We are the Dukes of JMU (2008 football season)

James Madison is currently 7-1 and number one in the college football subdivision, also known as the cul de sac. The Dukes won the national title in 2004, so success on the field is not exactly a new thing; but the way the Dukes have been winning makes one expect that the Mickey Matthews half time speeches have sounded like parables. Rumors abound that the team's Gatorade tastes like wine, and the Duke Dog has been spotted walking across Newman Lake; and if all this sounds sacrilegious, then, at least, buy into the fact that Harrisonburg is overwhelmed by white rabbits. They hop on the sidewalks, mate on Hillside, and scurry over and under I-81. These wins have been pulled out of a hat.

#5 JMU vs. #1 Appalachian St.:
The Comeback--JMU was down 21-0


#1 JMU vs. Richmond:
The Punt Return


ESPN's #4 Play of the Day


#1 JMU vs. Villanova:
The Hail Mary


I can't put these wins into words. I don't understand how one team can be so lucky in one year. I'm thankful for it, but I don't understand it. Hopefully, this music video by The Black Keys puts the strangeness of these events into perspective--"They're using real lasers!":


I'm looking forward to Homecoming this weekend versus Delaware, a rivalry that brings out the best in college mascots.
(All apologies...the mascot incident occurred versus Coastal Carolina, but that's part of JMU football; nothing after the tailgate really matters. Thanks, Langston, for the correction. I'm actually quite embarrassed and ashamed for the mistake)