mary, the Dukes put together a startling offensive effort in a 48-34 win. James Madison knows how to win, and will be very confident in the final minute or two if the game is close. But it won’t be close enough to come down to a final drive. I don’t think it will be a blowout, but Montana will not have to sweat out the final seconds either. Everything is working for Montana right now. The Grizzlies improved slowly throughout September and October and have peaked at the right time at the end of the season. It will be a little tougher away from home, but the strong play will not end just because Montana is on the road. James Madison hangs tough with a good running game and defense, but Montana has too many weapons playing too well right now not to win the game. Grizzlies by 10 for the national championship.
Prediction: Montana 24, James Madison 14
Montana vs Jas Madison
The write-up above is by Matt Dougherty at the Sports Network. He covers only Div 1-AA and is very knowledgeable.
As for Jas Madison, they do have a good defense, but they got to the finals by knocking off Furman and Lehigh by identical scores of 14-13 and they scored the winning td in the waning moments of both games, so they are weak on offense. Montana has the DL to stop Jas Madison's run, which is Jas Madison's strong suit on offense.
Last week JMU beat Wm&Mary 48-34 with 28 of their points coming off 5 W&M turnovers.
Defense may win champioships, but Montana has a far better offfense and better balanced offense and their defense has improved steadily over the season. They have only given up 37 points in their last three games. So that's less than 13 ppg and fewer points than JMU has allowed in their last three games. It appears that Montana's defense aint too shabby.
Game will be played at a neutral site.
The write-up above is by Matt Dougherty at the Sports Network. He covers only Div 1-AA and is very knowledgeable.
As for Jas Madison, they do have a good defense, but they got to the finals by knocking off Furman and Lehigh by identical scores of 14-13 and they scored the winning td in the waning moments of both games, so they are weak on offense. Montana has the DL to stop Jas Madison's run, which is Jas Madison's strong suit on offense.
Last week JMU beat Wm&Mary 48-34 with 28 of their points coming off 5 W&M turnovers.
Defense may win champioships, but Montana has a far better offfense and better balanced offense and their defense has improved steadily over the season. They have only given up 37 points in their last three games. So that's less than 13 ppg and fewer points than JMU has allowed in their last three games. It appears that Montana's defense aint too shabby.
Game will be played at a neutral site.
JMU forced 5 turnovers from a team that had commited only 11 all year. JMU is a very oportunistic team, but that is what a good defense does for you.
I would also add that I believe that JMU played a much tougher schedule than Montana.
Either way, it should be a good game.
I am just happy that JMU beat William & Mary last week, otherwise, I would have to be at the game tonight. My wife is a William & Mary alum.
I would also add that I believe that JMU played a much tougher schedule than Montana.
Either way, it should be a good game.
I am just happy that JMU beat William & Mary last week, otherwise, I would have to be at the game tonight. My wife is a William & Mary alum.
Teams were ranked 7th and 8th respectively in the regular season for 1-aa. JMU had two losses, one of them at WVU Much is being made about JMUs "starting" RB being out, but he was third string at the beginning of the year. The best backs are now fully healthy and ready to bang. See what Fenner did at WM to get a glimpse. Montana has been able to sit at home for three straight games and win impressively. JMU on the other hand has had to go on the road and won all three games, one against second ranked Furman and then attoned for an earlier loss to co champs WM by beating them on the road in front of a packed house. Craig Ochs played d1 football but wait a second,....so did Justin Rascati for JMU. He was just stuck behind Louisvilles two QBs.....LeFors and the new freshman. Not too shabby, and the guy broke all of Doug Johnson's passing records at his high school in Florida. The guy is big time.
