FRISCO, Texas — Over the last few weeks, James Madison junior left tackle Aaron Stinnie has done everything to he can to prepare for Youngstown State defensive ends Derek Rivers and Avery Moss.

The duo has combined for 24 sacks and 32 tackles for loss this season.

“We’ve been watching them for about two weeks now, so the film study has been insane,” Stinnie said. “It kind of feels like you know these guys like they grew up next to you. We’ve watched so much film on them.”

Rivers, a senior, was an All-American selection by STATS and the Associated Press.

He has 14 sacks this season and 40 in his Youngstown State career.

“They’re both really good players and they have a lot of different talents each,” Stinnie said. “One [Moss] is more of a power rusher and the other [Rivers] is more of a finesse rusher — he’s going to put moves on you.

“Getting prepared for them is preparing for two different styles. That’s a little bit challenging, but with all the extra time we’ve had, I think we’ve gotten a great look from our scout team to be able to figure it out and learn that. I think we’re prepared for it.”

JMU will start Tyree Chavious at right tackle again. he’s filled in for All-American Mitchell Kirsch, who’s missed most of the playoffs with an injury.

Moss transferred from Nebraska to Youngstown State, following coach Bo Pelini.

Pelini said the addition of Moss helped Rivers.

“A lot,” Pelini said. “We play a little different than Derek did before we got here. I think he’s developed and has learned a lot from Avery with him having been in that system before and being around me.”

YSU CB Sees Edge Over JMU Receivers

Throughout the season, Youngstown State has seen talented opposing wide receivers.

In Week 2 at West Virginia, the Penguins matched up with the Big 12’s leader in yards per reception, Shelton Gibson.

In the FCS semifinal at Eastern Washington, Pelini’s squad had to square off with Cooper Kupp, who holds a number of FCS receiving records.

The Penguins gave up 171 yards and two touchdowns to Gibson and 10 catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns to Kupp.

Youngstown State senior cornerback Kenny Bishop said those two games gave the Penguins the experience they need to play well against JMU’s set of wide receivers.

“West Virginia and Eastern Washington made us get our technique down pat,” Bishop said. “They made us better.”

JMU senior wide receiver Brandon Ravenel leads the team with 45 catches for 720 receiving yards this year.

“They’re speedy, good route runners with good hands,” Bishop said of JMU’s receivers. “But, we have to get hands our on them. I don’t think they like the physicality.”

Ankrah, Pelini Tied By Past

Madison junior defensive end Andrew Ankrah knows all about Pelini.

Ankrah’s older brother, Jason Ankrah, played for veteran coach at Nebraska.

“I went to a couple of practices,” the younger Ankrah said. “[Pelini] saw me and said hi. I think I went to his office and we talked a bit.”

Ankrah has 42 tackles, five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks this season.

“I knew him when he was a young kid,” Pelini said. “Great family and good people.”

Ankrah said his brother, who lives in Nebraska, is making an eight-hour drive to Frisco to see the game in person.

“He said he wouldn’t miss this,” Ankrah said. “I hope he’s rooting for me.”