HARRISONBURG – In each of its last three games, dating back to the national championship in January, James Madison’s defense held its opponent to fewer than 100 yards rushing.

This past week, JMU limited East Tennessee State to 57 rushing yards, and in the opener FBS East Carolina gained only 80 rushing yards. Youngstown State had just 21 rushing yards in the Dukes’ title game victory.

“It’s really nothing we’ve changed,” second-year JMU coach Mike Houston said during the Colonial Athletic Association coaches teleconference Monday. “We’re doing the same things that [defensive coordinator Bob] Trott and I have done for the most part over our entire careers.

“So it’s really the kids understanding the scheme, trusting each other and doing a better job of playing within the scheme. And then, I think their confidence in the scheme has allowed them to play harder.”

The longest run any opposing ball carrier registered during the three-game stretch was a 14-yard rush from Penguins running back Jody Webb.

East Tennessee State averaged only 1.8 yards per carry versus the Dukes’ defense this past Saturday.

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- When asked about Trott’s work with the defense, Houston said, “I knew exactly what I wanted when I was trying to hire him here and he has been everything that we had hoped.”

- Houston said Trott is a thorough coach, who always makes sure his players are prepared.

- After having dissected the film of JMU’s win over East Tennessee State, Houston said he thought the Dukes’ offense did a good job taking what the Buccaneers gave them.

- Houston said JMU’s offensive line protected quarterback Bryan Schor well, considering all the movement and pressures ETSU’s front showed during the game.

- Schor threw for five touchdowns and completed passes six different receivers. Sophomore Riley Stapleton, junior David Eldridge and senior Ishmael Hyman each had at least six catches.

- Houston said JMU’s group of first-time starting wide receivers, “are very driven to be what our offense and team needs them to be.”

- Since transferring from Virginia to James Madison, Eldridge has nine catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. Houston said when the staff decided to bring Eldridge in, they liked the receiver’s versatility. Eldridge has lined up at both inside and outside receiver for the Dukes. Houston said the former Kettle Run High School standout has acclimated nicely to the team.