In advance of Saturday’s game between James Madison and William & Mary, Dukes coach Mike Houston held his weekly press conference Tuesday at O’Neill’s Grill in Harrisonburg. Players also spoke with members of the media following the team’s practice.

*****

- James Madison’s offense ranks No. 4 nationally in total offense, No. 2 in rushing offense and No. 2 in scoring offense under offensive coordinator Donnie Kirkpatrick. JMU running back Khalid Abdullah leads the country in rushing yards (603) and rushing touchdowns (8). Houston said before the season “he hoped,” the offense would come together as fast as it has.

- Houston said he was initially attracted to bring Kirkpatrick to Harrisonburg because the two had known each other previously. Houston said he knew Kirkpatrick had success as a head coach at UT-Chattanooga and as an assistant at East Carolina. As Houston and Kirkpatrick talked, Houston felt Kirkpatrick understood the philosophies that Houston valued as he was trying to transition from the triple option at The Citadel to a version of the spread at JMU. Houston said the offensive staff has done a great job of meshing his philosophies, Kirkpatrick’s scheme which features elements of the air raid as well as some parts of Virginia Tech’s offense that tight ends coach Bryan Stinespring brought to JMU.

- Defensive end Andrew Ankrah had seven tackles in JMU’s win over Delaware. Houston said he thought Ankrah played his best game of the year against the Blue Hens. The biggest difference was that Ankrah played within the 4-2-5 system, according to the Dukes first-year coach.

- Houston said the same plays Ankrah didn’t make in Week 3 against North Carolina, he made in Week 5 against Delaware.

- Against FCS competition, William & Mary’s defense has yet to yield more than 30 points in a game. Houston said the Tribe plays similarly to how Maine plays on defense. JMU beat Maine 31-20 on Sept. 24.

- Houston said what’s most impressive about William & Mary’s defense is that it’s responded in tough situations. The Tribe has given up only 13 touchdowns in 20 total red zone opportunities.

- Duke transfer Terrence Alls made his first JMU touchdown catch during the 43-20 win over Delaware. Alls is one of a few transfers making an impact. Backup quarterback Connor Mitch ultimately lost out on the starting job to Bryan Schor, but gives JMU a great No. 2 option after transferring in from South Carolina. Additionally, Ohio transfer Robbie Walker has emerged as the team’s starting kick returner. Walker has 84 yards on four returns. Houston laid out his philosophy in regards to brining in transfers. He said him and his staff have to evaluate why players are transferring in the first place, whether it’s due to playing time, a disciplinary reason or another issue. He said he has to make sure the transfers will fit with the rest of the roster too.

- On Tuesday, Abdullah was added to the STATS FCS National Player of the Year Watch List. Abdullah said it’s an honor to be named to the list, but at the end of the day he just wants to keep doing everything the coaches are asking him to do. Abdullah also said if he was added to the list that the JMU offensive line needed to be added too. He credited the five linemen for creating space for him to run through.

- When JMU’s offense went up-tempo against Delaware, Abdullah said he could tell Delaware was getting tired. Abdullah said when the defense is worn down and JMU keeps using fresh running backs whether it’s him, Cardon Johnson or Trai Sharp, the Dukes have an advantage.

- Johnson said entering the season, JMU’s offensive players thought the unit was going to be strong. Johnson said everyone knew how much talent and experience returned on offense. He added, once the players bought into Kirkpatrick’s system, he thought JMU could be pretty good.

- Before the season, if there was concern to whether or not Schor could replace former JMU starter Vad Lee outside of the program, “inside the locker room,” there was not, Johnson said. Johnson said Schor showed signs last fall he could be the starter, when he played in four games after Lee got hurt.

- Ankrah agreed with Houston’s assessment. He said his game against Delaware was his best of the season. He said, “I just did my job.”

- Against Maine and Delaware, JMU used more blitzes and stunts than it used in the first three weeks of the season, Ankrah said. The preseason All-American said the JMU defensive coaches “had great calls” against the Black Bears and Blue Hens.