Monday morning the Colonial Athletic Association held its weekly teleconference. James Madison coach Mike Houston and wide receiver Brandon Ravenel took questions from reporters on this week’s FCS Quarterfinal playoff game between the Dukes and Sam Houston State. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., on Friday at Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg.

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- Houston began the call discussing JMU’s second-round win over New Hampshire. Houston said it was the best performance of the year by team because, “all three phases played at a very high level.” He said it was the most complete game the Dukes have put together.

- JMU actually started the game trailing New Hampshire 7-0. Quarterback Bryan Schor was intercepted by Wildcats defensive end Cam Shorey and a few plays later UNH running back Dalton Crossan scored on a one-yard run. It was one of the few times the Dukes have trailed this year. Houston said he was proud of the maturity that his team showed by not panicking. JMU responded with 31 unanswered points.

- In the third quarter, Ravenel scored on an 86-yard kickoff return. Throughout the season Ravenel was the backup returner to Robbie Walker. Houston said the decision to play Ravenel on kickoff return against New Hampshire was because, “he has a little more of that ability to do what he did on Saturday, which is break the big one.”

- The Dukes now turn their attention to Sam Houston State. With one less day to ready for the Bearkats, Houston said JMU would move all of its preparation up a day. Whatever JMU normally does Tuesday at practice, would be done on Monday this week.

- The first-year coach said his biggest concern is the quick window of recovery his players have. He said he cut down on some of practice for Sunday and Monday, and has implemented mandatory treatment in the training room to keep his players’ legs fresh. JMU players also have a mandatory curfew this week in order to get extra sleep.

- Sam Houston State has a prolific offense. The Bearkats average more yards and more points per game than JMU does. Houston said SHSU quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe, “has an absolute cannon.” Briscoe has thrown for 4,459 yards and 57 touchdowns this season.

- Houston added Briscoe gets great protection from his offensive line and uses multiple weapons at the skill positions to distribute the ball.

- JMU won a shootout earlier this year at Richmond, 47-43. Ravenel said JMU could lean on the experience of winning a shootout, if it has to do so against Sam Houston State this week.

- Ravenel said the key to JMU’s offensive success this season is that the unit has a lot of confidence, but also understands its not an invincible group. Ravenel said the offense has built up great chemistry over time too.