HARRISONBURG — Through two weeks of action, James Madison has had three opportunities to return punts. All three tries have resulted in touchdowns.
Naturally, JMU leads the country in average yards per punt return with 69.
On Saturday against Central Connecticut State, senior Rashard Davis scored on a 75-yard dash in the third quarter and senior John Miller scored on a 56-yard return in the fourth. It was the second time in JMU program history that the Dukes returned two punts for scores in the same game. The only other time it had happened, occurred on Sept. 17, 1983 against the University of Virginia.
For Davis, it was his second punt return touchdown in as many weeks. He had a 76-yard return against Morehead State in Week 1.
Central Connecticut State coach Pete Rossamondo said one was a great play by JMU and other was just poor execution by his Blue Devils.
“The first one was a horrible kick. It was kicked to the middle of the field and our coverage was to the boundary,” Roassmondo said. “But on the second one we had [Miller] corralled and I don’t know, it was a Houdini Act.”
JMU coach Mike Houston said the special teams plays put the game out of reach.
Third-year JMU assistant John Bowers holds the role of special teams coordinator and cornerbacks coach Tripp Weaver is in charge of the punt return unit.
“I’m really pleased with our play in that phase during the first two games,” Houston said. “Anyone that’s been around our practices know we work every day on special teams. John has done a great job.”
Lesson Learned
Over the course of two games, Houston has had little to be upset about.
In the first six quarters of the year, JMU outscored its opponents 115-14. But in the third quarter Saturday, Central Connecticut State outscored the Dukes 14-7.
Houston said he wasn’t happy how Madison started the second half of action.
“I take a lot of pride in our team playing sharp and very crisp like we did in the first half,” Houston said. “When we don’t, I take a big issue with it.”
Junior quarterback Bryan Schor threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown and the Dukes defense allowed a 10-play, 80-yard drive that resulted in a Central Connecticut touchdown. JMU committed two costly penalties to extend the Blue Devils’ scoring drive.
“It’s a teachable moment,” Houston said.
Bring On UNC
JMU’s first two opponents may not have provided much of a challenge, but the Dukes are sure to be tested this Saturday at FBS North Carolina.
North Carolina fell in its opener to Georgia 33-24 in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta, but bounced back to win this weekend at Illinois, 48- 23.
Houston said JMU won’t change its approach just because his team has a road game against a tougher foe.
“We’ll be in a big stadium next week, but once you get down on the field, it’s no different than ours,” Houston said.
Kickoff in Chapel Hill is set for 3:30 p. m.
