In recent weeks, James Madison University has left the scoreboard on at Bridgeforth Stadium. It looms over football practice as a constant, glowing advertisement for the Dukes' crucial Colonial Athletic Association game against Old Dominion here tonight.

The nearly sold-out matchup - which will be broadcast nationally on cable by the NBC Sports Network - has been promoted as the "Clash of the Crowns" in a play on the two teams' regal mascots: the JMU Dukes and ODU Monarchs. T-shirts marketing "Big Time Football" have been made, but the game - at least for Madison - doesn't need a marketing push.

If the No. 13 Dukes, once seen as a strong contender for the Division I-AA national championship but now facing quarterback issues, don't win, they probably miss the playoffs for the third time in four years.



...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial